ECOLOGICAL STUDIES ON THREE
LAKES AND A MARSH 1N ALLEGAN
COUNTY, MICHIGAN

Thcsm for the Degree. of M. S.
I-MCHECAN STATE COLLEGE
Eugene W. Rc'elofs
1938

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ECOLOGICAL STUDIES ON THREE LAKES AND A
MARSH IN ALLEGAN COUNTY, MICHIGAN

By
EUGENE I. 33mm

A THESIS
Presented to the Graduate School of Michigan State College of Agriculture
and Applied Science in Partial Fulfillment of unirements

for the Degree of Master of Sci ence

Zoology Department
East Lansing, Michigan

1938

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.AGKNOWEEDGMENTS

Gratitude is here expressed to the Game Division of the Michigan
Department of Conservation for providing equipment and expenses to make
this study possible. Grateful acknowledgment for many favors is also
made to Mr. B. T. Ostenson of the Zoology Department of Michigan State
College, under whose guidance the study was made; to Dr. H. E. Hunt.
head, and.Mr. J. l. Stack of the Department of Zoology, and to Dr.

EL 2. Darlington of the Department of Botany of Michigan State College.

For records of developments on the area I am indebted to the
Federal Resettlement Administration; for analyses and descriptions of
the lakes to the Institute for Fisheries Research at Ann Arbor,
Miohigan. This investigation benefited greatly from the services of
Mr. I. I. Stuewer and.Mr. H. S. Orwoll Who assisted in the field work

and gave valuable field records.

115915

Introduction .

Part I The Area .
Physiography and Soi
Climate . . . . . .
Recent History
Vegetation . . . .

Ely Lake . . .

Artificial Plantings

Present St
Little Tom Lake

Crooked Lake .

Artificial Plantings

Present St

Bravo Marsh

Artificial Plantings

Present St

TABIE OF

ls

atus

atus

atus

CONTENTS

Part II The Animal Life of the Area . . .

POpulations . . . .
Waterfowl
Other Birds
Mammals

Amphibians and

Reptiles

I O O O O O

12
12
13
14
14
16
17
17
21

22

25
25
25
28
31

31

 

 

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v.11

Animal Interrelations
Habitat Relations

Ducks .

Pied-billed Grebe .

Bladk Tern

Least Bittern .

Long-billed.Marsh
Eastern Red-wing
Eastern Kingbird

Great Blue Heron

Insects .

Activity Relations .

Summary and Conclusions

Bibliography . . . . . .

33

33

33

33

35

35

35

36

36

36

38

39

41

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INTRODUCTION

The problem of utilizing submarginal lands has confronted the
American agricultural leaders for some time. During the last decade
several movements have been inaugurated to convert large areas of land
which are unsuitable for agricultural purposes into areas which might
serve the American public by means other than agriculture. Some areas
have been set aside as game refuges or wildlife sanctuaries, others have
been develOped into recreational areas, and some are being used as re-
search areas.

This study was made on one of the areas which has been taken
over by the Federal Resettlement Administration which is now Operating
as the Farm Security Administration. The area is a combined waterfowl
refuge and research or experimental area. It offers an excellent Oppor-
tunity for life history studies of certain birds and other classes of
animals as well as for investigations concerning aquatic plants--both
native and introduced. This paper, however, will treat the area from
an ecological standpoint--life histories being only incidental.

The work was made possible by the Michigan Conservation De—
partment and the Federal Resettlement Administration. Expenses were
furnished by the Game Division of the Conservation Department while
equipment was furnished both by the Resettlement Administration and
the Game Division. The field work was done under the supervision of
Mr. B. T. Ostenson of the Zoology Department of Michigan State College.
Graduate credit was received for the field work in the area from the

Graduate School of Michigan State College.

The studies on the area consisted of a survey of aquatic plants,
the use of the area by waterfowl, possible improvements for develOping the
area, and the ecological relationships between the animals and the various
habitats. No systematic field technique was worked out or adhered to.

The studies were made by taking trips throughout the area by automobile,
boat, and on foot. By this means the entire territory was quite complete-
1y covered. Field notes were taken daily, all observations pertaining to
wildlife-~both plant and animal-~being recorded. Pictures of various
habitats and other items of interest were taken. When working on the
aquatic plants, specimens of each species were collected and preserved
for future use and reference.

The work for the summer began on June 23, 1937 and continued
until September 1, 1937.

For this paper, the accounts of aquatic plantings, waterfowl
plantings, and work previously done on the area have been taken from
the records of the Federal Resettlement Administration and are used by

permission.

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PM! MAREA

The area included in this study is approximately 3000 acres in
extent. It is located in Clyde Township, Allegan County, Michigan. It
includes most of sections 25, 26, 27, 84, 35, and 36. The most extensive
work was done on the Bravo Marsh, an artificial marsh of about 1500 acres
lying near the town of Bravo and occupying part of sections 26, 27, 34,
and 35, and on the following lakes: Ely Lake in section 26, Little Tom
Lake in section 26, and Crooked Lake in sections 25 and 36. The area is
for the most part uninhabited by man, hence offering an opportunity to
study natural conditions unaffected.by agriculture and other human

activities at the present time.

PHYSIOGRAPHY AND SOILS

The area studied represents a sandy lake bed of glacial origin.
The entire region is comparatively level except for occasional hollows
and ridges probably caused by wind action. The hollows are not drained
and are at present occupied by shallow undrained bag lakes. There is a
slight drainage of the marsh to the west.

The soil is chiefly Plainfield Sand (Fippin & Rice, 1901).
The water-holding power of the soil is low and the land is unsuitable
for farming.- In the region of the Bravo Marsh is a layer of hardpan
which lies at varying depths beneath the surface. This renders the soil
wet in places where the ground water can not escape. Farming was at-
tempted in this locality but much of the soil is poorly drained and the

remainder is too dry.

Map 1. Detailed cover map of the Waterfowl Area previous to reflooding.
Taken from Federal Resettlement Administration map made in 1935.

Map 2 0

Legend:

Red and white oak

Aspen or poplar

maple, oak, beech, basswood, and white ash
White pine

Elm, ash, soft maple

Elm, ash, soft maple, beech, and yellow birch
Tamarack

Willow

Upland grasses

Sedge

Cr0pped land

-Pasture

Abandoned crOp land

‘Leatherleaf

flap of same area after reflooding showing approximate boundaries
of Bravo Marsh and reformation of Crooked Lake. Position of the

dike and spill-ways are shown in Bravo Marsh. General cover types
are indicated in red.

I
I

Legend:

H

P

Oak uplands--containing scattered black cherny, beech,

. sugar maple, bitternut hickory, and white pine

chiefly aspen and willows; scattered elm, silver maple,
beech, yellow birch, white ash, tamarack, black cherry,
'and blue-berny

Both types are subject to considerable variation depending
upon environmental factors.

‘

Vegetation in the marsh and lakes has been discussed in the text.

 

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CLIMATE

Allegan County has an average growing season of from 140 to 150
days. The average date of the last killing frost is May 5 to 10. The
first killing frost occurs about October 8. Annual precipitation is
usually between 30 and 35 inches. The mean annual temperature at Allegan
is 48.40 F.

The summer of 1937 had more than the average rainfall. The pre-
cipitation during the months of June, July, and August was 12.83 inches as
compared with an average of 9.48 inches for the same three months. The
above data have been obtained from the Federal Weather Bureau at East

Lansing.

RECENT HISTORY

According to local residents, the area formerly served as a
resting place for waterfowl during the migrating season. The lakes are
reputed to have harbored several hundred ducks at a single time during
heavy migrations. They were also fairly good fishing lakes, but ap-
parently intensive fishing has nearly eXhausted the supply and at
present fish are caught in comparatively small numbers. No artificial
prepagation has been practiced.

Several years ago the farmers of the community dug drainage
ditches in the western portion of the area in an attempt to use the
land for agricultural purposes. The marsh was completely drained as
well as was Crooked Lake, with the exception of a few small "holes".

Crooked Lake prior to that time was only 6 feet deep at its deepest

 

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10

point. The lake bed consisted of a mucky peat and was not workable. One
farmer's tractor is said to have disappeared in the muck. The marsh,
after being drained, did not yield enough to make farming profitable, so
farming practices were discontinued. The water levels in Little Tom and
Ely Lakes were only slightly affected by the drainage.

In the spring of 1936 the Federal Resettlement.Administration
obtained possession of the area and began deveIOping it into an area which,
it was hoped, would be suitable for a waterfowl refuge. The first step in
the deve10pment was to restore and, if possible, to raise the water table
higher than it had been previously. This was accomplished by means of a
dike built along the west side of the Bravo Marsh as the natural drainage
was in this direction. A.spill-way was built in the dike at a level which
was considered desirable. This raised the water level to a point slightly
higher than it had been previously.

Artificial pools with sandy sloPing banks were constructed to
provide resting grounds for the waterfowl. Three bodies of water in the
area, containing inadequate food supply and cover for waterfowl, were
planted with a variety of aquatic plants. This, it was hOped, would
render the area a favorable site for a refuge. The plants chosen were
those which are known to be most desirable for food and cover. .All of
the plants were obtained from nearby sources. Mallards were planted,
having first been wing-clipped to insure their staying on the area.
Nothing had been done since that time in the way of checking the results

of the above develOpments.

1

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12

VEGETATION

The area. except for the attempted farming of the Bravo Marsh,
has not undergone any recent changes as a result of mans' activities.
Hence, it may be called a prisere. Inasmuch as the lowest stage of this
natural succession is Open water. it is considered a hydrosere. The
lakes are undrained and consequently contain a large percentage of organic
acids. giving the soil a tendency toward.physiological dryness. This re-
sults in the growth of plants which.exhibit xerophytic characteristics.

In this discussion, the three lakes and the marsh will be treated

as separate ecological units.

Ely Lake:

This lake is a small body of water measuring approximately 1700
by 940 feet and covering about 18 acres. The shoals are wide--75 to 100
feet-~and shallow. There is no true drop-off. The maximum.depth is 16
feet. .Acidity determinations show a.pH. of 6.8.

The lake is located in an area which formerly provided extensive
resting grounds for a large number of waterfowl. Before the recent plant-
ings it was almost wholly lacking in aquatic vegetation. the only species
present being small amounts of pickerel-weed (Pontedeggg corgggg), white
water lily (Eymphggg’odoratg), and sedges (gagg;_spp0. The reasons for
this lack of aquatic growth are difficult to determine, but frequent
fires over the entire surrounding area may have had some effect. It is
also possible that conditions preventing growth at present have existed
for some time. Various tests showed the water and soil to be acid in

most places but not noticeably more so than other lakes and streams

nearby which support vigorous growths of aquatic vegetation.

13

Ely Lake

gives a pH. test of 6.3 while Little Tom Lake, which contains an abundance

of plant growth. has a pH. of 6.1.

On the belief that valuable food.and

cover plants could be established here if once given a start, a number of

hardy Species were collected and transplanted here.

In planting this lake,

which normally supported considerable fish life, such cover plants as

yellow water lily (gymphozanthus gdvenpg) were used extensively, as well

as those which benefit chiefly waterfowl.

vegetation planted are summarized in the following:

The varieties and quantities of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

as Lake
Amount

£0. Species of Plant Planted Source of SupplL
l. Pickerel-weed (Pontederig_cordatg) 1149 plants Round Lake
2. Duck potato (Sggittaria latifolig) 6196 “ Swan Cr. Marshes
3. Giant bur-reed (Sparganium gpgygggpgm) 5793 “ " ' '
4. Yellow water lily (gymphozanthus aggenus) 2321 “ Little Tom Lake
5. .Arrow arum (Peltandra virginica) 50 ” Kalamazoo R. Flats
6. Bulrush (Scirpus sp.) 682 “ Round Lake
7. White water lily (Nymphaeg odoratg) 93 " " '
8. later shield (Brasenia Schreberi) 1% bu.
9. Cattail (Typha latifolia 734 plants Swan Cr. Flats
10. water smartweed (Polygonum.gmphibium) 30 bu. Round Lake
11. Bushy pondweed (Naias flexilis) 51% bu. ' '
12. Sedges (Carex spp. 24 plants
13. Sago pondweed (PotamOgeton pectinatus) 2 bu. Kalamazoo River
14. Large floating-leaved pondweed

(Potggpggton gmplifolius) 147 bu. Round Lake
15. Grass-leaved pondweed.(Potgmogeton

' ngpressus) 8% bu. Upper Scott Lake

16. Small floating-leaved pondweed

(Potamogetgp sp.) 53% bu. Little Tom Lake
17. Robbin's pondweed (Potgmogeton Robbinsii) 11 bu. Upper Scott Lake
18. Wild celery (Vallisneria americana 52% bu. Upper and Lower

 

Scott Lakes

14

Present Status:

The lake at present apparently supports very little more vegeta—
tion than it did previously. There is no well defined zonation of plants,
except for a border of sedges (Carex), bur-reeds (Sparganium), and a few
cattails (Typhg).

 

Some distance from the shore are scattered groups of plants con-
sisting of mixtures of pickerel weed.(§ontederig), yellow water lily
(nymphozanthus), white water lily (nymphaea), water smartweed (Polygonum),
arrow arum (Peltandra), bladderwort (Utricularia), and a few pondweeds
(Potgpogeton). The land around the lake is occupied by a mixture of red

and white oaks (Qgercus borealis maxima and Q. Elba).

assesses:

This is a small lake measuring about 1100 by 975 feet and covers
an area of 17.4 acres. The shoals are from 50 to 75 feet wide. There is
an abrupt drop-off. The maximum depth is 12 feet. The water has a pH. of
6.1.

This body of water supports abundant aquatic vegetation. Con-
sequently no aquatic plantings were made by the Federal Resettlement
Administration. The lake represents an entirely natural plant succession
as found in undrained bog lakes. The various stages of succession are
quite clearly defined and will be described briefly.

The deeper central portion of the lake does not, as far as could
be determined, support any bottom plant life. The soil in this region,

however, is a.pu1py peat and should be able to support vegetation.

15

The plant zones occur in nearly perfect concentric rings around
the margin of the lake and occupy the lake bottom less than 6 feet under
water. The shoals are rather wide, giving considerable territory for plant
growth. The zones will be described in order beginning with the innermost.

.A submerged stage forming a ring averaging about 10 feet in width
occurs at the edge of the shoal. Its chief constituents are ghggg_and
bladderwort (Utriculgirig intermedia). These plants are rooted in the
bottom mud. A.pondweed identified as {otamOgeton Oakesianus is found on
the shoreward side of this zone and continues into the next zone.

This next zone might be called a floating stage or a zone of
gymphozanthus: it extends 20 to 25 feet shoreward. The soil is a fibrous
peat and lies 3 to 4 feet under water. The yellow water lily (Nymphozanthus)
is the most abundant and characteristic plant of this zone. Growing with it
as subordinate species are white water lily (Nymphaea), water shield
(Brasenia), and the pond weed described in the preceding zone.

Next is a very narrow zone of sedges (ggggg). It contains also
pipewort (Erioceulon septgggglare) and bur-reeds (Sparganium). Scattered
throughout this and the preceding zones are sparse stands of thgg which
is ordinarily found to be a pioneer in the succession, and is located in
the submerged stage (Weaver & Clements 1929). Its presence in scattered
stands can not be explained satisfactorily.

The next zone occupies the shore of the lake and is found on
soil formed by the decaying vegetations of the previous stages. On the
south side of the lake is the east extremity of the Bravo Marsh. The
shore here is formed by vegetation growing out from the slight ridge

separating the lake from the marsh. The mat of vegetation is dense

16

enough to support a man's weight but it quakes very noticeably. It is com-
posed of sedges (Carex spp.), loosestrife (Decodon verticillatus) , cattail
(m latifolia), leather leaf (Chgaedgphne calyculata), pitcher plant

(Sarracenig mpg), willows (Salix spp.), and grasses. The ridge is

occupied by black cherry (Prunus serotina), aspen (Pepulu_s tremuloides),

 

and tamarack (Lari; laricina). The north and east shores are higher, and
here this zone is very narrow where present. The higher land is occupied
by red and white oaks (Qgercus borealis m and 3. Ella), sugar maple
(Age; saccharum), beech (Zgggg grandifolia), and white ash (Fraxinus
americana). The west side of the lake continues as a tall grass marsh and
runs into the Bravo Marsh to the south and into the higher oak region on

the north.

Crooked Lake:

This lake at the time the Resettlement Administration took charge
was nearly depleted of its water supply due to drainage. The few “holes"
left in the lake bottom, however, supported an abundant aquatic vegetation.
The soil varies from peat to a rich muck. Since the construction of the
' dike at the west end of the Bravo Marsh, the water level has been raised
so that the lake is as large and as deep as it had been previously-"about
6 feet maximum depth and covering roughly 500 acres. Because of the
variety of plants already present, only those plants which were thought
to be the best possible food and cover were planted. Following is the

summary of the plantings in this lake:

17

Crooked Lake

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount
Hg, A§pecies of Plant _§lanted Source of Supply
1. Duck potato (Sagittaria latifolia) 7667 plants Swan Cr. Flats
2. Giant bur-reed (Sparganium e carnum) 3927 “ ' ' "
3. Small bur-reed (Sparganium sp. 713 “ “ " fl
4. Sedges (Carex sp.) 236 " “ ” ”
5. Blue flag (Iris versioolgr) 184 " ” " ”
5. Cattail( halatifoliaj 579 .. u I n
7. Bulrushes Scigpus) 775 " Swan Cr. & Round L.
8. White water lily (Nymphagg odorata) 23 " Round Lake
9. Arrow arum (Peltandra virginica5 1034 “ Lower Scott Lake
10. Wild celery (Vallisneria americana) 95% bu. ” ' '
ll. Duckweed,(L§mna‘minor and Snirodela
ol rhiza) 1% bu. " ” “

l2. Pale smartweed (Polygonum sp. 4 bu, Kalamazoo River
13. Celery-leaved pondweed (Potamogeton

epihydrus) 4 bu. Kalamazoo River

Present Status:

The lake supports abundant aquatic vegetation. Zonation, however,
is not clearly defined inasmuch as the lake is very large and rather shallow
throughout. The youthful condition of the lake at present probably accounts,
to an appreciable extent, for the lack of zonation. The percentage of Open
water is comparatively small. The bottom, being at a.maximum depth of 6
feet, supports vegetation Which is able to rise to the surface. The open
water existing at present can be expected to disappear in a few years as the
vegetation has more time to become dispersed.

The most abundant Species in the lake are yellow water lily
(yymphosanthus) and pickerel-weed (Pontederia). In midsummer these plants
present a dense mat of green foliage covering the larger part of the
surface and give the lake a very characteristic aSpect. In the month of
August the vegetation made navigation by boat almost impossible in many

places. Plants occurring with yellow water lily and pickerel weed are:

18

white water lily (Nygphaea), which is common in the northern part of the
lake but rare in the southern portion; water shield (Brasenia Schreberi),
Which is abundant and occurs in several places forming dense pure stands;
water smartweed (golygonum agphibium), which is relatively scarce; and
Potamogeton Oakesianus.

.A submerged stage is not present as such but plants ordinarily
belonging in this habitat are found throughout the lake. Of these prob-
ably the most abundant is the mermaid weed (Prosegpingca.palustris).
This plant is present in exceedingly dense growths and extends upward to
within 6 inches or a foot from the surface. The reddishpbrown leaves
give a peculiar tint to the water due to the reflection of sunlight.
These groups, therefore, can often be distinguished from considerable
distances.

Other submerged plants found are bladderwort (Utricularia
intermedia), which occurs rather sparsely but consistently throughout
the lake, and sphagnum moss (Sphagpum), which grows in a few restricted
localities.

The sedge-meadow habitat is well deve10ped on the southeast
shore of the lake but is not clearly defined in the remaining portion.
As a result of the recent drainage, the shore line and the shallower
portion of the lake became dry and favored the growth of terrestial
weeds and grasses. Trees, such as cherry and poplar, began growth.

Two shrubs-~Sniraea alga and Spiraea tomentosa--became abundant. When
reflooded these plants died.but still remain in place as dead stubs.
They give the shore line a characteristic appearance. Sedges, however,

are coming in and very likely will become the dominant form. Pipewort

man's. for an}! at yellow water lilies in crooked Lake.

51;“; ,é :?-I:__1u\
‘9 ‘3‘ ”and. Pied-billed Grebe nests were found in

 

 

figure It. Dense stand of piobrel- “g a

19

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(Ericcaulon septangglare) has also penetrated into this habitat and has
become quite abundant. Cattail and bulrushes are being established in
small restricted areas.

The shore is occupied by various combinations of plants, appar-
ently depending upon the water content of the soil. 0n the northern and
northeast shore is found a "blue berry bog" composed of two species--
Vaccinium pennsylvanicum and I, cogymbosum. These occur on a.large flat
area. only slightly above the shoreline. Leather leaf (Chamaedaphne)
and buttonbush (erhalanthus occidentalis) are present here as subordin-
ate species. Beyond this a narrow zone of poplar and cherry is found
before the land rises rather abruptly and is occupied by a mixture of
red and.white oaks.

The eastern shore rises almost immediately to the oak uplands.
There is a dense growth of white pine (ELEEE strobus) on the south shore.
A zone of loosestrife (Decodon verticillatus) about 8 feet wide occurs
in shallow water between the white pine and a sudden drop-off. Immedi-
ately beyond this is a dense growth of yellow water lily and pickerel
weed. The soil giving growth to the white pine and loosestrife is
saturated with water. Small depressions contain Open water. The white
pine are large, averaging 10 to 12 inches in diameter. This formation
is peculiar inasmuch as white pine growths are not ordinariLy found on
soil saturated with organic acids. Possibly these trees began growth
as an edaphic formation before the lake appeared. Since the deve10pment
of the lake, the trees may exist but not grow to any appreciable extent.
No cross-sections of trunks were obtainable, however, to substantiate

this theory. It is very evident that the group has not been reproducing

21

for a considerable time because very few trees with a diameter of less
than 8 inches are found. The theory presented would indicate that the
lake is of rather recent origin. This would not allow for the deep layer
of muck and peat which exists in the lake bottom, However, it seems pos-
sible that as this layer was being formed, the water level was much lower
than it is at present. This would account for drier soil at the time of
formation where the shore of the lake now is and also make the invasion
of the water into the white pine stand relatively recent. The roots of
the trees may. since their growth began, have prevented erosion by wind,

thus accounting for the sudden drOp-off Just beyond their outer margin.

3.2mm:

This is a large marsh which is, for the most part, artificial.
It occupies a level region with a very slight drainage to the west. In
the southwest corner is an old drain coming in from the south. The
dike built along the west side of the marsh has held enough water to
flood the area near the dike quite completely. water becomes less abund-
ant toward the east, and in the east half the only water existing is in
the artificial holes and pools which were made by the Resettlement Adminis-
tration. Before the plantings by the Resettlement Administration little
or no aquatic vegetation existed except for tall marsh grasses in the
drainage-way. In the west side of the marsh there was considerable tree
growthp—Chiefly black cherry and aspen; these trees are now standing in
the water. The area now constituting the east part of the marsh had
grown up to weeds, scattered cherry and poplar, and blue-berries (Vgccinium)

in a few of the damper places.

22

The soil is sandy but is underlain by a layer of hardpan which

holds the water near the surface, the level depending, of course, on the

variability in the depth of the layer.

Of the three areas artificially planted, this offered the best

possibilities for development, and consequently the most extensive work

was done here .

or very shallow water.

Bravp Mar sh

Plantings were made as follows:

Moreover, most of the planting could be done on dry land

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount
No Speges of Plant Planted Source of Supply
1. Pickerel-weed (Pontederia cordata) 3360 plants Round Lake a.
Osterhout Lake
2. Yellow water lily (Eynmhozanthus ,
advenus) 5575 " Little Tom Lake
Osterhout Lake
Kalamazoo River
3. White water lily (mneg odoratp) 1292 ' Round Lake
4. Water shield (Brasenia Schreberi) 15% bu. Round Lake
5. Arrow arm? (Peltandrg virginiggs 3173 plants Lower Scott Lake
6. Bur-reed 8 ar anium ca um) 13702 " Swan Cr. Plate
7. Small bur-reed ZS ar aniums 1200 " " ' '
8. Cattail ( latifolia; 1230 " ' ' '
9. Bulrushes Scirpus 4302 " Round Lake
Swan Cr. Flats
Osterhout Lake
10. Square-stemmed spike rush
(Scigpus americanus) 5’7 " " "
11. Blue flag (_I_r_is versicolor) 140 " Black River
12. Water smartweed (Polygonum hibium) 24 bu. Round Lake
13. Duck potato (Sagittaria latifolia 4593 plants Swan Cr. Flats
Kalamazoo R. Flats
Black River
14. Sedges (Carex spp.) 205 " Swan Cr. Flats
15. Duckweed (Lemna minor and Spirodela
polzghiza 2 bu. Kalamazoo R. Flats
16. Chara or Musk grass (Chara) % bu. Lower Scott Lake
17. Bushy pondweed (Ngjgs flexilis) 3 bu. Round Lake
18. Large floating-leaved pondweed
(Potamogeton amplifolius) 8 bu. Round Lake
19. Celery-leaved pondweed
(Potamogeton i drus) 1 bu. Kalamazoo River
20. Elodea (Elode canadensis bu. Lower Scott Lake
21. Wild celery Vallisneria americana) 124 bu. Lower Scott Lake

Present Status:

The marsh is too young to show any well-defined ecological suc-
cessions of higher plants. Some of the plants whidh were placed there
artificially have become established. Most of these are in the deeper
water-~2 to 3 feet--in the western edge along the dike. The following
plants are spreading from their places of original introduction: yellow
water lily (Nymphozanthus), water shield (Brasenia), bur-reed (Sparganium),
blue flag (1515), sedges (9E£25)’ dudkweed (Spirodelg and Lgmpa), water
smartweed (Polygonum) , Elgdgg_and Potamogeton gmplifolius. The duck-
weeds have become very abundant and cover large portions of the surface
of the water.

These plants are existing but do not seem to be reproducing:
arrow arum (zeltandrg), duck potato (Sggittaria), bushy pondweed (M29):
and.wild celery (Vallisperia).

A few species have been introduced into the area by some natural
means. They were not present originally, and were not planted, but now
exist. It is expected that they will spread and assume their position in

the natural ecological succession. The plants are: mud plantain

 

(geteranthera dubia), coontail (Cergtoghyllum demersum), and pondweeds

(zetamogeton americanus, g. Oakesianus, and.g, zosteriformis).

   

ession at Bravo Marsh due to

being killed while aquatic

 

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flYVCJKI SIR BT10}

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.

no
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9‘???” .1
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Figure 6.

PART II THE ANIMAL LIFE OF THE AREA

25

Inasmuch as this study deals primarily with water areas, the
vertebrate fauna consists mainly of aquatic forms. Other types will be

described only insofar as they relate ecologically to the aquatic fauna.

POPULATIONS

waterfowl:

In this report, the term "waterfowl" will be used in reference
to game species such as dudks and geese. Forms other than these will be
included in "Other Birds".

One of the purposes of the study, as originally planned, was to
investigate the nesting situation with special attention to nesting con-
ditions and the approximate number of waterfowl which used the area as a
nesting site. The nesting season was nearly completed, however, before
the study started. Consequently the only information on the extent to
which the area was used for nesting was the number of broods of young
observed. This does not take into account the nests that may have been
destroyed or the mortality of the young previous to the time that the
study began. Therefore any figure which might be given to represent the
pairs of nesting waterfowl would probably be subject to considerable
error.

The portion of the area which contained the best natural
habitats and upon which most of the artificial develOpment todk place
is the Bravo Marsh. It contains drainage ditches, artificial pools,
tall grass, open water, and heavily wooded areas along the border.

These various types of habitats allow for nesting, feeding areas, and

26

resting grounds. The drainage ditches contain considerable vegetation in
the form of rushes, sedges, and small trees, particularly willow and aSpen.
They are used quite extensively by the waterfowl. The artificial ponds are
of various sizes and shapes. Some of them.are merely holes dug in the
ground varying in size from 10 to 25 feet square. The sides of some of
these pools are perpendicular to the horizontal. Others are constructed
with gently sloping banks, providing as nearly as possible a lakeshore
habitat which is supposedly an important factor in attracting waterfowl.
The aquatic plantings in these pools have not had a chance, as yet, to
become very well established. Conseq1ently food and cover are lacking

and the small holes do not seem especially attractive as resting grounds.

The wooded borders were formed as the result of the flooding of
the region by means of the dike. The trees extend out into the water for
some distance along the west side of the marsh, providing shade and cover
on some of the deeper waters. Female ducks were often seen with their
broods swimming among the trees in this part of the area. Nesting con-
ditions on the shore seemed rather favorable although no nests were found.
This is not surprising when the time of the study is considered.

There are no accurate census methods for determining the number
of waterfowl nesting on an area. The largest number of separate broods
observed at any one time is the best available means of estimating the
population of nesting females. Trips were made to the area at all times
of the day, some at sunrise, others in the forenoon, early afternoon,
and shortly before sundown. The Largest number of broods of Mallards

(Apas p, platzrgypchos) seen on a single trip and known to be separate

27

broods is four. At least two pairs of Black Ducks (Ap§§_rubripes tristis)
and two pairs of Blue—winged Teal (93erguedula discors) are‘known to have
nested on the area and raised the young successfully--at least until half
to three-fourths grown. One pair of Green-winged Teal (Nettion carolinense)
was observed but no young were ever seen. Judging from this information
and the number of ducks present throughout the summer, it would seem that
not over 15 pairs of dudks used the Bravo Marsh as a nesting site.

Crodked Lake apparently does not serve as a favorable nesting
place for waterfowl. During April, 1937, the Resettlement Administration
banded and released 60 Mallards on the lake. The birds were obtained
from the Mason Game Farm (this is under the direction and supervision of
the Game Division of the Michigan State Conservation Department) and were
wing-clipped.before being released. One pair of Bladk Dudks and two
pairs of Mallards are known to have nested on the area. It is presumed,
but does not necessarily follow, that the Mallards were of the planted
group. One female Green-winged Teal was observed with nine young on
the lake.

During the first part of the summer, waterfowl on Crooked Lake
were rather scarce. Food and cover, however, were plentiful. In.the
latter part of July and the first part of August the numbers began to
increase. .At the same time the p0pu1ation began to decrease at the
Bravo Marsh due to its drying up. Hence it is quite likely that there
was a general movement of the waterfowl from the marsh to the lake which
is only a half a mile distant, and possibly additional birds came in

from other areas.

28

Nesting conditions on Cracked Lake are rather poor. Much of the
lake has a very marshy border. Cottages occupy a large percentage of the
dry shore, the small remainder being wooded and providing favorable nesting
sites. The water level is also a factor in the deve10pment of this lake
into a suitable nesting region. The level is constant through the nesting

season but drapped between 2% and 3 feet from July 15 to September 1.

Other girds:

The entire area serves as a nesting ground for many other birds
besides ducks. In the Bravo Marsh the following birds are known to have
nested during the spring and summer: Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularia),
Killdeer (Ogyeohus vociferus vociferus), Eastern Red-wing (Adelaius p,
phoeniceus), Zingbird (yrannus tyrflnus), and Pied-billed Grebe (Podilm-
pp£_p, podiceps). Other birds observed on the area are: Green Heron
(Butorides z, viriscens), Marsh Hawk (gigggg hudsonius), Pectoral Sand-

piper (Pisobia melanota), Virginia Rail (Rallus 1.

limicola). and Grow
(m b. bracmrrhEChos).

Crooked Lake served as a nesting place for many Pied-billed
Grebes and Black Terns (Chlidonias pigga'surinamensis). Seventeen grebe
nests were located and contained an average of 6.8 eggs. The nests were
of two types-~the floating type and those built on the semi-solid.musks
rat houses. The former were in the majority. These nests were built
with old, dead vegetation--particu1arly stems and leaves of the water
lilies. These were complexly interwoven to form a mass whiCh floated
on the surface. Some living plants were included to keep the nest in
position. Fifteen nests of the floating type were observed. The remain-

ing two were located on old.muskrat houses Which rose slightly above the

29

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Nr7~ .
C v...

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we...” ..r...,..:..¢»..r3t.2.. , .... .

 

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niieoil IIsne co

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beIIid-bsiq narieci?

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30

surface of the water. The nests in every case were covered when found.
The bird upon leaving the nest pulls the vegetation up over the eggs so
they can not be seen unless uncovered. The eggs under these conditions
are warmed by the sun, allowing the adult to Spend much of the day away
from the nest.

Young grebes were in evidence throughout the summer. There
were young on the lake when the first trip was made on June 23. The
last nest observed with eggs was on July 27. A trip to the nest on
July 29 showed that the eggs had hatdhed. .

Nine Bladk Tern nests were observed. Five of them were built
on the grebe nests after the latter had hatched. The others were located
on old.mmskrat houses and other piles of old vegetation in the lake.
None of them were successful, each being destroyed before hatching.

Two Least Bittern (Ixobgychus g, ggilig) nests were found in
the tall grasses on the west side of Crooked Lake. The eggs in both
were hatching on the same day, July 7. The nests were revisited on
July 12 with intentions of handing the young. Both were empty. It is
doubtful that the young were able to fly at that age although no signs
of disturbance could be seen.

.A single Coot (EEll£§.§: americana) was observed on Crooked
Lake on three different occasions. Whether or not it was the same bird,
of course, is not known. In each case the bird flew to the Bravo Marsh.

Several Long-billed.Marsh wrens' (Telmatodytes p, palustris)
nests were located. The female bird showed signs of excitement, indica-

ting that either the nest or young might be nearby. This bird has the

31

unique habit of building several "dummy" nests and those were the only
ones that could.be located.
Other birds observed nesting about Crooked Lake were Eastern

Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) and the Eastern Red-wing (Adelaius p.

phoeniceus).

Mammals:

Mammalian life in the lakes was limited to the muskrat (Ondatra
g, zibethica). This species was found in both Crooked Lake and the Bravo
Marsh. Several old houses occurred in the lake, whereas there were none
in the marsh. Muskrat activity was not noticeable until August, when
they began cutting off reeds and cattails and concentrating them in
suitable places for houses. A trip to the area in October, however,
feund the water level lowered to such an extent that the houses which
were begun in August were then on dry land some distance from the water.
No evidence of the animals could be found at that time.

Other mammals present around the borders of the lakes are the
white-tailed deer (Odoggileus virginigggg'borealis), skunk (Mephitis
giggg), cottontail rabbit (Sylvilaggs floridanus meggnsii), and the fox
squirrel (Spirus giger rufiventer). No deer were observed but their

presence was indicated by numerous fresh tracks.

Amphibians apd Rgptiles:

Amphibians are represented on the area by a large number of
individuals belonging to but a few species. Of the frogs, the green
frog (Rana clamitans) is undoubtedly the most abundant. The leOpard-

frog (Rana pipiens) and woodpfrog (Rana cantabrigensis) are present

32

in limited numbers. Both the Fowler's toad (Bufo fowleri) and American
toad (Bpfg.americanus) are found, with Fowler's out-numbering the Ameri-
can. During the first part of the summer tadpoles were very numerous in
the west side of Bravo MaISh. They were very large and thought to be
tadpoles of the green frog (3gpa_clamitans). No records of salamanders
were obtained.

As far as could be determined, reptiles are restricted to the
water-snake (gaggig‘g. sipedon , Blanding's turtle (Emyg'blandingii),

and the western painted turtle (ghgysemys bellii marginatg).

33
ANIMAL INTERRELATICNS

Ignoring the invertebrates, the animal life on the area is not
particularly complex. In comparison with terrestial habitats, the aquatic
plant societies act as host to a relatively small number of animal species.
There seems to be no outstanding conflict between various forms as far as
habitats are concerned. Since the study took place in the summer, other

seasonal interrelationships can not be discussed.

gabitat gglations: ‘

In this discussion an attempt will be made to portray the out-
standing and rather constant affinities that certain forms exhibit for a
part1 culsr habitat .

211.9153:

As mentioned previously, the work began too late to study nest-
ing of dusks. Mallards and.Blacks were frequently seen feeding among the
yellow water lilies and pickerel-weeds. In the Bravo Marsh the artificial
pools served as resting grounds during the cooler parts of the day.

Pied—billed.ggebe:

This form was restricted in its nesting range on the area to the
f10ating vegetation and the few on muskrat houses. Yellow water lilies
seemed to take preference over other plants. .A few nests were found in
a mixture of the lilies and pickerel-weed.but none were observed in the
pure stands of pickerel-weed. It is probable that the foliage of this
plant is too rigid to permit using it for nests. In addition, the stands
are very dense and practically no other vegetation occurs with the

pidkerel-weed. Some finer fibrous material seems to be necessary to

 

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Figure 10 .

35

hold coarser materials together. Bladderwort (Utrircularina) is often used,
and the absence of this plant in the pickerel-weed beds may account for
the failure of the grebes to nest there.

This habitat offers in addition to good nesting conditions,
excellent cover for both adult and young grebes. There birds have super-
ior diving ability, as well as the ability to sink gradually while swim-
ming. They may return to the surface behind some vegetation and at a
considerable distance from their point of disappearance.

areas. Lesa:

The Black Tern (Chlidonias nigra surinamensis) is found to nest
in the same habitat as the Pied-billed Grebe. Old muskrat houses and
other piles of vegetation are used more extensively as nesting material
by the tern. The nests are in slightly drier situations than those of
the Pied-billed Grebe.

m Bittern:

Two nests of the Least Bittern (Ixobgchus g. .e__x_i_];i_§_) were
located on Crooked Lake. Each consisted of a saucer—shaped platform
built on broken down reeds and sedges. They were placed about 8 inches
above the water and were about 50 feet apart. Sedge material was the
chief constituent used in building. The eggs numbered 4 in one nest and
5 in the other. They were unspotted and pale blue in color. In size
they are slightly smaller than the eggs of the Ring-necked Pheasant,
being approximately 1.2 by .9 inches. The nests were not covered.

Long-billed Maia}; 1133:
In the tall grasses along the west side of Crooked Lake were

found the nests of the Long-billed Marsh Wren (Telmatodgces p. palustris).

 

36

They were composed of vegetable matter interwoven in the natural grasses
and were globular to oval in shape. The entrance to the nest was a small
hole on one side and was usually quite inconspicuous. Barrows (1912)
describes the actions of the animal very well: "The bird is continually
rambling about among the grass stems, climbing to the tops of the reeds
and cattails, and occasionally fluttering a few yards upward into the
air, uttering his peculiar sputtering song and then dropping back out
of sight in the reeds".

Eastern Red-wing:

The Eastern Red-wing (Adelaius p, phoeniceus) was restricted in
its nesting to the low shrubs which occurred about the border of the Open
water in both Crooked Lake and the Bravo Marsh. Four nests were observed.
Young in three of the nests were banded with U. 8. Biological Survey baids.
The adults fed quite generally on the fruit and seeds of the yellow water
lily.

Eastern Kingbird:

This bird showed a preference for nesting above the water.
Three nests were seen, sash of them being placed in a dead tree and
between three and four feet above Open water. The bird is more often
thought of as being strictly a land bird but the same unusual aquatic
habit of nesting has been observed by R. I. Chaney (Barrows 1912).

Wham:

These large birds were often seen wading in the sedges where
most of their feeding was done. They stand perfectly still for some
time at the border of the plant growth or in Open water within the zone

of sedges. This bird is reputed to be wary and suspicious (Taverner 1934)

Figure 11.

Figure 12.

Sedge-meadow habitat at Crooked Lake. The Least
Bittern.and Long-billed Marsh wren used this

habitat for nesting.

Long-billed Marsh Wren nest.

37

a
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4n

41'

a.

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Figure 11 .

 

 

 

 

Figure 12 .

38

but it was found that when feeding, it was possible to get within 15 or
20 feet of them in a boat. On some occasions the birds would slowly walk
away while at other times they would fly for a short distance and continue
feeding. It was difficult to observe the food which they were taking. It
is probable that the chief food was frogs since there was an abundance of
frags in this sedge habitat.

Insects:

Very little work was done on the insect life of the area but
their presence could not be overlooked in the large beds of Lgmgg,and
Spirodela. These plants act as host and protection to a multitude of
small aquatic insects. M. B. Scotland (1934) points out the importance
of this stage of succession as affecting the animal life. The insects
are preyed upon by larger forms, and they in turn by still larger. It
is found also that these small plants are used to a great extent as
material for cases of the caddie fly larVae.

It is evident that this stage in the succession acts as a favor-
able site for the location of amphibian eggs. During the first part of
the summer tadpoles were present in exceedingly great numbers. When walk-
ing along the dike the water seemed to be ”boiling" due to the numbers of
tadpoles swimming about in the duckweeds. The mat of green vegetation
serves as a good.protection from bird predators. In addition, the marsh
is relatively young and there has been very little opportunity for larger
forms, which might prey upon the tadpoles, to invade the area.

It is thought by Scotland (1934) that the tadpoles, together with

the insects, aid in the pollination and dispersion of the dudkweeds.

39

Activity Relations:

As mentioned previously, there seems to be little conflict be-
tween animal forms of this particular area. This condition probably is
due to the fact that the animals are not brought in contact with each
other. In most cases the nesting habits differ, feeding habits do not
overlap, and predation among resident forms seems only occasional. There
are, however. certain.observations that would indicate conflict between
some of the species.

Considerable time was spent trying to determine an ecological
relationship between the Black Tern and the Pied-billed Grebe. At one
time a tern was seen hovering very low, occasionally swooping down as
though it were attadking something. Then closer examination showed a
grebe on a nest and seemingly fighting baCk. This continued for a
period of about five minutes. The grebe, apparently noticing the boat,
quickly covered up the nest and dove into the water. The tern did
nothing to the nest but flew away and did not return. Upon examination
of the nest seven grebe eggs were found. The nest was revisited daily
and the eggs hatched five days later. In this connection, it is note-
worthy that this is the only grebe ever observed on the nest. It is
quite likely that the struggle took much of the bird's attention and
she did not notice the boat approaching as readily as she would have
ordinarily.

On another occasion a nest was found containing one tern egg
and two grebe eggs. The nest was watched but no attention was ever
given it by either of the birds. It finally collapsed due to the decay

of the vegetation. As a result, no definite relationship could be

determined. The terns did interfere with life history studies of the
grebe. Their constant "crying" overhead made it impossible to conceal
one's presence. This may account for the fact that only one grebe was
observed on the nest because the terns definitely announce approaching
danger.

On the shore of Crooked Lake there was considerable evidence
of predation and destruction of turtle nests. The work looked like that
of skunks. No count was made as to the number of nests rooted up, but
throughout the summer there must have been at least 20 of them destroyed.

There is one relationship which is questionable since it is
based on a single observation. A.Bladk Tern's nest containing three
eggs had been visited daily for several days. Once when approaching
the nest, located on an old, low muskrat house, a turtle was seen on
top of the house. The turtle slid off into the water and.upon examina-
tion it was found that the eggs were gone. The shallow nest seemed
undisturbed but no trace of the eggs remained. This may have been only
incidental but it is interesting to note that of the nine tern nests
under observation, all of them were destroyed before hatching. Possibly
turtles may be a factor affecting mortality of the Black Tern nests.

The feeding of the Great Blue Heron upon frogs and possibly

small fish in the sedge habitat has been previously described.

sum AND CONCLUSIONS

41

SUMMARY

The purpose of this study is to determine the plant and animal
successions as they occur in a recently flooded area. The area studied
represents an old glacial lake bed. It includes several small lakes and
a large marsh. The t0pography is very level throughout except for the

shallow lakes. The soil is unsuitable for agriculture.

Veggtation

The study of the vegetation is concerned chiefly with the plants
in the lakes and their immediate borders. The lakes vary considerably as
far as plant and animal life are concerned and are considered separate
ecological units.

Ely Lake is a small lake which contains very little plant and
animal life. Environmental conditions are similar to the other lakes and
there is no apparent reason for this difference. The aquatic plantings
of the Federal Resettlement Administration did not survive and Spread
whereas in the other regions the plantings were quite successful.

Plant life is very abundant in Little Tom Lake. The various
stages of succession are quite clearly defined and form concentric rings
around the lake. The stages occur in order from the center as follows:
Open water, a submerged stage. a floating stage, a zone of sedges, and
the shore habitats which are variable. The south shore is a quaking b0g,
the north and east shores rise rather abruptly to a mixed hardwood up-
land, whereas the west side continues as a tall grass marsh. The lake is

fairly good for fishing. Bird and mammal life is relatively scarce.

42

Crooked Lake is a large shallow body and supports an enormous
quantity of aquatic vegetation. Since the vegetation in its present stage
is comparatively young, zonation of plants is very incomplete. Bird life
on the lake is plentiful. Food and cover conditions for waterfowl are
good but there is an obvious leek of favorable nesting conditions. Life
history studies were made on the Pied-billed Grebe and the Black Tern.

The Bravo Marsh is an artificial marsh of about 1500 acres.
Aquatic plantings have been made and in addition, several plants have

come in from unknown sources.

Aéimal Life:

The animal life has been discussed from the standpoints of abund-
ance, habitat, and activity relations. The study took place in the summer,
so seasonal activity and fluctuations can not be discussed. No accurate
censuses were made of the animal populations but throughout the course of
the study the relative abundance of various forms was noted.

The number of waterfowl nesting on the area was estimated by
counting the number of separate broods of young observed. In the Bravo
Marsh the following dudks are known to have nested: Mallard Duck, Black
Duck, and Blue-winged Teal. Mallards, Bladks, and Green-winged Teal were
found to nest on Crooked Lake. In addition to the waterfowl, the following
birds nested on the area: Spotted Sandpiper, Killdeer, Eastern Red-wing,
Eastern Kingbird, Pied-billed Grebe, Least Bittern, Long-billed Marsh Wren,
and BlaCk Tern. The muskrat is the only mammal which is known to be active
in the lakes. Other mammals present are the white-tailed deer, skunk,
cottontail rabbit, and the fox squirrel. Amphibians and reptiles are repre-

sented by a large number of individuals but relatively few Species.

Myriamflwoflmflwlw \._ .3.

43

Animal relations have been divided into habitat and activity
relations. Certain forms exhibit a strong affinity for definite habitats.
Activity relations are not particularly complex inasmuch as the different
species occupy different habitats and there are not enough individuals of
any one species to cause a noticeable conflict.

The Pied-billed Grebe nested chiefly in the floating vegetation.
.A preference for the yellow water lily or a mixture of the water lily and
piCkerel-weed seemed evident. The Black Tern occupied the same habitat as
the grebe but nested in drier situations. Two Least Bittern nests were
found in the sedge-meadow habitat at Crodked Lake, whereas the Long-billed
Marsh wren nested in the taller grasses. The duckweed beds in the Bravo
Marsh harbored.many insects. Tadpoles were also abundant. The mat of
green vegetation seemed to serve as a good protection for these forms.

A conflict was indicated between the Bladk Tern and the Pied-
billed Grebe but intensive studies gave no definite conclusions. The terns
used the old grebe nests and in one case a nest containing both kinds of
eggs was found. .A tern which seemed to be fighting with a nesting grebe
was observed on one occasion. Skunks were quite active in digging up
turtle nests on the shore of Crooked Lake. A possible predation of the
turtle on the Black Tern was suggested by the fact that a turtle was found
on an old muskrat house which had been the site of a tern's nest. Upon
examination the nest was present but no trace of the eggs could be found.

In general it might be said that the reflooding has added to the
value of the area. The Brave Marsh.has been greatly enlarged and by other
artificial changes has been.made attractive for waterfowl, particularly in

the migrating season. Crooked Lake has been brought back to its former

status. Vegetation has again become abundant and the lake serves as a rest-
ing place for ducks as well as a nesting site for several other species of

birds. Little Tom and Ely Lakes were little affected by the reflooding.

CONCLUSIONS

Whether or not the restoration of the Waterfowl Area has been, or
will be, a success cannot be definitely determined from a two months study.
From these records and observations, however. some idea as to the value of
the project can be obtained.

The aquatic plantings have added much to the area to make it
attractive to, and usable by, the waterfowl. Since all of the plants were
obtained from nearby sources, the only cost involved being the labor, the
plantings may be considered practical. In order to maintain the growth of
these species, the water level must be held constant. This seems to be the
greatest difficulty on the area. The source of water supply is not constant
and consequently during a dry season evaporation over such a large area will
tend to lower the water level to a greater degree than many of the aquatic
plants can tolerate.

It is doubtful whether the plantings served the purpose intended.
Neither waterfowl nor other birds were attracted to the region in consider-
able numbers for nesting. Most of our waterfowl normally breed farther
north. Only a small percentage of the area is suitable for breeding by
such important Species as mallards and black ducks. Though game bird
pepulations may not be increased by the project, yet the region may provide

opportunities for useful experimentation.

45

The Bravo Marsh is at present a waterfowl refuge and should con-
tinue as such. It provides an excellent Opportunity for the waterfowl to
"stop off and rest“. A trip was made to the marsh rather early in the
migrating season and a goodly number of ducks were found on the area.

Crooked Lake is near enough to take care of the overflow from the marsh and
will probably provide fairly good hunting. This adds to the value of the
project.

Ely Lake has been developed into a recreational area and probably
will serve the public better in that way than it would as a waterfowl habitat.

The aquatic plantings in this lake were of no avail and there are very few

 

native plants present. Very little insect life is in evidence and fish life i
is scarce. The reason for this is not known. The Institute for Fisheries

Research conducted a study of the lake, considering plant and animal life,

acidity, and various other factors. There seems to be nothing in their re—

port that would explain the lack of life in this lake.

Crooked Lake offers Opportunity for more detailed life history
studies on the Least Bittern, Black Tern, Pied-billed Grebe, and any pos-
sible ecological relationships.

If the area is to be deve10ped, some sort of management program
is required. Problems sudh as predator control, disease, planting of duck
foods, and maintenance of the water level will have to be considered. The
area offers an excellent opportunity for banding birds during the spring
and fall migrations, studies on individual breeding and nesting activities,

and further studies regarding the plant and animal successions.

46

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Barrows, W. B., 1912 Michigan bird life. Special bulletin of the Department
of Zoology and Physiology of the Michigan Agricultural College. 822 pp.

Cowles, H. C., 1899 The physiographic ecology of Chicago and vicinity.
Botanical Gazette 31: 73-108, 145-182.

Fippin, E. V., and Rice, T. B., 1901 Soil survey of Allegan County. Report
on field Operations of the Bureau Of Soils for 1901: 93-120.

Harshberger, J. W., 1909 Bogs, their nature and origin. Plant World 12:
31-41, 53-61.

Pirnie, M. D., 1935 Michigan waterfowl management. 328 pp. Game Division,
Michigan Department of Conservation.

Reed, H. 3.. 1902 Ecology of a glacial lake. Botanical Gazette 34: 125-139.
Rigg, G. B., 1916.A summary of bog theories. Plant World 19: 310-325.

Scotland, M. B., 1934 The animals of the Lemna association. Ecology 15:
290-294. —' "“

Scott, I. B., 1921 Inland lakes of Michigan. Michigan Geological and
Biological Survey. Publication 30, GeolOgical Series 25. 371 pp.

Sherff, E. B., 1912 Vegetation of Skokie Marsh. Botanical Gazette 53:
415-435.

Taverner, P. A., 1934 Birds of Canada. National Museum of Canada.
Bulletin 72, Biological Series 19. 445 pp.

Transeau, E. N., 1903 On the geographic distribution of bog plant societies
Of North America. Botanical Gazette 36: 401-420.

Warming, E., 1909 Oecology Of plants. 422 pp. Oxford, The Clarendon Press.

Weaver, J. E., and Clements, F. B., 1929 Plant ecolOgy. 520 pp. New York,
McGraw-Hill.

Young, V..A., 1934 Plant distribution as influenced by soil heterogeneity}
in the Cranberry Lake Region of the Adriondack Mountains. Ecology 15::
154-196. _,.A

CHECK-LIST OF VERTEBRATES

47

All of the species listed here were observed in the Bravo Marsh,

on the lakes, or in their immediate vicinity.

NO particular effort was

made to study forms other then the more or less aquatic species and those

which are directly connected with a marsh or lake type Of habitat. A

total of 5 amphibians, 4 reptiles, 33 birds, and 6 mammals have been

recorded.

Class AMPHIBIA

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Bufo fowleri Garman

fiapg cantabrigensis Baird
Rgpa clamitans Latreille

Rana pipiens schreber

Class RBPTILIA

ThamnOths g: sirtalis (Linne)
Natrix g. sipedon (Linne)
Chrysemys bellii marginata (Agassiz)

Emys blandingii (Holbrook)

Class AYES

Podilmbus E' podiceps (Linne)

Chlidonias nigga surinamensis (Gmelin)

American toad
Fowler toad
WOOd frog
Green frog

Leopard frog

Common garter snake
Water snake
western painted turtle

Blanding turtle

Pied-billed Grebe

Black Tern

E

P: platyrhynchos Linne

 

g .

a rubripes tristis Brewster

 

Qggrquedu1g_discors (Linne)
Netti Op carolipggge (Gmel in)
Botaurus lentiginosus (Montagu)
Ixobrychus 2, 251112 (Gmelin)
Butorides g, virescens (Linne)

Ardea h. herodias Linne

Rallus l. limicola Vieillot

 

M a. americana Gmelin

Actitis macularia (Linne)

Pisobié melanotos (Vieillot)

Cayechus I: vociferus (Linne)

Zenaidura macroura carolinensis (Linne)
Circus hudsonius (Linne)

Megaceryle 2: glcyon (Linne)

Melanerpes erythrocephglus (Linne)
Tyrannus tygannus (Linne)

anocitta g. cristata (Linne)
Qgggug b, brachyrhynchus Brehm
Agelaius p, phoeniceus (Linne)
Sturnella m, mggpg (Linne)
Sturnus z. vulgaris (Linne)
Melospiza m. melodia (Wilson)

Richmondena g, cardinalis (Linne)

48

Common Mallard

Common Black Duck
Blue-winged Teal
Green-winged Teal
American Bittern
Eastern Least Bittern
Eastern Green Heron
Great Blue Heron
Virginia Rail
American Coot

Spotted Sandpiper
Pectoral Sandpiper
Killdeer

Eastern Mourning Dove
Marsh Hawk

Eastern Belted Kingfisher
Red-headed Woodpecker
Eastern Kingbird
Northern Blue Jay
Eastern Crow

Eastern Red-wing
Eastern Meadowlark
Starling

Eastern Song Sparrow

Eastern Cardinal

 

 

 

  

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, -.-- -.. Passer d. domesticus (Linne)

StelgidOptgyx ruficollis serripennis (Audubon)

Toxostoma rumm (Linne)

Telmatogztes p. palustris (Wilson)

Sitta g. carolinensis Latham

Turdus m. migratorius (Linne)

Sialia s_. sialis (Linne)

Ondatra g. zibethica (Linne)

Class MAJALIA

Mephitis nigrla Peale and Beauvois

Sylvilagus floridanus mearnsii (Allen)

Sciurus hudsonicus loguax Bangs

Odocoileus vizginianus borealis (Miller)

Procyon l. lotor (Linne)

English Sparrow
Rough-winged Swallow
Brown Thrasher
Long-billed Marsh Wren
White-breasted Nuthatch
Eastern Robin

Eastern Bluebird

Muskrat

Eastern Skunk
Cottontail rabbit
Southern red squirrel
White-tailed deer

Raccoon

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