Chris Izworski, reporting from Michigan, turns to Berrien County this morning with a migration push that continues to pay dividends across the southern Lower Peninsula. Two hundred species reported in the past fourteen days tells you everything about what happens here in May when the weather cooperates and the birds are moving through. Today's forecast, sunny with a north wind at 5 to 15 mph and highs around 60, should keep conditions favorable for continued activity along the Lake Michigan shore and inland wetlands.
The Shorebird Numbers at Andrews University
The Andrews University Agriculture Education Center dairy remains the hot spot for shorebirds right now. Lesser Yellowlegs dominate the count with 33 individuals reported as recently as May 10, making it by far the most frequently documented bird in the county over the past two weeks. Greater Yellowlegs are running much lower at 12 birds but are still present at the same location. Least Sandpipers, often overshadowed by their larger cousins, have registered 17 sightings. These numbers suggest the wetland areas at Andrews have found their rhythm as a staging ground for birds pushing north. The shallow water conditions there continue to be ideal for probing and foraging. If you are heading out to work shorebirds this morning, Andrews should be your first stop before the thermals warm up the air and birds begin moving again.
The Lakeside Spectacles
Warren Dunes State Park and the broader Lake Michigan waterfront continue to deliver larger, more visible species. American White Pelicans, 25 individuals counted as of May 8, remain a draw for observers willing to scan the water. These are not regular breeders in Michigan, so their presence during migration, even in modest numbers, is worth a dedicated visit. The same goes for the Purple Martin colony at Three Oaks Sewage Ponds, where 25 birds have been tallied. Purple Martins are early nesters and the numbers here suggest the colony is filling in nicely as more birds arrive. Both locations offer different habitat types: Warren Dunes gives you the open water perspective, while Three Oaks provides the intimate wetland and grassland view. Either choice will be productive on a clear May morning.
The Blue Grosbeak Situation
The news in Berrien County right now is the Blue Grosbeak at Forest Lawn Landfill. This bird has been reported five times between May 9 and May 11, a remarkable consistency for a species that is rarely common anywhere in Michigan. Blue Grosbeaks are southern birds, and when they show up here, they are worth documenting. The landfill has restricted access, which will limit who can pursue it, but if you have permission or connections at that site, the bird appears to be holding. This is a flagged rarity that warrants serious consideration if access can be arranged.
The Worm-eating Warbler at Grand Mere
Grand Mere State Park has had a Worm-eating Warbler reported twice on May 9. This is another noteworthy sighting, as Worm-eating Warblers are decidedly uncommon in Michigan during migration. They prefer wooded ravines and thick understory, and the dune woodland habitat at Grand Mere appears to have hosted this bird briefly. Follow-up searches today may or may not relocate it, but the report is worth your attention if you are in that area.
The Broader Picture
Beyond the headlines, the typical May migration is well underway. Brown Sanctuary is showing solid diversity across resident and migrant species: White-throated Sparrows at 12, American Robins at 10, Wood Ducks at 8, Common Yellowthroats at 8, Northern Cardinals at 8, and multiple warbler and songbird species. This is the baseline of what you should expect to find in good habitat right now. Canada Geese, still present at 15 birds, are mostly late migrants or non-breeding loiterers at this point in May. The variety of sparrows, cardinals, and warblers reflects the full swing of spring passage.
The north wind today will not be ideal for pushing warblers northward, but it should not suppress activity at established stopover sites. The calm, clear morning from sunrise at 6:30 AM through the dawn chorus window ending around 8:00 AM will be the best time for finding active migrants and hearing their songs. Frost tonight may affect some insect activity, but it should not derail birding efforts at the traditional hotspots.
If you are heading to Berrien County today, prioritize Andrews University for shorebirds and Three Oaks for martins and wetland species. For rarities, Grand Mere deserves a focused morning walk if Worm-eating Warblers are on your list. For the Blue Grosbeak, contact the landfill directly to discuss access.
Live updates and the full county data are available at https://birding.chrisizworski.com.