Chris Izworski's daily Michigan birding report turns to Keweenaw County this morning, where the past two weeks have delivered solid breeding season activity across the peninsula's northern reaches. The 131 species reported in the last 14 days reflect a county in full seasonal motion, with warblers settling into territory and waterbirds holding steady along the shorelines and inland lakes.
Warblers and Flycatchers Dominate Bete Grise
Bete Grise Preserve continues to be the hotspot producing the most diverse reporting. Yellow-bellied Flycatchers lead the count at 18 individuals, most recent on June 17, with Blackburnian Warblers close behind at 16 birds. Magnolia Warblers are in at 13 individuals. This is expected fare for the Keweenaw in mid-June, as both species breed throughout the boreal and mixed forest habitat that characterizes much of the county. Blue-headed Vireos, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and Lincoln's Sparrows round out the insectivore guild, all recorded at Bete Grise in recent days. The preserve's reputation as a migrant trap and breeding bird destination is well-earned; the numbers this season support that.
The one genuine surprise from Bete Grise is a Dickcissel on June 17. That's a vagrant flag for Keweenaw County, well north of the species' normal range and typical of the kind of record that makes mid-June worthwhile for visiting birders willing to chase eBird alerts. A White-winged Crossbill on June 15 at the same location also merits attention; these irruptive finches are not regular in breeding season across the UP.
Eastern Whip-poor-wills at Seven Mile Point
The other significant finding in the past two weeks is the series of Eastern Whip-poor-will reports from 2257 Seven Mile Point Road, with sightings on June 16, 17, and 18. That's a bird showing repeat fidelity to a location, suggesting territorial establishment or at minimum consistent nocturnal presence. Whip-poor-wills are uncommon in Keweenaw County proper; the repeat confirmations make this address worth noting if you are in the area after sunset.
Waterbirds and Shorebirds
American White Pelicans have been present at 30 Bollman Street in Ahmeek, with 16 individuals counted as recently as June 5. That location is worth checking today given the calm conditions and northwesterly wind. Double-crested Cormorants are recorded at Feldtmann Lake Trail, and Red-breasted Mergansers have shown up at Isle Royale National Park's Rock Harbor VC. The inland and island waterbird presence suggests typical early-to-mid summer dynamics, though the data points are sparse enough that additional coverage would sharpen the picture.
Blue Jays have been tallied at Eagle Harbor Lighthouse, 20 individuals across the reporting period. Canada Geese hold at Copper Harbor proper. These are not remarkable counts but they mark the birds as present and observable at those specific locations.
Isle Royale and the Outliers
Isle Royale NP's Rock Harbor VC recorded a Canada Jay on June 18, a species that belongs more to the boreal interior and is scarce in the Keweenaw Peninsula proper. That is another noteworthy record. The park also produced Cape May Warbler on June 17, which is more expected for island breeding habitat in June but still a draw for warblers specialists making the ferry crossing.
Today's Conditions and Outlook
Friday June 19 is shaping up as a clear, calm day: 66 degrees, sunny, wind from the northwest at 5 to 10 miles per hour, no rain in the forecast. Those conditions will keep the early dawn chorus suppressed relative to overcast mornings, but the extended daylight (sunrise at 5:53 AM, sunset at 9:50 PM, giving 15 hours 57 minutes of day length) means birding opportunity stretches from very early into the evening. The calm wind will favor waterbird observation and should hold migrants in place rather than pushing them through the county.
Tomorrow brings similar stability, partly sunny with near-calm conditions from the west, suggesting that whatever is present Friday should remain accessible Saturday morning as well.
Where to Focus Today
Bete Grise Preserve remains the most productive location based on recent eBird tallies. It has delivered the highest species counts and the most recent unusual records, including the Dickcissel and White-winged Crossbill. If you are mobile and have time for a second location, Copper Harbor town (240 all-time species) offers a different habitat and waterbird perspective; it produced the Blue Jay cluster and should be consistent for waterfowl and shorebirds along the harbor margins.
The Eastern Whip-poor-will site at Seven Mile Point Road is location-specific and nocturnal, so it requires different logistics, but the repeat presence across three nights suggests you would have a reasonable chance of hearing the bird if you visit after dark.
For the latest reporting, detailed hotspot maps, and live eBird data from Keweenaw County, visit https://birding.chrisizworski.com.