By Staff Writer: Tricia Tucker

Various clouds fill the dull, grey sky as the shivering precipitation falls to the ground, penetrating instantaneously.  With one step outside, noses shift red, fingertips go numb, and voices tremble.  In weather like this, people assume that there isn’t much to do besides sit inside by a warm fire, watch Netflix and drink hot cocoa.

Well, these people must not be aware of the fun outdoor activities that Kensington Metropark offers.   With more than 4,481 acres of land, Kensington Park contains 13 parks throughout its rolling, wooded hills.  Kensington consists of a petting farm, cross-country skiing areas, a nature center, trails throughout the woods, and so much more that can be enjoyed during these frigid months.

Kensington Metropark forbids any form of hunting, which means that the park is home to a variety of animals.  Animals commonly become hurt or wounded due to predator attacks or natural causes.  The nature center within Kensington Park rescues these poor, virtuous animals and keeps them contained until they are restored to their full health.  Visitors are allowed access to these fortuitous animals and can see how they grow.

Currently, the nature center has a red-tailed hawk, named Ranger, in their facility.   Ranger was permanently injured and first rehabilitated at the Howell Conference and Nature Center.  Unfortunately, he will not be able to survive in the wild.  He has been working with trainers and has made much progress.  Visitors are able to view Ranger and experience his training.

In all, the Nature Center is home to multiple Michigan animals, including the red-tailed hawk, a rattlesnake, and various types of fish and turtles.  It has boxes consisting of a mysterious substance that visitors can touch and then have a guess at what it is.  The nature center is a good source of entertainment for both children and adults.

Throughout the Kensington nature trail, you will find that it is the home to many birds, including robins, rusty blackbirds, and chickadees.  It is very common for visitors to feed these birds, usually with birdseed or bread.  Amazingly enough, these birds will sit right on your hand and feed off your hand.  I didn’t believe it when I heard either, but I actually had this experience myself on Jan. 14.  Although it was bitter cold, I wouldn’t have chosen to be anywhere but there.  While holding my hands out that were filled with bird seed, chickadees and robins began to cover the trees above me.  One by one, they flew down into the coveted pile of seed within my hands, and began to feed.  I walked over a half of a mile because I simply did not want to stop.  This feeling was amazing; the touch of a bird standing on your hand, eating from your palm.  However, the experience might have been better if I had been better prepared, maybe with a pair of gloves and a hat.  That way, you can have your hands out of your pocket, warm and ready for that fluttering bird to swoop down into the palm of your hand.

Kensington Metropark is the place to go during these ridiculously cold, ghastly winter days. Adults of all ages and families can enjoy a day of knowledge and entertainment at the nature center, a calm, relaxing day of feeding the birds, and many other options of entertainment, even during the winter months.

To get directions and more information about Kensington, visit their website.