Chris Izworski, reporting from Michigan, turns to Cheboygan County this morning with waterfowl lingering on the Straits and warblers moving through in waves. The eBird data from the past two weeks shows 137 species recorded across the county, with long-tailed ducks still concentrated at Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse and early warblers establishing themselves at Elk Ridge Nature Reserve.
The Waterfowl Holding Pattern at the Lighthouse
Long-tailed ducks continue to dominate the recent counts in Cheboygan County, with 61 individuals reported at Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse as recently as yesterday. This concentration is notable for mid-May; typically these birds are farther north by now. The southwest wind forecast for today at 10 to 15 miles per hour should hold them in place rather than push them out. Red-breasted mergansers are also present at the same location with 12 recent sightings, and double-crested cormorants round out the diving bird picture with five reports. If you are making the drive to the lighthouse, expect these three species as the core of what you will encounter along the water.
Warbler Movement at Elk Ridge
Elk Ridge Nature Reserve is producing the most consistent warbler action in the county right now. Nashville warblers stand out with 12 individuals recorded through May 15, making this the second most frequently reported species overall in Cheboygan County. White-crowned sparrows with three sightings and turkey vultures with three sightings suggest good activity there as well. The dawn chorus window this morning runs from 5:37 AM to 7:37 AM with sunrise at 6:07 AM; this is prime time to work the reserve. The slight chance of rain showers today should clear out before mid-morning, and the 69-degree forecast is comfortable for extended listening and searching.
Orchard Orioles and the Yellow-throated Warbler News
The most interesting flagged sightings in recent days involve an out-of-place warbler and a scarce breeder. A yellow-throated warbler appeared on May 13 at the North Central State Trail, Wolverine section. This is not a typical Cheboygan County bird and warrants a follow-up visit. Orchard orioles have been reported three times between May 9 and May 11, twice at Harvest Thyme Farm and once at the North Central State Trail, Wolverine to Thirsty Sturgeon section. Orchard orioles are genuinely uncommon this far north in Michigan and breed sparsely; these reports should be verified by anyone in the area.
Recent Additions and Secondary Species
Rose-breasted grosbeaks with three sightings and pine siskins with four sightings have appeared at 5515 Big Sky Trail in Indian River, suggesting some private property hotspot activity worth monitoring. Cliff swallows with four reports at Straits State Harbor indicate colony activity beginning to establish. Green-winged teal remain at Cheboygan State Park with 35 individuals counted on May 2, though that report is aging and today's water conditions might reveal fresh movement.
What to Target Today
If you have a morning available, prioritize Elk Ridge Nature Reserve for Nashville warblers and early warbler waves during the dawn chorus window. The weather will cooperate with mostly sunny conditions by mid-morning and no rain expected until after 9 AM. If waterbirds are your focus and you can make the drive, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse will have long-tailed ducks and mergansers; the southwest wind holds them on the Straits. Cheboygan State Park remains a reliable fallback with 230 all-time species on record and documented green-winged teal activity.
Get out early and report back to https://birding.chrisizworski.com for the live map and full county data.