Member Travels to Michigan to See Rare Kirtland's Warbler

Photos and story by Tiffani Long, Social Media Coordinator

Top Left - Tiffani next to Kirtland's Warbler Sign 

Top Right - Tiffani poses next to Henry - Michigan Audubon Kirtland's Warbler Tour Guide 

Bottom - Tiffani’s ID Shot of the Kirtland's Warbler Cropped Heavily 

As a Michigander, I had no idea about the Kirtland's Warbler. I have always loved birds, but didn’t become a birder - or bird photographer - until a little later in life. I think I just stumbled across an article one day about this once-endangered bird and how it relies on the Jack Pines of Northern Michigan. 

I was disappointed in myself for not taking advantage of seeing all of Michigan's great birding opportunities while I lived there - especially missing one of the rarest songbirds in North America. So, as we were planning a trip home for the summer, I knew I had to try to see this rarity. I hopped on the Michigan Audubon website and immediately booked the last tour of the season. 

My mom and I woke at 5 am and drove in the rain to meet the Michigan Audubon tour guide by 7 am at Hartwick Pines State Park in Grayling. Henry, with his blue Michigan Audubon shirt, (of course their logo is a portrait of the famous warbler) made his introductions, gave the group a breakdown on the bird and its habitat, and then led us in a 25-minute caravan drive. 

Thank goodness the rain let up as we turned down a remote two-track road encompassed by a young dense jack pine forest. 

I had no idea that this warbler was a ground-nester!

Though I photograph birds regularly, I tried to temper my expectations and kept giving myself a “just be happy if you see it,” pep talk. As all 17 of us exited our cars with binoculars, you could already hear the bird singing, LOUDLY. These birds project similarly to a Carolina Wren, perhaps even louder, and their song travels. You would think they are right next to you, but they’re often much farther away. 

I am still sad I didn’t get “the shot”, but thankful that it graced us with its presence.  

We also saw a handful of other birds - Eastern Towhee, Brown Thrasher, Dark Eyed Junco, Blue Jay, Palm Warbler, Eastern Bluebird, Song Sparrow, and a Nashville Warbler. But the instant sunlight hit, so did a swarm of gnats that abruptly interrupted the birdwatching session. If we didn’t get into the car when we did I think the bugs would have carried us away.

Good news is, I don’t think the warblers are short on food. 

Thank you Michigan Audubon/Henry - it was definitely a memorable trip! 

Do you have an exciting birding tale? Share your story and photos with our newsletter readers by sending it to: sandy.townsend@tampaaudubon.org