Chris Izworski, reporting from Michigan, turns to Delta County this morning to find one of the year's most significant sightings: a Kirtland's Warbler confirmed at Stonington pine barrens just this morning, with another individual reported there on May 26. This is the news that matters in the Upper Peninsula right now. Kirtland's Warblers are not casual sightings; they are the reason many serious Michigan birders plan their spring routes through the jack pine country. The species remains a conservation triumph and a draw for anyone within range. If you can make it to Stonington pine barrens today, conditions are optimal: sunny, light southwest winds of 5 to 10 mph, and temperatures reaching 70 degrees. The birds will be active in the warming midday hours.
Waterbirds and Shorebirds at Peninsula Point
Beyond the Kirtland's, Peninsula Point continues to dominate the county's species activity. The hotspot has recorded 273 species all-time and is delivering excellent diversity right now. Shorebird reports are strong for late May: Black-bellied Plovers (8 individuals as of May 28), Dunlin (6 individuals, May 26), and Semipalmated Sandpipers (5 individuals, May 26). Long-tailed Ducks persist at 8 individuals, suggesting lingering migration or nonbreeding birds, most recently seen on May 23. These are birds in transition, and Peninsula Point's open shoreline provides the exposed mudflats and water access they need.
Rarer records from Peninsula Point include a Eurasian Tree Sparrow noted on May 26 and multiple sightings on May 25 (3 individuals). A Dickcissel appeared on May 25 and a Summer Tanager on the same date. These are the outliers that catch eBird flags; they represent overshoots or stragglers that add texture to a strong migration period. Peninsula Point's all-time list of 273 species reflects its position as the county's premier birding destination.
Portage Marsh: Waterfowl and Breeding Birds
Portage Marsh (Portage Point) is the second hotspot by all-time count (236 species) and shows the most activity in recent reports. Red-winged Blackbirds lead the count at 12 individuals, unsurprising for breeding season; Wood Ducks follow at 10 individuals (May 25), and Mallards and Tree Swallows tie at 7 each. This is the pattern of an early-summer marsh: breeding residents establishing territories, returning migrants settling into suitable habitat. Song Sparrows (5 individuals, May 28) and Common Grackles (5 individuals, May 28) show similar patterns. Cedar Waxwings (4 individuals, May 28) and Eastern Warbling Vireos (4 individuals, May 28) are active, the latter consistent with May warbler and vireo activity across Michigan.
A Willow Flycatcher was noted here on May 25, another warbler wave outlier. The mix of dabbling ducks, blackbirds, and early breeding songbirds makes Portage Marsh a reliable location for variety. Today's conditions, warm and sunny with light winds, will favor activity in open areas and marsh vegetation.
Field Sparrows and Open Country
Baker Creek Wildlife Opening reported 8 Field Sparrows on May 24. These birds favor grasslands and scrub, and late May is the right time to find them actively singing on territory. This location does not appear as a top hotspot in the all-time lists, but it deserves attention for early-season grassland species and migrants passing through open country.
Weather and Migration Timing
The southwest wind forecast for today (5 to 10 mph) is favorable for continued northbound warbler and vireo push-through. However, at this late date in May, the peak of the spring wave is subsiding. Most transient warblers have moved through; resident and breeding species are establishing themselves. The 187 species recorded in the past 14 days across the entire county reflects active migration and breeding season activity. Tomorrow's wind shift to the east and slight cooling (60 degrees, 10 mph east wind) may slow movement, but east winds can occasionally produce unexpected sightings as birds stall or reorient.
Where to Go Today
The priority is Stonington pine barrens for the Kirtland's Warbler. This is exceptional. If that location is inaccessible or already worked, Peninsula Point offers shorebird diversity and the lingering rare species that have been appearing: Eurasian Tree Sparrows were there as recently as May 26. Portage Marsh provides waterfowl and breeding songbird activity with easier access and reliable counts. Both hotspots are worth a morning visit, and the long daylight (sunrise 6:02 AM, sunset 9:25 PM) gives you the entire day to cover ground.
For the live eBird map and complete Delta County bird activity, visit https://birding.chrisizworski.com.