Chris Izworski's daily Michigan birding report turns to Iosco County this morning, where 166 species have been logged in the past two weeks and the breeding season is pushing warblers and shorebirds into their established territories. The county's position on Lake Huron's thumb continues to generate solid migrant coverage, though the real news today is concentrated at one key inland site.
Brewster's Warblers Holding at Tuttle Marsh
Tuttle Marsh Wildlife Area has become the story in Iosco County. Multiple Brewster's Warbler hybrids have been reported over the past two days, with at least four separate sightings on June 12 alone. A Magnolia Warbler was also present on the same date. Brewster's Warbler, the hybrid cross between Golden-winged and Blue-winged warblers, remains a noteworthy find in Michigan and worth the drive to Tuttle Marsh if you're in the region. The marsh's all-time species count of 248 reflects its value as a migrant trap and breeding habitat, and these recent warblers suggest the site is still producing through mid-June.
Waterbirds Distributed Across Tawas Point and Interior Lakes
Waterfowl activity continues steady across the county's two major focal points. Tawas Point State Park, the area's premier hotspot with 304 all-time species, hosted 7 Common Mergansers on June 10 and continues to hold Bonaparte's Gulls. The park's spit is always worth a scan for shorebirds and gulls; Sanderlings were present here as recently as early June. Pied-billed Grebes, numbering 4 individuals, are still active at Tuttle Marsh, suggesting successful breeding setup. Canada Geese remain present with 6 birds noted at Loon Lake Nature Park on June 11.
The Sanctuary in Wilber Township is posting the highest individual counts in the recent data, with 8 Wood Ducks, 6 Purple Martins, 5 American Robins, 5 Red-winged Blackbirds, and 3 Trumpeter Swans all documented as recently as today. Purple Martins in particular are settling well, indicating successful colony activity.
Breeding Residents and Open Grassland Species
Savannah Sparrows at Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport, 4 birds on June 11, confirm their occupation of the open fields there. Bobolinks, a key mid-Michigan breeding specialty, have been logged at May Road in East Tawas with 4 individuals as of June 11. These grassland breeders are now into territory establishment and should remain visible through the breeding cycle. Eastern Phoebes, numbering 4, are settled at the Sanctuary.
Weather and Today's Timing
Today's forecast shows mostly sunny conditions with 78 degrees and a modest 15 mph westerly wind; the 2 percent rain chance means dry birding. The long day length of 15 hours and 28 minutes gives plenty of evening light. If you're targeting the dawn chorus, the window runs from 5:19 to 7:19 AM, though peak chorus peaked in early June and will be moderating from here. Tomorrow pushes to 86 degrees with slight rain shower chances and lighter southwest winds, which could push any lingering warblers northward, though breeding birds are now sedentary.
Where to Focus
For a birder heading into Iosco County today, Tuttle Marsh Wildlife Area is the essential stop if you want to chase the Brewster's Warblers and Magnolia Warbler currently present. The site's wooded wetland margins are ideal for warbler activity. If you prefer waterfowl, gulls, and possible shorebirds, Tawas Point State Park remains the county's most productive location and is never a wasted visit. The park's recent Common Merganser and Bonaparte's Gull activity justifies the Lake Huron shoreline exposure.
Follow live eBird reports and complete county data at https://birding.chrisizworski.com.