Pickford Grassland Loop

Pickford Grassland Area: Pickford Grassland Loop

Directions
Drive North along M-129 until you reach the town of Pickford. Here, turn left (west) onto Townline Road. The grassland loop begins here. You will pass good grassland habitat throughout this area, so keep a sharp eye on the fields. Travel along Townline for 2 miles, then turn right (north) onto Hancock Road. Travel this road for 1 mile then turn right (east) onto 23 Mile Road. This road will go for 2 miles until you reach M-129. Here the Grassland Loop ends.

Birding Information
The Pickford loop, along Hancock road, is densely populated with Bobolink and Savannah Sparrow thanks to a large conservation easement on a set of hay fields. The number of Bobolinks that can be seen here in the summer is quite astounding. Northern Harrier, Sandhill Crane, Eastern Meadowlark, Eastern Kingbird and Clay-colored Sparrow can also be found here. It is more than likely that in some years Dickcissel and Upland Sandpiper may also be present. Early spring and late fall can also give rise to large numbers geese and raptors descending upon the fields.

Bobolink
Photo by: D. Gordon E. Robertson

Other Exciting Features
The Pickford region is known as an agriculture area that produces some of the best hay in the world, shipped to many horse farms across the country. The large number of hay fields and pastures in the area attract unique grassland bird species that have lost much of their habitat due to conversion of grasslands to monocrops such as corn and soy or to suburban landscapes with biologically unproductive mowed lawns or paved areas. The diverse plant species that grow in a hay fields can support a large variety of insects, reptiles and birds. A number of farmers in the Pickford area have worked with local DNR and Department of Agriculture agents to promote best mowing practices, delaying or alternating the mowing of the fields till after many ground nesting bird species have laid their eggs and the young have fledged. Look for the green conservation easement signs around town to see the many farmers that have pledged to promote their land both as productive hayfields and important bird habitat.