Gladstone, Michigan: State Birds - Robin and Mosquito (Gone)
Created by "found object specialist" Ritch Branstrom, the sculpture -- perched atop a steel shipping container -- shows Michigan's official and unofficial state birds.
- Directions:
- 5 mi. northeast of town on US Hwy 2/41, SE corner of 255 Ln.
- Hours:
- July 2017: Worthy elements gone.
- Status:
- Gone
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Visitor Tips and News About State Birds - Robin and Mosquito
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The Robin that is missing from the nest appears to be in Harbor Springs, MI. Don't know how or why it was moved and the nest left behind.
[Terri Meagher, 08/29/2013]
The Robin and Mosquito are still in residence, but I must say we had quite the debate with our teenage boys on the fact the bird was a robin even though she had some really looooong legs :)
[Perfect Pair, 07/05/2013]The long-legged one is a different sculpture -- the robin appears to be missing from the nest on the shipping container!
This sculpture shows Michigan's official and unofficial state birds. The robin is official. Sitting on the left side of the robin is indeed a nest, but there are no chicks inside the nest.
On the right side is what the Upper Penninsula coined as our state bird - the mosquito. You would fully understand why if you've ever spent an evening outdoors in the UP during the warmer months!
[Darby Horgan, 08/31/2007]
Did Paul Bunyan feed the birds? Driving just east of Gladstone on Highway 2, one can't help but be delighted by this gigantic iron robin feeding her gigantic iron chicks. Perched next to her on the solitary trailer is is a humongous steel fly. The sculpture yard is fenced off, and no name or contact info it posted. The entire place is very enigmatic. Whimsical, but not quite friendly....
[Holly Helterhoff, 08/02/2007]The sculpture was created by "Found Object Specialist" Ritch Branstrom, Adhoc Workshop, Rapid River, Michigan. Ritch read this post and has since added a small sign at the site to explain himself!
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We appreciate your expert birdwatching! That does seem to be the missing robin (or an identical sculpture).