Club Mosses and Spike Mosses of Berrien County Michigan

The club mosses and spike mosses belong to the Class Lycopodiopsida (formerly Lycopsida), and are usually lumped with the other non-flowering vascular plants in a group known as the fern allies. They are represented in Berrien County by 5 species in 2 orders, 2 families, and 3 genera. The following list is based on the Online Atlas of Michigan Plants:

ORDER LYCOPODIALES

Family Lycopodicaceae (club-moss family):

Huperzia lucidula, shining clubmoss

Lycopodiella inundata, inundated clubmoss

Lycopodiella margueritiae, Marguerite’s clubmoss

Lycopodiella subappressa, northern bog clubmoss

ORDER SELAGINELALES

Family Selaginellaceae (spike-moss family):

Selaginella eclipse, hidden spikemoss

Vertebrates of Berrien County, Michigan

Vetebrates (animals with backbones or spinal columns) belong to the Subphylum Vertebrata within the Phylum Chordata). Collectively, the 522 species of vertebrates known from Berrien County represent 6 classes, 47 orders, 105 families, and 301 genera. Links to species lists for each of the 6 classes of vertebrates represented in Berrien County:

Lampreys (Class Cephalaspidomorphi: 5 species)

Fishes (Class Actinopterygii: 101 species)

Amphibians (Class Amphibia: 18 species)

Reptiles (Class Reptilia: 15 species)

Birds (Class Aves: 333 species)

Mammals (Class Mammalia: 50 species)

Birds of Berrien County, Michigan

Of the approximately 435 species of birds (Class Aves) known from the State of Michigan, a nominal 333 species (representing 17 orders, 52 families, and 182 genera) have been recorded in Berrien County; 237 are of regular occurrence (as year-round or summer residents, with breeding confirmed for 119 species and suspected for an additional 30; winter residents; or migrants), 35 are casual, 59 are accidental, 1 is extirpated, 1 is extinct, and 8 are introduced (i.e., their presence is the result of direct or indirect human intervention).

In the list below, species followed by an asterisk (*) are known with certainty to have nested in the county at least once, while species followed by a plus sign (+) are suspected of having nested in the county. Species of regular occurrence have either been recorded in 9 of the last 10 years or have been recorded 30 or more times in the last 10 years. Casual species are not regular, but have been recorded 4 or more times in the last 10 years, while Accidental species are represented by 3 or fewer records in the last 10 years. The list is based primarily on “The birds of Berrien Co., MI,” by Jon Wuepper (Michigan Birds and Natural History 8:165-183, 2001), supplemented by the Berrien County Parks Commission’s “Daily field checklist” (January 2006). Taxonomy and nomenclature follow the ABA Checklist Update (Version 6.8, November 2007).

ORDER ANSERIFORMES

Family Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Swans):

Anser albifrons, Greater White-fronted Goose [Casual]

Chen caerulescens, Snow Goose

Chen rossii, Ross’s Goose [Accidental]

Branta bernicla, Brant [Accidental]

Branta hutchinsii, Cackling Goose [Casual]

Branta canadensis, Canada Goose*

Cygnus olor, Mute Swan* [Introduced]

Cygnus buccinator, Trumpeter Swan [Accidental]

Cygnus columbiana, Tundra Swan

Aix sponsa, Wood Duck*

Anas strepera, Gadwall

Anas penelope, Eurasian Wigeon [Accidental]

Anas americana, American Wigeon

Anas rubripes, American Black Duck*

Anas platyrhynchos, Mallard*

Anas discors, Blue-winged Teal*

Anas clypeata, Northern Shoveler

Anas acuta, Northern Pintail

Anas crecca, Green-winged Teal

Aythya valisineria, Canvasback

Aythya americana, Redhead

Aythya collaris, Ring-necked Duck

Aythya marila, Greater Scaup

Aythya affinis, Lesser Scaup

Somateria spectabilis, King Eider [Accidental]

Histrionicus histrionicus, Harlequin Duck

Melanitta perspicillata, Surf Scoter

Melanitta fusca, White-winged Scoter

Melanitta nigra, Black Scoter

Clangula hyemalis, Long-tailed Duck [Casual]

Bucephala albeola, Bufflehead

Bucephala clangula, Common Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica, Barrow’s Goldeneye [Accidental]

Lophodytes cucullatus, Hooded Merganser+

Mergus merganser, Common Merganser

Mergus serrator, Red-breasted Merganser

Oxyura jamaicensis, Ruddy Duck

ORDER GALLIFORMES

Family Phasianidae (Grouse, Turkeys):

Phasianus colchicus, Ring-necked Pheasant* [Introduced]

Bonasa umbellas, Ruffed Grouse*

Tympanuchus cupido, Greater Prairie-Chicken [Extirpated}

Meleagris gallopavo, Wild Turkey*

Family Odontophoridae (New World Quail):

Colinus virginianus, Northern Bobwhite* [Introduced?]

ORDER GAVIIFORMES

Family Gaviidae (Loons):

Gavia stellata, Red-throated Loon

Gavia pacifica, Pacific Loon [Accidental]

Gavia immer, Common Loon+

ORDER PODICIPEDIFORMES

Family Podicipedidae (Grebes):

Podilymbus podiceps, Pied-billed Grebe*

Podiceps auritus, Horned Grebe

Podiceps grisegena, Red-necked Grebe [Casual]

Podiceps nigricollis, Eared Grebe [Casual]

Aechmophorus occidentalis, Western Grebe [Casual]

ORDER PELECANIFORMES

Family Pelecanidae (Pelicans):

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos, American White Pelican [Casual]

Pelecanus occidentalis, Brown Pelican [Accidental]

Family Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants):

Phalacrocorax auritus, Double-crested Cormorant

Family Fregatidae (Frigatebirds):

Fregatta spp., frigatebird [Accidental]

ORDER CICONIIFORMES

Family Ardeidae (Bitterns, Herons, and allies):

Botaurus lentiginosus, American Bittern*

Ixobrychus exilis, Least Bittern+ [Casual]

Ardea herodias, Great Blue Heron*

Egretta thula, Snowy Egret [Casual]

Egretta caerulea, Little Blue Heron [Accidental]

Bubulcus ibis, Cattle Egret [Casual]

Butorides virescens, Green Heron*

Nycticorax nycticorax, Black-crowned Night-Heron

Nyctanassa violacea, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron [Accidental]

Family Threskiornithidae (Ibises):

Plegadis falcinellus, Glossy Ibis [Accidental]

Plegadis chihi, White-faced Ibis [Accidental]

Family Cathartidae (New World Vultures):

Coragyps atratus, Black Vulture [Accidental]

Cathartes aura, Turkey Vulture*

ORDER FALCONIIFORMES

Family Accipitridae (Hawks, Kites, Eagles, and allies):

Pandion haliaetus, Osprey+

Elanoides forficatus, Swallow-tailed Kite [Accidental]

Ictinia mississippiensis, Mississippi Kite [Accidental]

Haliaeetus leucocephalus, Bald Eagle*

Circus cyaneus, Northern Harrier+

Accipiter striatus, Sharp-shinned Hawk*

Accipiter cooperii, Cooper’s Hawk*

Accipiter gentiles, Northern Goshawk [Casual]

Buteo lineatus, Red-shouldered Hawk*

Buteo platypterus, Broad-winged Hawk*

Buteo swainsoni, Swainson’s Hawk [Accidental]

Buteo jamaicensis, Red-tailed Hawk*

Buteo lagopus, Rough-legged Hawk

Aquila chrysaetos, Golden Eagle [Casual]

Family Falconidae (Falcons):

Falco sparverius, American Kestrel*

Falco columbarius, Merlin

Falco rusticolus, Gyrfalcon [Accidental]

Falco peregrinus, Peregrine Falcon+

ORDER GRUIFORMES

Family Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots):

Coturnicops noveboracensis, Yellow Rail [Accidental]

Rallus elegans, King Rail [Accidental]

Rallus limicola, Virginia Rail+

Porzana carolina, Sora*

Gallinula chloropus, Common Moorhen* [Casual]

Fulica americana, American Coot*

Family Gruidae (Cranes):

Grus canadensis, Sandhill Crane*

ORDER CHARADRIIFORMES

Family Charadriidae (Plovers):

Pluvialis squatarola, Black-bellied Plover

Pluvialis dominica, American Golden-Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus, Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius melodus, Piping Plover* [Casual]

Charadrius vociferus, Killdeer*

Family Recurvirostidae (Stilts and Avocets):

Recurvirostra americana, American Avocet

Family Scolopacidae (Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and allies):

Tringa melanoleuca, Greater Yellowlegs

Trings flavipes, Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa solitaria, Solitary Sandpiper

Catoptrophorus semipalmatus, Willet

Actitis macularia, Spotted Sandpiper*

Bartramia longicauda, Upland Sandpiper+ [Casual]

Numenius phaeopus, Whimbrel [Casual]

Limosa haemastica, Hudsonian Godwit [Accidental]

Limosa fedoa, Marbled Godwit [Casual]

Arenaria interpres, Ruddy Turnstone

Calidris canutus, Red Knot [Casual]

Calidris alba, Sanderling

Calidris pusilla, Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris mauri, Western Sandpiper [Accidental]

Calidris minutilla, Least Sandpiper

Calidris fusciocollis, White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii, Baird’s Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos, Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris maritima, Purple Sandpiper [Casual]

Calidris alpina, Dunlin

Calidris himantopus, Stilt Sandpiper [Casual]

Tryngites subruficollis, Buff-breasted Sandpiper

Limnodromus griseus, Short-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus, Long-billed Dowitcher [Casual]

Gallinago gallinago, Common Snipe+

Scolopax minor, American Woodcock*

Phalaropus tricolor, Wilson’s Phalarope [Casual]

Phalaropus lobatus, Red-necked Phalarope [Accidental]

Phalaropus fulicaria, Red Phalarope [Accidental]

Family Laridae (Gulls and Terns):

Larus atricilla, Laughing Gull [Casual]

Larus pipixcan, Franklin’s Gull [Casual]

Larus minutus, Little Gull

Larus ridibundus, Black-headed Gull [Accidental]

Larus philadelphia, Bonaparte’s Gull

Larus canus, Mew Gull [Accidental]

Larus delawarensis, Ring-billed Gull

Larus californicus, California Gull [Accidental]

Larus argentatus, Herring Gull

Larus thayeri, Thayer’s Gull

Larus glaucoides, Iceland Gull [Casual]

Larus fuscus, Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus hyperboreus, Glaucous Gull

Larus marinus, Great Black-backed Gull

Xema sabini, Sabine’s Gull [Casual]

Rissa tridactyla, Black-legged Kittiwake [Casual]

Sternula antillarum, Least Tern [Accidental]

Hydroprogne caspia, Caspian Tern

Chlidonias niger, Black Tern+

Sterna dougallii, Roseate Tern [Accidental]

Sterna hirundo, Common Tern

Sterna paradisaea, Arctic Tern [Accidental]

Sterna forsteri, Forster’s Tern

Thalasseus sandvicensis, Sandwich Tern [Accidental]

Family Stercorariidae (Jaegers):

Stercorarius pomarinus, Pomarine Jaeger [Accidental]

Stercorarius parasiticus, Parasitic Jaeger [Casual]

Stercorarius longicaudus, Long-tailed Jaeger [Accidental]

ORDER COLUMBIFORMES

Family Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves):

Columba livia, Rock Pigeon* [Introduced]

Columba fasciata, Band-tailed Pigeon [Accidental]

Streptopelia decaocto, Eurasian Collared-Dove [Accidental & Introduced]

Zenaida macroura, Mourning Dove*

Ectopistes migratorius, Passenger Pigeon* [Extinct]

ORDER CUCULIFORMES

Family Cuculidae (Cuckoos and Anis):

Coccyzus americanus, Yellow-billed Cuckoo*

Coccyzus erythropthalmus, Black-billed Cuckoo*

Crotophaga sp., ani [Accidental]

ORDER STRIGIFORMES

Family Tytonidae (Barn Owls):

Tyto alba, Barn Owl* [Accidental]

Family Strigidae (Typical Owls):

Otus asio, Eastern Screech-Owl*

Bubo virginianus, Great Horned Owl*

Bubo scandiaca, Snowy Owl

Athene cunicularia, Burrowing Owl [Accidental]

Strix varia, Barred Owl*

Asio otus, Long-eared Owl [Casual]

Asio flammeus, Short-eared Owl

Aegolius acadicus, Northern Saw-whet Owl [Casual]

ORDER CAPRIMULGIFORMES

Family Caprimulgidae (Goadsuckers):

Chordeiles minor, Common Nighthawk*

Caprimulgus carolinensis, Chuck-will’s-widow [Accidental]

Caprimulgus vociferous, Whip-poor-will*

ORDER APODIFORMES

Family Apodidae (Swifts):

Chaeturus pelagica, Chimney Swift*

Family Trochilidae (Hummingbirds):

Archilochus colubris, Ruby-throated Hummingbird*

Selasphorus rufus, Rufous Hummingbird [Casual]

ORDER CORACIIFORMES

Family Alcedinidae (Kingfishers):

Ceryle alcyon, Belted Kingfisher*

ORDER PICIFORMES

Family Picidae (Woodpeckers and allies):

Melanerpes erythrocephalus, Red-headed Woodpecker*

Melanerpes carolinus, Red-bellied Woodpecker*

Sphyrapicus varius, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker+

Picoides pubescens, Downy Woodpecker*

Picoides villosus, Hairy Woodpecker*

Colaptes auratus, Northern Flicker*

Dryocopus pileatus, Pileated Woodpecker*

ORDER PASSERIFORMES

Family Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers):

Contopus cooperi, Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus virens, Eastern Wood-Pewee*

Empidonax flaviventris, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens, Acadian Flycatcher*

Empidonax alnorum, Alder Flycatcher+

Empidonax traillii, Willow Flycatcher*

Empidonax minimus, Least Flycatcher*

Sayornis phoebe, Eastern Phoebe*

Myiarchus crinitus, Great Crested Flycatcher

Tyrannus verticalis, Western Kingbird [Casual]

Tyrannus tyrannus, Eastern Kingbird*

Tyrannus forficatus, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher [Accidental]

Family Laniidae (Shrikes):

Lanius ludovicianus, Loggerhead Shrike+ [Accidental]

Lanius excubitor, Northern Shrike

Family Vireonidae (Vireos):

Vireo griseus, White-eyed Vireo*

Vireo bellii, Bell’s Vireo [Accidental]

Vireo flavifrons, Yellow-throated Vireo+

Vireo gilvus, Warbling Vireo*

Vireo philadelphicus, Philadelphia Vireo

Vireo olivaceus, Red-eyed Vireo*

Family Corvidae (Jays and Crows):

Cyanocitta cristata, Blue Jay*

Corvus brachyrhynchos, American Crow*

Corvus corax, Common Raven+ [Accidental]

Family Alaudidae (Larks):

Eremophila alpestris, Horned Lark*

Family Hirundinidae (Swallows):

Progne subis, Purple Martin*

Tachycineta bicolor, Tree Swallow*

Stelgidopteryx serripennis, Northern Rough-winged Swallow*

Riparia riparia, Bank Swallow*

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota, Cliff Swallow*

Hirundo rustica, Barn Swallow*

Family Paridae (Chickadees and Titmice):

Poecile atricapillus, Black-capped Chickadee*

Poecile hudsonicus, Boreal Chickadee [Accidental]

Baeolophus bicolor, Tufted Titmouse*

Family Sittidae (Nuthatches):

Sitta canadensis, Red-breasted Nuthatch+

Sitta carolinensis, White-breasted Nuthatch*

Family Certhiidae (Creepers):

Certhia americana, Brown Creeper+

Family Troglodytidae (Wrens):

Thryothorus ludovicianus, Carolina Wren*

Thryomanes bewickii, Bewick’s Wren+ [Accidental]

Troglodytes aedon, House Wren*

Troglodytes troglodytes, Winter Wren

Cistothorus platensis, Sedge Wren+

Cistothorus palustris, Marsh Wren*

Family Regulidae (Kinglets):

Regulus satrapa, Golden-crowned Kinglet

Regulus calendula, Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Family Sylviidae (Gnatcatchers):

Polioptila caerulea, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher*

Family Turdidae (Thrushes):

Sialia sialis, Eastern Bluebird*

Sialia currucoides, Mountain Bluebird [Accidental]

Catharus fuscescens, Veery*

Catharus minimus, Gray-cheeked Thrush

Catharus ustulatus, Swainson’s Thrush

Catharus guttatus, Hermit Thrush+

Hylocichla mustelina, Wood Thrush*

Turdus migratorius, American Robin*

Ixoreus naevius, Varied Thrush [Accidental]

Family Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers):

Dumetella carolinensis, Gray Catbird*

Mimus polyglottos, Northern Mockinbird*

Toxostoma rufum, Brown Thrasher*

Family Sturnidae (Starlings):

Sturnus vulgaris, European Starling* [Introduced]

Family Motacillidae (Pipits):

Anthus rubescens, American Pipit

Family Bombycillidae (Waxwings):

Bombycilla garrulus, Bohemian Waxwing [Accidental]

Bombycilla cedrorum, Cedar Waxwing*

Family Parulidae (Wood-Warblers):

Vermivora pinus, Blue-winged Warbler*

Vermivora chrysoptera, Golden-winged Warbler+

Vermivora peregrina, Tennessee Warbler

Vermivora celata, Orange-crowned Warbler

Vermivora ruficapilla, Nashville Warbler

Parula americana, Northern Parula+

Dendroica petechia, Yellow Warbler*

Dendroica pensylvanica, Chestnut-sided Warbler+

Dendroica magnolia, Magnolia Warbler

Dendooica tigrina, Cape May Warbler

Dendroica caerulescens, Black-throated Blue Warbler

Dendroica coronata, Yellow-rumped Warbler

Dendroica virens, Black-throated Green Warbler*

Dendroica fusca, Blackburnian Warbler*

Dendroica dominica, Yellow-throated Warbler*

Dendroica pinus, Pine Warbler

Dendroica kirtlandii, Kirtland’s Warbler [Accidental]

Dendroica discolor, Prairie Warbler*

Dendroica palmarum, Palm Warbler

Dendroica castanea, Bay-breasted Warbler

Dendroica striata, Blackpoll Warbler

Dendroica cerulea, Cerulean Warbler*

Mniotilta varia, Black-and-white Warbler*

Setophaga ruticilla, American Redstart*

Protonotaria citrea, Worm-eating Warbler*

Seiurus aurocapillus, Ovenbird*

Seiurus noveboracensis, Northern Waterthrush

Seiurus motacilla, Louisiana Waterthrush*

Oporornis formosus, Kentucky Warbler

Oporornis agilis, Connecticut Warbler

Oporornis philadelphia, Mourning Warbler+

Geothlypis trichas, Common Yellowhtroat*

Wilsonia citrina, Hooded Warbler*

Wilsonia pusilla, Wilson’s Warbler

Icteria virens, Yellow-breasted Chat+

Family Thraupidae (Tanagers):

Piranga rubra, Summer Tanager [Casual]

Piranga olivacea, Scarlet Tanager*

Piranga ludoviciana, Western Tanager [Accidental]

Family Emberizidae (Emberizids):

Pipilo maculatus, Spotted Towhee [Accidental (see here)]

Pipilo erythrophthalmus, Eastern Towhee*

Spizella arborea, American Tree Sparrow

Spizella passerina, Chipping sparrow*

Spizella pallida, Clay-colored Sparrow+

Spizella pusilla, Field Sparrow*

Pooecetes grammineus, Vesper Sparrow*

Chondestes grammacus, Lark Sparrow+ [Accidental]

Calamospiza melanocorys, Lark Bunting [Accidental]

Passerculus sandwichensis, Savannah Sparrow*

Ammodramus savannarum, Grasshopper Sparrow+

Ammodramus henslowii, Henslow’s Sparrow+

Ammodramus leconteii, LeConte’s Sparrow [Accidental]

Passerella iliaca, Fox Sparrow

Melospiza melodia, Song Sparrow*

Melospiza lincolnii, Lincoln’s Sparrow

Melospiza georgiana, Swamp Sparrow*

Zonotrichia albicollis, White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia querula, Harris’s Sparrow [Casual]

Zonotrichia leucophrys, White-crowned Sparrow

Junco hyemalis, Dark-eyed Junco

Calcarius lapponicus, Lapland Longspur

Plectrophenax nivalis, Snow Bunting

Family Cardinalidae (Cardinals and allies):

Pheucticus ludovicianus, Rose-breasted Grosbeak*

Guiraca caerulea, Blue Grosbeak [Accidental]

Passerina cyanea, Indigo Bunting*

Passerina ciris, Painted Bunting [Accidental]

Spiza americana, Dickcissel*

Family Icteridae (Blackbirds):

Dolichonyx oryzivorus Bobolink*

Agelaius phoeniceus, Red-winged Blackbird*

Sturnella magna, Eastern Meadowlark*

Sturnella neglecta, Western Meadowlark*

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus, Yellow-headed Blackbird+ [Casual]

Euphagus carolinas, Rusty Blackbird

Euphagus cyanocephalus, Brewer’s Blackbird

Quiscalus quiscalus, Common Grackle*

Molothrus ater, Brown-headed Cowbird*

Icterus spurius, Orchard Oriole*

Icterus galbula, Baltimore Oriole*

Family Fringillidae (Finches and allies):

Fringilla montifringilla, Brambling [Accidental]

Pinicola enucleator, Pine Grosbeak [Accidental]

Carpodacus purpureus, Purple Finch

Carpodacus mexicanus, House Finch* [Introduced]

Loxia curvirostra, Red Crossbill [Accidental]

Loxia leucoptera, White-winged Crosbill [Casual]

Carduelis flammea, Common Redpoll

Carduelis hornemanni, Hoary Redpoll [Accidental]

Carduelis pinus, Pine Siskin

Carduelis tristis, American Goldfinch*

Coccothraustes vespertinus, Evening Grosbeak [Casual]

Family Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)

Passer domesticus, House Sparrow* [Introduced]

Field Notes from the Past #24

Being a continuation of field-journal entries from the springs of 1962 and 1963 when I was a budding ornithologist of just 15 or 16 growing up in the rural village of Galien in Berrien County, Michigan.

May 9 [1962], Wednesday

I found the first [Yellow-breasted] Chat of the year today, singing in a woodland swamp. I heard the bird singing long before I was able to locate it. The bird seemed to enjoy play[ing] “hide and seek” with me, for every time I thought I was near the bird and would be able to see it, it moved on a little farther. It kept giving a rapid “wa-wa-wa-wa-wa-wa-wa” which gave me the impression that he [sic] was laughing at me because of my stupidity.

I was walking along a fence row when I stumbled upon a [Red] Fox scratching at the ground not more than 25 yards away. The fox looked up when it saw me, but kept on scratching at the ground, paying no attenchen [sic] to me. Shortly, the fox trotted off thru the brush.

I saw many Palm and Myrtle [=Yellow-rumped] warblers today, which I believe were on migration.

I strated [sic] the nesting study of the [Purple (=Common)] Grackles today but gave up almost before I had begun. The study was much more difficult than I had suspected, because of the density of the trees and the position of some of the nests.

I saw two House Wrens hopping around amoung [sic] the bushed bordering a small marshy pond.

Field Notes from the Past #23

Being a continuation of field-journal entries from the springs of 1962 and 1963 when I was a budding ornithologist of just 15 or 16 growing up in the rural village of Galien in Berrien County, Michigan.

May 8 [1962], Tuesday

I flushed a young rabbit [=Eastern Cottontail] and found a half of an egg, which I believe was a Mourning Doves, on [the] ground. I made plans tonight to make a nesting study of the [Purple (=Common)] Grackles nesting in a small area of pine trees. I had originally planed [sic] to make a more complete study beginning when the birds first arrived from the south.

Ferns of Berrien County, Michigan

Based on information gathered from the Online Atlas of Michigan Plants, the ferns (Class Filicopsida) of Berrien County number some 25 species representing 2 orders, 7 families, and 14 genera.

To promote the use of native ferns in gardening, I highlight in the list below those species that merited “plant profiles” in Lynn M. Steiner’s book, Landscaping with native plants in Michigan, with the notation NP3 (ferns). Other notations: forests denotes a characteristic habitat where found naturally; while cover (groundcovers), rock (rock gardens), shade (shade gardens), water (water gardens), and yard (front yards) denote recommended suitable uses for natural landscaping. Nomenclature and taxonomy follow the USDA Plants Database:

ORDER OPHIOGLOSSALES

Family Ophioglossaceae (Adder’s-tongue family):

Botrychium disectum, cutleaf grapefern

Botrychium matricariifolium, matricary grapefern

Botrychium simplex, little grapefern

Botrychium virginianum, rattlesnake fern

ORDER POLYPODIALES

Family Aspleniaceae (Spleenwort family):

Asplenium platyneuron, ebony spleenwort [NP3 forests; rock]

Asplenium rhizophyllum, walking fern [NP3]

Family Blechnaceae (Chain Fern family):

Woodwardia virginica, Virginia chainfern

Family Dryopteridaceae (Wood Fern family):

Cystopteris bulbifera, bulblet bladderfern [NP3 forests; rock, water]

Cystopteris tenuis, upland brittle bladderfern

Deparia acrostichoides, silver false spleenwort

Diplazium pycnocarpon, glade fern

Dryopteris carthusiana, spinulose woodfern

Dryopteris celsa, log fern

Dryopteris goldiana, log fern [NP3]

Dryopteris intermedia, intermediate woodfern [NP3]

Matteuccia struthiopteris, ostrich fern [NP3 forests; border, shade, water, yard]

Onoclea sensibilis, sensitive fern [NP3 forests; water, cover]

Polystichum acrostichoides, Christmas fern [NP3 forests; shade, yard]

Family Osmundaceae (Royal Fern family):

Osmunda cinnamomea, cinnamon fern [NP3]

Osmunda claytoniana, interrupted fern [NP3]

Osmunda regalis, royal fern [NP3]

Family Polypodiaceae (Polypody family):

Polypodium virginianum, rock polypody [NP3 rock]

Family Thelypteridaceae (Marsh Fern family):

Phegopteris hexagonoptera, broad beechfern

Thelypteris noveboracensis, New York fern [NP3]

Thelypteris palustris, eastern marsh fern [NP3]

Field Notes from the Past #22

Being a continuation of field-journal entries from the springs of 1962 and 1963 when I was a budding ornithologist of just 15 or 16 growing up in the rural village of Galien in Berrien County, Michigan.

May 6 [1962], Sunday

I saw my first Nashville Warbler today in a woodland swamp. I saw the yellow throat and white eye ring clearly, so it could not have been confused with the Connecticut Warbler.

Many Palm Warblers and a single Indigo Bunting were seen on migration today.

Mammals of Berrien County, Michigan

Some 50 species of mammals (Class Mammalia) are known to have inhabited Berrien County, now or in the immediate past; these 50 species represent 8 orders, 17, families, and 38 genera. The starting point for this list was the Smithsonian Institution’s North American Mammals search page, to which I added 3 extirpated and 4 introduced species plus Homo sapiens, a dominant member of the county’s mammalian community:

ORDER DIDELPHIMORPHIA (opossums)

Family Didelphidae (opossums):

Didelphis virginiana, Virginia Opossum

ORDER LAGOMORPHA (lagomorphs)

Family Leporidae (rabbits):

Sylvilagus floridanus, Eastern Cottontail

ORDER RODENTIA (rodents)

Family Diplodidae (jumping mice):

Zapus hudsonius, Meadow Jumping Mouse

Family Muridae (rats, mice, voles, and lemmings):

Microtus ochrogaster, Prairie Vole

Microtus pennsylvanicus, Meadow Vole

Microtus pinetorum, Pine Vole

Mus musculus, House Mouse [Introduced]

Ondatra zibethicus, Muskrat

Peromyscus leucopus, White-footed Mouse

Peromyscus maniculatus, Deer Mouse

Rattus norvegicus, Norway Rat [Introduced]

Synaptomys cooperi, Southern Bog Lemming

Family Castoridae (beavers):

Castor canadensis, American Beaver

Family Sciuridae (sciurids):

Glaucomys volans, Southern Flying Squirrel

Marmota monax, Woodchuck

Sciurus carolinensis, Eastern Gray Squirrel

Sciurus niger, Eastern Fox Squirrel

Spermophilus tridecemlineatus, Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel

Tamias striatus, Eastern Chipmunk

Tamiasciurus hudsonicus, Red Squirrel

ORDER CARNIVORA (carnivores)

Family Felidae (felines):

Felis catus, Domestic Cat [Introduced]

Puma concolor, Cougar [Extirpated]

Family Canidae (canines):

Canis latrans, Coyote

Canis familiaris, Domestic Dog [Introduced]*

Canis lupus, Gray Wolf [Extirpated]

Urocyon cinereoargenteus, Gray Fox

Vulpes vulpes, Red Fox
*Sometimes treated as a subspecies of the Gray Wolf, Canis lupis familiaris, but here treated as a separate species.

Family Mustelidae (mustelids):

Mustela erminea, Ermine

Mustela frenata, Long-tailed Weasel

Mustela nivalis, Least Weasel

Mustela vison, American Mink

Taxidea taxus, American Badger

Family Procyonidae (raccoons):

Procyon lotor, Raccoon

Family Mephitidae (skunks):

Mephitis mephitis, Striped Skunk

ORDER INSECTIVORA (moles and shrews)

Family Talpidae (moles):

Condylura cristata, Star-nosed Mole

Scalopus aquaticus, Eastern Mole

Family Soricidae (shrews):

Blarina brevicauda, Northern Short-tailed Shrew

Cryptotis parva, Least Shrew

Sorex cinereus, Masked Shrew

ORDER CHIROPTERA (bats)

Family Vespertilionidae (vesper bats):

Eptesicus fuscus, Big Brown Bat

Lasionycteris noctivagans, Silver-haired Bat

Lasiurus borealis, Red Bat

Lasiurus cinereus, Hoary Bat

Myotis lucifugus, Little Brown Bat

Myotis septentrionalis, Northern Long-eared Myotis

Myotis sodalist, Indiana Bat

Nycticeius humeralis, Evening Bat

ORDER ARTIODACTYLA (even-toed ungulates)

Family Cervidae (cervids):

Odocoileus virginianus, White-tailed Deer

Family Bovidae (bison):

Bison bison, American Bison [Extirpated]

ORDER PRIMATES (primates)

Family Hominidae (hominids):

Homo sapiens, Human

Ants of Berrien County, Michigan

Ants are those tiny, creepy, crawly things of the insect world that make some people go "Eeew!" when they come upon one of their colonies. But they are also utterly fascinating. Just ask E. O. Wilson!

Of 113 species of ants (Family Formicidae, Order Hymenoptera, Class Insecta) known from the State of Michigan, 36 have been documented to occur in Berrien County; these represent 4 subfamilies and 16 genera. The following list is based on a Checklist of the ants of Michigan; the habitat associations of each species in quotes are from Wheeler et al (1994). Some of these species (see especially the ones with common English names) are potential pests in and about the home:

Subfamily Ponerinae (1 species, 1 genus):

Ponera pennsylvanica – “in rotting logs in woods”

Subfamily Myrmicinae (15species, 9 genera):

Aphaenogaster rudis – “in logs or stumps in woods”

Aphaenogaster tennesseensis – “in hard woods of logs and stumps in woods”

Crematogaster cerasi – “in logs and stumps in dense woods”

Crematogaster lineolata, acrobat ant – “in logs and stumps in open woods”

Leptothorax curvispinosus – “in acorns and twigs in open woods”

Leptothorax longispinosus – “in logs or stumps in moist woods”

Monomorium minimum, little black ant – “in soil in dry grassy areas”

Myrmecina americana – “in logs and stumps in moist woods”

Myrmica detritinodis – “in logs and stumps in moist woods”

Myrmica incomplete – “in soil and moss hummocks in bogs and swamps”

Myrmica punctiventris – “in soil in mesic woods”

Pheidole bicarinata – “in soil in sand dunes and ridges”

Solenopsis molesta, thief ant – “in soil in grasslands”

Stenamma brevicorne – “in soil in open woods”

Subfamily Dolichoderinae (2 species, 2 genera):

Dolichoderus mariae – “in domes of plant fragments and soil in marshes and swamps”

Tapinoma sessile, odorous house ant – “in soil, under bark, and in dead plant cavities in diverse habitats”

Subfamily Formicinae (18 species, 4 genera):

Acanthomyops claviger – “in and/or under stumps and logs or under rocks in woods or the edges of fields”

Acanthomyops latipes – “in soil of grassy habitats”

Camponotus ferrugineus, carpenter ant – “in logs and stumps in woods”

Camponotus nearcticus, carpenter ant – “in twigs and branches and under bark in woods”

Camponotus novaeboracensis, carpenter ant – “in logs and stumps in moist woods”

Camponotus pennsylvanicus, carpenter ant – “in logs and stumps and in dead wood in living trees in dry woods”

Formica argentea – “in soil in field-woods edges”

Formica exsectoides, Allegheny mound ant – “in large mounds of soil in dry fields near woods”

Formica fusco – “in logs, stumps and soil in mesic woods”

Formica pallidefulva – “in soil, often under objects, in woods and woods edges”

Formica schaufussi – “in soil in grasslands and field edges”

Formica subsericea – “in soil in grasslands, woods edge, and open woods”

Formica ulkei – “in large mounds of soil in fields near water”

Formica vinculans – “in soil in dry grasslands”

Lasius alienus, cornfield ant – “in logs and stumps and in soil in woods”

Lasius nearcticus – “in soil under rocks and logs in mesic woods”

Lasius neoniger – “in soil with nest entrances surrounded by craters of soil particles; in grasslands and open woods”

Lasius umbratus – “in soil mounds and under stumps and logs in woods and swamps”

Citation:
Wheeler, George C., Jeanette N. Wheeler, and Paul B. Kannowski. 1994. Checklist of the ants of Michigan (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Great Lakes Entomologist 26:297-310.

Field Notes from the Past #21

Being a continuation of field-journal entries from the springs of 1962 and 1963 when I was a budding ornithologist of just 15 or 16 growing up in the rural village of Galien in Berrien County, Michigan.

May 3 [1962], Thursday

I say my first Connecticut Warbler today. I saw a single bird hopping around amoung [sic] the branches of a tree in a woodland swamp.

A single Palm Warbler, a single Veery, several Myrtle [=Yellow-rumped] Warblers, and many Yellow Warblers were seen on migration. Several of the Yellow Warblers were heard singing.

Field Notes Notes from the Past #20

Being a continuation of field-journal entries from the springs of 1962 and 1963 when I was a budding ornithologist of just 15 or 16 growing up in the rural village of Galien in Berrien County, Michigan.

May 2 [1962], Wednesday

I had just stepped out the door to go birdwatching this morning when it began thundering and lightning in the southwest. And so, not particularly wanting to get wet I crawled back into bed and caught a few extra hours of sleep. Most of the day was cloudy and cold but by evening the sun had come out and it was quite nice out.

I saw the first Chimney Swifts flying around the sky high overhead. I saw a total of four of them.

Field Notes from the Past #19

Being a continuation of field-journal entries from the springs of 1962 and 1963 when I was a budding ornithologist of just 15 or 16 growing up in the rural village of Galien in Berrien County, Michigan.

May 1 [1962], Tuesday

The first day of May turned out to be a cold and dreary day. When I went bird watching this morning, the fog was so thick I had to do most of my birding by ear.

The first migrating [Gray] Catbirds were seen today in small numbers. I heard many singing and their “cat call” was heard quite commonly.

Field Notes from the Past #18

Being a continuation of field-journal entries from the springs of 1962 and 1963 when I was a budding ornithologist of just 15 or 16 growing up in the rural village of Galien in Berrien County, Michigan.

April 29 [=30, 1962], Monday

April is supposed to be the month of showers, but this had been a very dry month; this until today. Today was a bright, sunny day until about 2:00 [PM] when the sky started to get black in the west and north-west. It began raining at about 3:00 at [sic] didn't stop until about 4:30. At about 3:15 it got nearly pitch black and the wind began blowing hard.

By 6:00 the sun was shining again and I saw the first Chimney Swifts of the year flying high overhead.

Field Notes from the Past #17

Being a continuation of field-journal entries from the springs of 1962 and 1963 when I was a budding ornithologist of just 15 or 16 growing up in the rural village of Galien in Berrien County, Michigan.

April 29 [1962], Sunday

The leaves on nearly all the trees are out by now and the rest at least have buds on them. There are several species of flowers out also and it truly looks like spring again.

Many Myrtle [=Yellow-rumped] Warblers were seen in woodland swamp, mixed woodlands, and fence rows. They were probably the most abundant bird seentoday.

In the morning I heard the “Sam Peabody, Peabody, Peabody” song of the White-throated Sparrow for the first time. In the evening many were seen feeding on the ground in a woodland swamp. They scratched at the leaves and other debris in typical towhee fashion. In relation to their size they made more noise than the towhee.

I saw the [i.e., my] first migrating Scarlet Tanager and Yellow Warbler this evening.

I saw my first [American] Woodcock this morning when two were flushed from a feld of wheat stubble. [In retrospect, it seems more likely that these were dowitchers.]

In the evening I saw my first Marsh Hawk flying around in circles over the same field. The bird was a female and the white rump patch was seen clearly.

Horsetails of Berrien County, Michigan

The horsetails of the Class Equisetopsida are the oldest living members of the plant kingdom, dating back some 300-350 million years to the Carboniferous period. According to the Online Atlas of Michigan Plants, 5 species of horsetails are found in Berrien County, representing a single order, a single family, and a single genus:

ORDER EQUISETALES (Horsetails)

Family Equisetaceae (Horsetails):

Equisetum arvense, Field Horsetail

Equisetum fluviatile, Water Horesetail

Equisetum hyemale, Scouring-rush Horsetail

Equisetum palustre, Marsh Horsetail

Equisetum variegatum, Variegated Horsetail

Field Notes from the Past #16

Being a continuation of field-journal entries from the springs of 1962 and 1963 when I was a budding ornithologist of just 15 or 16 growing up in the rural village of Galien in Berrien County, Michigan.

April 25 [1962], Wednesday

This morning I started taking detailed observations on the [Eastern] Bluebirds nesting in house #2. I hope to make a report on the nesting of this pair.

I saw my first Orange-croned Warbler this morning, bringing my life list total to 75 [species].

About 5:00 [o'clock] in the afternoon a grassfire started on the northern side of the [New York Central] railroad tracks just east of here. Before the fire was extinguished it had burned an area about 1/2 mile long. In most places only the grass was burned, ut in one instance a small cattail marsh was completely destroyed and a telephone pole was burned half-way thru at the base. The poles on which [bluebird] houses #4 and #5 are on had been completely surrounded by fire, but no damage was done to the houses.

Fishes of Berrien County, Michigan

Historically known as Pisces, the ray-finned fishes are now grouped together in the Class Actinopterygii. Based on specimen records and distribution maps, 101 species representing 17 orders, 24 families, and 58 genera of ray-finned fishes are known from the lakes, rivers, and streams Berrien County or immediately adjacent waters of Lake Michigan. In the list below, an asterisk (*) denotes existence of a voucher specimen (Michigan DNR nd), a plus sign (+) denotes an accepted field identification not supported by voucher specimen (ibid.), a hat (^) denotes reported presence in Berrien County portion of the St. Joseph River and its tributaries based on distribution maps (MDNR 1999a, 1999b, and 1999c [all .pdf]), an [I] denotes a species established through direct or indirect intervention of humans, and an {SF} denotes a species for which annual sportfish regulations are established:

ORDER ACIPENSIFORMES (Sturgeons and Paddlefish)

Family Acipenseridae (Sturgeons):

Acipenser fulvescens, Lake Sturgeon+^ {SF}

Family Polyodontidae (Paddlefishes):

Polyodon spathula, Paddlefish+

ORDER SEMIONOTIFORMES (Gars)

Family Lepisosteidae (Gars):

Lepisosteus oculeatus, Spotted Gar+^

Lepisosteus osseus, Longnose Gar+^

ORDER AMIIFORMES (Bowfins)

Family Amiidae (Bowfins):

Amia calva, Bowfin*^

ORDER ANGUILLIDAE (Freshwater Eels)

Family Anguillidae (Freshwater Eels):

Anguilla rostrata, American Eel^ [I]

ORDER CLUPEIFORMES (Herrings)

Family Clupeidae (Herrings):

Alosa pseudoharengus, Alewife+^ [I]

Dorosoma cepedianum, Gizzard Shad*^

ORDER CYPRINIFORMES (Carps and Minnows)

Family Cyprinidae (Carps and Minnows):

Camposotoma anomalum, Central Stoneroller*^

Carassius auratus, Goldfish+^ [I]

Couesius plumbeus, Lake Chub*

Cyprinella spiloptera, Spotfin Shiner*^

Cyprinus carpio, Common Carp+^ [I]

Hybognathus hankinsoni, Brassy Minnow^

Luxilus chrysocephalus, Striped Shiner*

Luxilus cornutus, Common Shiner*^

Nocomis biguttatus, Hornyhead Chub*^

Nocomis micropogon, River Chub^

Notemigonus crysoleucos, Golden Shiner*^

Notropis atherinoides, Emerald Shiner*^

Notropis heterodon, Blackchin Shiner+^

Notropis heterolepis, Blacknose Shiner*^

Notropis hudsonius, Spottail Shiner+^

Notropis rubellus, Rosyface Shiner*^

Notropis stramineus, Sand Shiner*^

Notropis volucellus, Mimic Shiner*^

Pimephales notatus, Bluntnose Minnow*^

Pimephales promelas, Fathead Minnow+

Rhinichthys cataractae, Longnose Dace+^

Rhinichthys obtusus, Western Blacknose Dace*

Semotilus atromaculatus, Creek Chub*^

ORDER CYPRINIFORMES (Suckers)

Family Catostomidae (Suckers):

Carpiodes cyprinus, Quillback*^

Catostomus catostomus, Longnose Sucker*^

Catostomus commersonii, White Sucker*^

Erimyzon sucetta, Lake Chubsucker^

Nypentelium nigricans, Northern Hog Sucker*^

Ictiobus niger, Black Buffalo^ [I]

Minytrema melanops, Spotted Sucker+^

Moxostoma anisurum, Silver Redhorse*^

Moxostoma carinatum, River Redhorse+^

Moxostoma duquesnei, Black Redhorse+^

Moxostoma erythrurum, Golden Redhorse*

Mosostoma macrolepidotum, Shorthead Redhorse*^

Moxostoma valenciennesi, Greater Redhorse+

ORDER SILURIFORMES (Catfishes)

Family Ictaluridae (Bullhead Catfishes):

Ameiurus melus, Black Bullhead*^

Ameiurus natalis, Yellow Bullhead*^

Ameiurus nebulosus, Brown Bullhead^

Ictalurus punctatus, Channel Catfish+^ {SF}

Noturus flavus, Stonecat+^

Noturus gyrinus, Tadpole Madtom+^

Pylodictis olivaris, Flathead Catfish+^ {SF}

ORDER ESOCIFORMES (Mudminnows and Pikes)

Family Esocidae (Pickerels and Pikes):

Esox americanus, Grass Pickerel*^

Esox lucius, Northern Pike+^ {SF}

Family Umbridae (Mudminnows):

Umbra limi, Central Mudminnow*^

ORDER OSMERIFORMES (Smelts)

Family Osmeridae (Smelts):

Osmerus mordax, Rainbow Smelt* [I]

ORDER SALMONIFORMES (Salmons)

Family Salmonidae (Trouts and Salmons):

Corregonus artedi, Lake Herring+ {SF}

Corregonus clupeaformis, Lake Whitefish+^ {SF}

Corregonus hoyi, Bloater+

Corregonus reighardi, Shortnose Cisco+

Corregonus zenithicus, Shortjaw Cisco+

Oncorhynchus gorbuscha, Pink Salmon^ [I] {SF}

Oncorhynchus kisutch, Coho Salmon+^ [I] {SF}

Oncorhynchus mykiss, Rainbow Trout*^ [I] {SF}

Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, Chinook Salmon+^ [I] {SF}

Prosopium cylindraceum, Round Whitefish+^

Salmo salar, Atlantic Salmon^ [I] {SF}

Salmo trutta, Brown Trout*^ [I] {SF}

Salvelinus fontinalis, Brook Trout*^ {SF}

Salvelinus namaycush, Lake Trout+^ {SF}

ORDER PERCOPSIFORMES (Trout-Perches)

Family Aphredoderidae (Pirate Perches):

Aphredoderus sayanus, Pirate Perch+^

ORDER GADIFORMES (Cods)

Family Gadidae (Cods):

Lota lota, Burbot*^

ORDER CYPRINODONTIFORMES (Killifishes)

Family Fundulidae (Topminnows):

Fundulus dispar, Starhead Topminnow*

Fundulus notatus, Blackstripe Topminnow*^

ORDER ATHERINIFORMES (Silversides)

Family Atherinidae (Silversides):
Labidesthes sicculus, Brook Silverside*^

ORDER GASTEROSTEIFORMES (Sticklebacks)

Family Gasterosteidae (Sticklebacks):

Cluaea inconstans, Brook Stickleback^

Gasterosteus aculeatus, Threespine Stickleback+ [I]

Pungitius pungitius, Ninespine Stickleback+

ORDER SCORPAENIFORMES (Sculpins)

Family Cottidae (Sculpins):

Cottus bairdii, Mottled Sculpin*^

Cottus cognatus, Slimy Sculpin+^

ORDER PERCIFORMES (Perch-like Fishes)

Family Moronidae (Striped Basses):

Morone americana, White Perch+ [I]

Morone chrysops, White Bass+ {SF}

Family Centrarchidae (Sunfishes):

Ambloplites rupestris, Rock Bass*^ {SF}

Lepomis cyanellus, Green Sunfish*^ {SF}

Lepomis gibbosus, Pumpkinseed*^ {SF}

Lepomis gulosus, Warmouth+^ {SF}

Lepomis macrochirus, Bluegill*^ {SF}

Lepomis microlophus, Redear Sunfish+ {SF}

Lepomis peltastes, Northern Longear Sunfish+^ {SF}

Micropterus dolomieu, Smallmouth Bass+^ {SF}

Micropterus salmoides, Largemouth Bass*^ {SF}

Pomoxis annularis, White Crappie+^ {SF}

Pomoxis nigromaculatus, Black Crappie*^ {SF}

Family Percidae (True Perches):

Etheostoma blennioides, Greenside Darter^

Etheostoma caeruleum, Rainbow Darter*^

Ehteostoma nigrum, Johnny Darter*^

Perca flavescens, Yellow Perch+^ {SF}

Percina caprodes, Logperch*^

Percina maculata, Blackside Darter*^

Sander vitreus, Walleye+^ [I] {SF}

Family Sciaenidae (Drums):

Aplodinotus grunniens, Freshwater Drum+^

Family Gobiidae (Gobies):

Neogobius melanostomus, Round Goby+ [I]