Birdwatchers Flock to Iosco County during Warbler Migration

Spend winters in the Bahamas and summers in Michigan along the shores of Lake Huron. Sounds perfect, right? That's the migratory path of the Kirtland's Warbler, an endangered species of songbird that was nearly extinct just 50 years ago. Bird aficionados know that Iosco County, home to Huron House, is also home to the largest concentration of these rare ground nesters. Nature enthusiasts flock to this area in mid-May for warbler migration to observe this vulnerable species.

Warblers are any of various species of small, insect-eating songbirds that typically have a "warbling" song and are found in gardens, woodlands and marshes. In addition to the Kirtland's Warbler, other species that can be found in high numbers in Northern Michigan include the Cape May Warbler, Golden-winged Warbler, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and White-crowned Sparrow. But it's the Kirtland's Warbler that's unique to this specific area. This elusive songbird migrates back to Michigan from the Bahamas from early to mid-May. As a primary nesting area, Iosco County is a meca for those wishing to catch a glimpse of this blue-gray bird with a yellow belly, also referred to as a Jack Pine Warbler.

While the Kirtland's Warbler remains on the state's endangered species list, it is in recovery. Groups like the Michigan Audubon and its AuSable Valley chapter work in tandem to provide programming and projects to help in the recovery of this endangered bird species, expanding their impact through conservation, education and research. Both groups host birding tours that allow birders, naturalists and eco-tourists opportunities to explore native habitats.

For the last 15 years, the Michigan Audubon has hosted the Tawas Point Birding Festival. Birders gather at this event to network and socialize, and there are guided tours of nesting spots and various birding workshops. Visitors also can explore the Sunrise Coast Birding Trail, which begins at the mouth of the AuSable River in Oscoda and follows along the Lake Huron coast north to Mackinaw City.

"No bird soars too high if he soars with his own wings." —William Blake