Chris Izworski, reporting from Michigan, turns to Dickinson County this morning to find the region in the thick of spring migration. The past two weeks have delivered 131 species across the county, with activity concentrated at a handful of reliable hotspots that are proving their worth right now.
Waterfowl Dominance at Channing
The Channing Sewage Lagoons have become the epicenter of Dickinson County birding this week. Canada Geese are present in force with 37 individuals reported as recently as yesterday, May 29. Wood Ducks follow with 18 counts from the same location, and Mallards with 5. This concentration of dabbling ducks and geese suggests the lagoons are offering what they do best: shallow water, exposed mud, and the kind of cover that migrating waterfowl need in late May. Common Mergansers, though last reported on May 18, may still be working the deeper portions of the site or have moved north. The sewage treatment setting is unglamorous but productive. If you are heading out today, the Channing Lagoons warrant a morning visit.
Warbler Movement at Fumee Lake
Fumee Lake Natural Area is showing the warbler diversity expected in late May. Common Yellowthroats have reached 6 individuals, Northern Yellow Warblers 5, Baltimore Orioles 4, and American Redstarts 3, all confirmed as recently as May 29. With 175 all-time species on record, Fumee Lake remains the county's premier birding destination. The sunny forecast today with light southeast winds at 5 to 10 miles per hour should keep birds active in the canopy and understory throughout the morning. The long daylight window, with sunrise at 6:05 AM and the dawn chorus active until roughly 7:35 AM, provides nearly two hours of optimal conditions.
Red-headed Woodpecker Holding Territory
The notable sighting that has flagged across the past two weeks is the Red-headed Woodpecker at the Folks residence on Birch Lane in Iron Mountain. This bird was logged multiple times between May 18 and May 20, with three reports on May 20 alone. Red-headed Woodpeckers are never common in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and sustained presence at a residential property suggests possible nesting interest or at least favorable feeding conditions. The location sits at the western edge of Dickinson County near the Iron Mountain area. If you have local access and permission, this is worth monitoring. A Harris's Sparrow was also reported at a home on May 19, though no follow-up sightings appear in the current data.
Water Levels and Swallows
Bank Swallows were reported in a group of 6 at River Road public access on May 18. These birds are breeding migrants and should still be in the area, though the lack of recent reports suggests coverage may have shifted elsewhere. Chapin Mine, which historically hosts Common Mergansers and other diving ducks, last saw activity on May 18. The water-dependent species are performing at expected May levels for Dickinson County.
Recommendation for Today
With clear skies and temperatures climbing to 72 degrees, today favors active birding. Fumee Lake Natural Area offers the highest probability of diverse warblers and migrants in the morning hours. For waterfowl and shorebirds, Channing Sewage Lagoons should be your secondary stop. Both locations are accessible and reliable. The southeast wind should push new birds into the county rather than press them northward, keeping local activity steady into the afternoon.
Track the live county data and full hotspot reports at https://birding.chrisizworski.com.