The following article was written by Martha Hayden and originally appeared on The Restless Viking website on June 10, 2025.
Magic happens in Milford, Michigan at Kensington Nature Center. Bring some seeds and join us for an excursion of up-close encounters with song birds! I haven’t experienced anything like this in my life and it’s right here in our state!
How did I learn about Kensington Nature Center? Well, it all started with my cousins, Brian and Mary Lou!
Brian and Mary Lou
Brian and Mary Lou, my cousins, have always been a model for me! They embrace each other, their family and adventurous travel. The pair thrives in service to others and experiencing cultures. I always pay solid attention to their posts, because I know I’ll learn about places and people.
Recently, Mary Lou had posted video clips of song birds eating from her hand. I had commented and asked where this magic occurs. “Kensington Nature Center!” she’d written. Kensington Metropark Nature Center in Milford, Michigan has hiking trails with fluttering song birds. “We should plan to go together!” Mary Lou messaged. Checking the weather, we set up a time to meet on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.
Arrival
Our cousin, Shauna, joined us, too! Shauna is another adventurous, creative soul who volunteers as a mentor for youngsters.
I grew up surrounded by so many brave and generous people, who seek out similarities with others and rejuvenate themselves in nature. Spending the day together was a gift that I had been excited to unwrap!
Chirps flew high above us as a group of elementary students scrambled around the Nature Center restrooms. Our trio convened at an array of wooden benches. Mary Lou brought out baggies filled with seeds, suet balls, meal worms and peanuts. They don’t have seeds for sale at the park, you have to bring your own. Her focus was to ensure that we had a memorable time at her beacon of solace…