Kirtland's Warbler Bird Watching in Michigan
Endangered Bird Nests in Northern Michigan Forests Each Spring
Apr 25, 2008
When contemplating a trip to view one of the most elusive birds in the world, destinations such as Africa and Asia might come to mind. Most people would not think of such birdwatching in Grayling and Mio in Michigan and yet that is the case!
Unique Nesting Habits
The Kirtland’s Warbler nests in a very specific area of Michigan and winters in the Bahamas. Although it has been found recently in a few other areas such as Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Ontario and Wisconsin, the bird prefers northern Michigan because of the prevalence of jack pines. Kirtland’s Warblers are ground nesters and nest underneath jack pines in stands of 80 acres or more. They prefer younger jack pines that still have lower branches available.
Endangered Species
Because of the unique nature of their nesting habits, the Kirtland’s Warbler has been in danger of extinction. Jack pine cones release their seeds through the heat of fire. Because fire suppression became the norm in an effort to protect land and people, there were not enough fires to clear out the older jack pines and release the pine cone seeds to begin new ones. Thus the Kirtland’s Warbler population diminished significantly.
Wildlife management has undertaken the task of providing the rare birds with the habitat they need through controlled burns and other threat management. This has resulted in approximately 38,000 acres devoted to the needed habitat. They have also worked to protect the bird from brown-headed cowbirds whose nest parasitism has a very negative impact on the ability of the Kirtland’s Warblers to successfully hatch and launch their young.
Viewing the Kirtland’s Warbler
During nesting season there are a few different options available for viewing the birds. Viewing must take place via a guided tour because the habitat is otherwise closed to the public during the nesting season in order to fully protect the birds.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Michigan Audubon Society work together to offer tours from May 14 through July 5. These tours leave from the Ramada Inn in Grayling each morning at 7:00 and 11:00. There is no charge. For more information contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at 517-351-2555 or the Michigan Audubon Society at 517-886-9144.
The U.S. Forest Service also offers tours. These tours depart from the U.S. Forest Service District Ranger Office in Mio at 7:00 a.m. each day. There is a $5.00 charge. For more information, contact them at 989-826-3252.
Kirtland’s Warbler Festival
Each May Kirtland Community College hosts the Kirtland’s Warbler Festival. This family friendly event includes a wide variety of activities including guided tours for viewing the birds, performing arts, wildlife seminars, an arts and crafts fair, and children’s events. This year the festival will be held Saturday, May 16, 2009. The official website offers a wealth of information regarding times and specific activities.
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