Chris Izworski's daily Michigan birding report turns to Kalkaska County this morning, where the past two weeks have delivered exactly what June should offer in the Northern Lower Peninsula: breeding birds settling into their territories and a handful of genuinely rare sightings that justify the early alarm clock.
Kirtland's Warbler activity drives the narrative
The standout story here is unambiguous. Kirtland's Warblers have been recorded at multiple locations across Kalkaska County in the past 72 hours, with the most substantial counts coming from the Military Road SE area near Fife Lake, where observers documented seven birds on both June 13 and June 15. Yesterday, June 16, two birds were reported at the KIWA sign on Waterfowl Road, and another two turned up at a Grayling location just over the county line on June 14. This is the prime window for Kirtland's breeding activity in Michigan. The species is tethered to jack pine habitat, and Kalkaska County sits in the heart of that range. If you are considering a morning trip to pursue this species, the Military Road SE location near Fife Lake has proven most productive in the recent data.
Olive-sided Flycatcher records on Flowing Well Road
A secondary but noteworthy story involves two Olive-sided Flycatcher sightings along Flowing Well Road in Kalkaska, recorded on June 13 and June 14 at slightly different locations. This is a species that demands attention when it appears; they are often perched conspicuously on dead snags and can be located if present. The Flowing Well Road area merits a stop if you are in that part of the county.
The broader breeding season picture
Beyond the rarities, the county's eBird activity over the past 14 days reflects solid mid-June breeding season coverage. Common Grackles continue to show up in the Fletcher Road area, with five individuals logged as recently as June 16. Wood Ducks remain present at Papoose Lake Nature Preserve, where eight were counted on June 10. Mute Swans persist along the Torch River, with the most recent count of 11 birds on June 7. Sandhill Cranes have been documented along Michigan 72, and a pair of Wild Turkeys appeared near Rapid City on June 17. The overall species total of 126 reported over the two-week window suggests that observers are working the county fairly consistently, though the data is not dense by any means.
Dawn chorus window and today's weather
Today brings rain and 70 degree temperatures with a south wind at 5 to 10 miles per hour. The dawn chorus window, running from 5:23 AM to 7:23 AM, will coincide with overcast, wet conditions. South winds can push migrant warblers, but with breeding season well underway and resident species already on territory, the primary benefit of the south wind is minimal this time of year. The rain will likely suppress activity. Tomorrow offers a slightly better window with a northwest wind and diminishing rain chances, though it will be cooler at 63 degrees.
Recommended hotspots for today
If you are heading out despite the wet forecast, prioritize the Military Road SE area near Fife Lake for Kirtland's Warblers, or the Flowing Well Road location for Olive-sided Flycatchers if you want a secondary target. If conditions deteriorate and you prefer to work a larger hotspot, Skegemog Swamp has documented 183 species all-time and is likely to produce decent breeding season activity even on a rainy morning. Rugg Pond Natural Area, the county's top hotspot with 185 species all-time, is worth considering for a longer outing once the rain clears tomorrow.
For live updates, the complete eBird map, and current observations from Kalkaska County, visit https://birding.chrisizworski.com.