Chris Izworski, reporting from Michigan, turns to Isabella County this morning to find grassland specialists and shorebirds holding strong in the second week of breeding season. The past 14 days have yielded 114 species across 114 observations, a solid baseline for the northern Lower Peninsula at this time of year.
Grasslands and Open Country Driving the Count
The headline story in Isabella County right now is the concentration of breeding birds in the Weidman area, particularly along N Wyman Road between 3608 and 3868. Bobolinks lead the charge with 7 individuals reported as of June 12, joined by 6 Eastern Meadowlarks, 5 Savannah Sparrows, 4 Barn Swallows, 2 Eastern Bluebirds, and notably, 2 Sandhill Cranes. This cluster reflects what this county does well: open grasslands and marsh-adjacent habitat that supports both obligate grassland breeders and more versatile species. The Sandhill Cranes are worth noting if you head that direction; they are established breeders in Isabella County but remain uncommon enough to make a sighting noteworthy.
Shorebirds at W Vernon Road
The Weidman area around W Vernon Road has been the strongest shorebird hotspot in recent weeks. Spotted Sandpipers lead with 11 individuals, most recent on June 6, while Semipalmated Plovers account for 6. A Dunlin appeared on June 3, which qualifies as notable for this inland county in early June. These birds are likely working through migration or settling into breeding grounds along whatever wetland complex draws them to this location. The dates suggest the peak movement may have already passed, but shorebirds in June can be unpredictable.
Dickcissel Activity Warrants Attention
eBird has flagged multiple Dickcissel sightings in Isabella County over the past two weeks. Two birds appeared at Rolland Road north of Airline Road on June 5, and a single bird showed up at the N Wyman Road location on June 12. Dickcissels are irregular but not unprecedented in Michigan during breeding season, particularly in open grasslands. If you are working the Weidman grasslands, keep an ear open for the distinctive buzz and look for them in the same habitat favoring Bobolinks and meadowlarks.
Trumpeter Swans and Wood Ducks South
Two Trumpeter Swans and 5 Wood Ducks have been reported from S Nottawa Road in the Fremont area as recently as June 13. Trumpeters are now established residents across much of Michigan, but two birds together in June is worth a mention. The Wood Ducks suggest adequate breeding habitat in that drainage system.
Weather and Timing for Today
Today brings a 47 percent chance of rain showers with temperatures reaching 66 degrees and northwest winds between 3 and 16 mph. That northwest flow is cool and typically suppresses vocal activity slightly, though breeding birds will still respond during the dawn window. Sunrise is at 5:57 AM, with the prime chorus window running from 5:27 to 7:27 AM. If you plan to get out early, aim for 6:00 to 7:00 AM before any rain develops. Tomorrow looks better: sunny, 74 degrees, and westerly winds should stabilize through the day.
Where to Bird Today
The data strongly suggests focusing on the Weidman grasslands along N Wyman Road if you want to encounter the diversity driving Isabella County's current activity. Lake Isabella and Mill Pond Park remain the county's most productive hotspots by all-time species count, with 183 and 180 species respectively, but the current action is in the open country. If you are interested in shorebirds, W Vernon Road near Weidman is worth a stop, though expect more limited movement at this point in the season.
For the live eBird map and full county data, visit https://birding.chrisizworski.com.