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Video: Friendly Birds of Kensignton Metropark

(Crystal A. Proxmire, Jan. 16, 2022)

Mlford, MI – Kensignton Metropark, located in the SW corner of Oakland County, is an oasis of nature. It attracts photographers and hikers because of it’s abundance of birds, and the ease in which little birdies will eat from people’s hands.

In 2020, Oakland County Times ran a story with photos from Penny Socha, who explained how it works.

“They fly away so fast and don’t linger long enough,” said the South Lyon woman who frequents Kensington Metropark to feed a variety of feathery friends.  Though the bluebirds are still a little skittish, red-winged blackbirds, finches, woodpeckers and others have enjoyed their close-ups, and their snacks.

“I really don’t do much except for hold some seed in my hand and be patient,” Socha said. “The best time to feed the birds is in the morning, or when it’s rainy or cold.”

“Some are very sweet, and friendly, and others are shy and timid, but they slowly warm up to you. We have found with some birds, they like when you sit down on the path, and then they will hop over to eat out of our hands. I assume it’s because they don’t feel threatened, and we are more down on their level,” she said.

Since learning from Penny, it’s been a treat visiting the park and feeding the little creatures as well.  In November we wrote an Explore! column about a sunrise walk there.  And the video below gives readers an up close look – and hear – of what feeding the birds is like.  Enjoy!

Kensington Metropark is located at 4570 Huron River Parkway in Milford Charter Township. Learn more at https://metroparks.com/kensington-metropark/.

Learn more:
Huron-Clinton Metroparks
Places to Explore in Oakland County
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