Ornithologists and other bird lovers flock to Battle Creek’s experimental W. K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary (12685 E. C Ave., Augusta, 269/671-2510, www.kbs.msu.edu, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. daily May–Oct., 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily Nov.–Apr., $4 adults, $2 seniors, $1 children 2–12), one of North America’s pioneer wildlife conservation centers. W. K. Kellogg started the sanctuary in 1928 as a refuge for Canada geese, which were then threatened by a loss of habitat to agriculture and urbanization.

Today, Canada geese thrive at the 180-acre sanctuary, now part of MSU’s W. K. Kellogg Biological Station, along with other native waterfowl, including ducks and swans that stay year-round. Also present are several species of raptors and game birds, from red-tailed hawks to pheasants, which you can view from several observation areas on the grounds. Many other species migrate through the region in spring and fall.

Situated along the waterfront of Wintergreen Lake, the grounds can be explored year-round on self-guided trails. A bookstore on-site includes information on how to transform your backyard into a bird sanctuary following the same principles and planting guidelines used in the refuge.