Chris Izworski, reporting from Michigan, turns to Gladwin County this morning where an American Goshawk has now been documented for three consecutive days at Gladwin County RA, most recently today. This is the kind of sighting that warrants attention in the Northern Lower Peninsula. Goshawks are not common residents through early June, and a bird holding territory at a single access point across multiple days suggests either a territorial male or a bird with good reasons to remain in the area. For anyone within reasonable driving distance, this should be on the morning list.
What is Moving Through Gladwin County Now
The broader picture in Gladwin County shows typical early June breeding season activity, with 153 species reported over the past 14 days. Black Terns continue to show at Gladwin SF along the Center Fireline Trail north of M-61, with nine individuals tallied as of late May. These birds are settling into breeding territories in the wetland complexes that define much of the county's birding value. Dunlins and Lesser Scaup remain at Butman Township Sewage Ponds, where shorebird and dabbling duck activity has held steady through late May.
The most recent strong activity report comes from Molasses River Flooding WMA, where yesterday's coverage included five Red-winged Blackbirds, five Turkey Vultures, four Canada Geese, and four Veeries. This remains the county's top all-time hotspot with 186 species recorded, and it is performing as expected for early June. The mix of breeding songbirds, resident waterfowl, and migratory warblers makes this the safest bet for a productive morning.
Bobolinks continue to occupy the North Gladwin plains along Shell Road, with five counted as recently as May 25. These birds are singing and territorial, making the early morning window the most productive time to confirm sightings and hear the metallic, rolling song.
Warblers and a Goshawk
A Blackburnian Warbler showed at Gladwin SF along the East Branch Tittabawassee River Trail on June 2. This is the kind of lateral movement typical for spring warblers that overshooted or paused during the early June post-dawn chorus lull. Red-eyed Vireos and Eastern Wood-Pewees are present at Gladwin County RA as of yesterday, both reliable breeders in mature deciduous habitat.
The goshawk situation bears repeating: four sightings across June 1, 2, and 3 at Gladwin County RA suggest a bird worth pursuing. Goshawks are notoriously elusive and unpredictable, but a multi-day presence pattern offers the best odds. Early morning light and calm conditions favor detection.
Weather and Timing
Today breaks clear and warm, 86 degrees by afternoon with light westerly wind at 5 mph and zero chance of rain. Sunrise is 5:56 AM with the dawn chorus window running from 5:26 AM to 7:26 AM. This is prime time for Red-eyed Vireos, Wood-Pewees, and Veeries, though the clear skies favor daytime hawk activity as well. The goshawk is more likely to be mobile and visible under these conditions than it would be on overcast mornings. Spend first light on songbirds, then watch the thermal lift around mid-morning if you are working the RA.
Tomorrow mirrors today with similar warmth and comparable wind, extending the window for consistent conditions through the week.
Where to Go
For a morning visit, Molasses River Flooding WMA is the baseline choice. It consistently produces diverse breeding season coverage and offers the best statistical likelihood of encountering multiple species and families. The access points are straightforward, and the habitat diversity supports everything from vireos to waterfowl.
If the goshawk is your target, Gladwin County RA is non-negotiable. Arrive well before sunrise, spend the first two hours working the perimeter and listening for alarm calls from resident songbirds that might betray the hawk's presence. Goshawks are most detectable early and during mid-morning thermal activity. The bird's three-day hold suggests it is worth the focused effort.
Check the live map and full county data at https://birding.chrisizworski.com.