Forested river bottom of Galien and South branch of Galien River in mostly agricultural and suburban settings near Lake Michigan as it widens.

Ornithological Summary

Attracts thousands of birds as they migrate north.
Home of several high priority, management concern vulnerable bird species.
Migration stopover site for thousands of neotropical migratory landbirds. Neotropical migrant landbird/spring migration 50,000 estimated (1995-1999). Data quality = medium.
Wooded riparian habitat serving as a population center for numerous neotropical migrant landbirds at northern edge of their range.

Conservation Issues

Non-indigenous flora/fauna, housing development, deforestation/tree cutting (listed as intensified forest management), predation, parasitism.

Ownership

Private and MI DNR

Habitat

Dominated by riparian, deciduous floodplain forest, including a notable concentration of sycamore.

Land Use

Hunting/fishing, agriculture, forestry, recreation/tourism, nature conservation and research.