Leaders: Jim Bull and Bruce Szczechowski (Subject to Change)
The Kirtland's Warbler, once an endangered species that was down to just 167 pairs, had a population of about 2,400 pairs in the last census. It was removed from the endangered species list of 2019. It nests almost exclusively in the Jack Pine Country in the northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan.
Around noon, the leaders will stop at a restaurant for lunch. (Price for lunch is not included in the registration total) After lunch, there are plans to stop near Houghton Lake to search for Michigan's only native lizard, the Five-lined Skink. The current end time for this field trip is 12pm but it may go as late at 4pm.
Detroit Bird Alliance board member Jim Bull, a member of the Kirtland’s Warbler Alliance board, and former wildlife biological technician leading tours to see the Kirtland's for the Huron National Forest; he also co-coordinated a campaign to make this species our state bird. Bruce is one of DBA's volunteers and frequent leader of Pointe Mouillee field trips.
In addition to the Kirtland’s other likely possibilities include Brewer’s Blackbird, Common Raven, Vesper Sparrow, Lincoln’s Sparrow, Clay-Colored Sparrow, Brown-thrasher, Nashville Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, Pine Warbler, Bald Eagle, Hermit Thrush, Olive-sided Flycatcher, and more. Rare, but possible if we find a recent burn are Black-backed Woodpeckers and Upland Sandpipers.
If you want to carpool, meet at 3:30 a.m. at the Clarkson Rest Area on I-75 (we will head on no matter what by 3:45 a.m) or meet us at the Grayling Rest Area on I-75 at 7:30 am. Final directions to our destination will be provided at that time.
Early is best because the Kirtland’s sing more boisterously and continuously early in the morning. Carpooling Is strictly voluntary and is arranged by field trip leaders as individuals not by Detroit Bird Alliance.
