Chris Izworski, reporting from Michigan, turns to Arenac County this morning where spring migration is pushing waterfowl through the system and early warblers are beginning to arrive across the Northern Lower Peninsula. The past two weeks have delivered 88 species across the county, with activity centered at the county's top water access points and backyard feeders where finches are still present in notable numbers.
Waterfowl Concentrations at Singing Bridge Park
Singing Bridge Park remains the focal point for serious birding in Arenac County right now. The park hosted 70 individual Buffleheads as recently as April 18, making it the highest-count species in the county over the past 14 days. Ring-necked Ducks follow with 20 individuals at the same location, along with 16 Lesser Scaup and 15 Redheads. Greater Scaup are also present at counts of 8 birds. These concentrations suggest productive shallow water habitat holding migrating ducks through the transition season. Bonaparte's Gulls, 16 birds at Singing Bridge, indicate active foraging conditions on open water.
The presence of 8 Caspian Terns at Singing Bridge is notable for an inland site; these birds are following fish movements northward and represent the vanguard of tern activity that will increase as water temperatures warm through May. Tundra Swans, 10 individuals reported at a residential location on April 23, underscore the pulse of large waterfowl moving through the county. These swan counts are typical for late April in Michigan's migration window.
Finch Activity and Evening Grosbeak Persistence
Backyard feeders across Arenac County are maintaining healthy finch numbers despite the advancing season. Pine Siskins lead all feeder-based species with 38 individuals reported on April 24, suggesting a lingering population that has not yet dispersed northward. American Goldfinches at 13 individuals and Purple Finches at 5 indicate stable early-season representation of these species. These numbers suggest that seed feeders, particularly those stocked with nyjer and sunflower, remain productive.
The flagged sighting of 11 Evening Grosbeaks at Brothers House, 3455 Townline Rd, Omer, on April 16 deserves attention. Evening Grosbeaks are sporadic visitors to northern Michigan and concentrations of this size at a single location are noteworthy. While the report is nine days old, the persistence of these birds through mid-April suggests they may still be present in the immediate area if conditions remain suitable. Sunflower seed feeders would be the draw.
Weather Setup and Migration Timing
Today's forecast of 51 degrees with partly sunny skies and a 10 to 15 mph northeast wind is marginal for advancing migration. Northeast winds typically do not favor warbler or songbird movement northward; a shift to south or southwest flow would be more productive. However, the clear evening tonight with temperatures dropping to 33 degrees may see nocturnal migrants passing overhead, particularly given the lengthening photoperiod. Sunrise at 6:36 AM gives a reasonable dawn chorus window from 6:06 to 8:06 AM, roughly two hours to work the hedgerows and brushy edges where early spring migrants stage.
Tomorrow's slightly warmer forecast of 56 degrees with mostly sunny conditions and light northeast winds suggests another day of slow movement. Birders should monitor conditions through next week for the wind pattern to shift; significant warbler arrival typically requires a warming trend with southern component winds.
Hotspot Recommendation and Data Limitations
With waterfowl activity clearly concentrated at Singing Bridge Park and recent eBird activity highest there, that location warrants a visit today for anyone targeting dabbling and diving ducks, gulls, or terns. The Au Gres River Mouth, the county's most productive hotspot by all-time species count at 207, has not appeared in the latest eBird reports and may be worth checking in person if river conditions allow access. Santiago Rd. boardwalk, with 197 all-time species, is another established location that could produce warblers and shorebirds as migration advances.
The eBird data from Arenac County over the past two weeks shows moderate activity overall, with 88 observations logged. The relatively concentrated reporting at a handful of locations suggests that consistent coverage of the county's wetland complex, particularly the Wigwam Bay SWA units and Manor Rd. fields, could produce additional species as we move deeper into spring migration. Dedicated morning visits during the next week should reveal incoming warblers and sparrows.
For live updates and the full county hotspot map, visit https://birding.chrisizworski.com.