Chris Izworski's daily Michigan birding report turns to Baraga County this morning, where the past two weeks have delivered the expected waterfowl surge of late April. The county has logged 69 species in 14 days, a solid haul for this time of year, with most reports concentrated at a handful of key locations along U.S. 41 and the Baraga Sewage Ponds.
Waterfowl Dominance and the Keweenaw Bay Corridor
Ring-billed Gulls lead the eBird counts at 29 individuals, all reported from the 1300 U.S. 41 location in Baraga near the bay. That same site has proven the most productive in the county over the past two weeks, with Horned Grebes (12), Canada Geese (10), Redheads (8), and Northern Shovelers (7) also frequent. Yesterday's observation of Greater Scaup (10) at U.S. 41 near Michigamme and Common Goldeneyes (17) at the Baraga Sewage Ponds underscores the classic spring dynamic: deep-water ducks prefer the impoundments and bay proper, while dabbling ducks and early-arriving shorebirds work the shallower areas and margins.
The notable sighting here belongs to the Black-headed Gulls: two birds pulled from the Head of Keweenaw Bay pulloff on April 24. That is the standout record for the two-week window and worth a targeted visit if you have not yet worked that location this spring. A Common Tern at the same spot the same day suggests decent water clarity and forage fish presence at the mouth of the bay.
Dabbler Hotspot on Arnheim Road
Arnheim Road, likely in the L'Anse vicinity, has concentrated American Wigeons (21), Brown-headed Cowbirds (20), and Green-winged Teals (8). These numbers suggest a productive marsh or impoundment complex still holding early migrants before they push north into breeding grounds. Brown-headed Cowbirds are routine at this season, but 21 American Wigeons in a single location is respectable for Baraga County and indicates adequate wetland habitat not fully exploited elsewhere.
Lingering Winter Species and Migration Windows
Redpolls (12) are still present around Covington on April 17, consistent with lingering northern finch flocks that often hold into late April before retreating. A White-crowned Sparrow at the same Covington location on April 17 fits the migration profile for this species through the western UP. Dark-eyed Juncos (5) on April 23 at a private location on West Branch Huron River Road are predictable for late April, though most breeding Juncos have moved on or are moving on by month's end. Pine Siskins (5) reported at Skanee on April 20 suggest stable finch activity, likely birds still working feeders and early natural food sources before dispersal.
Weather and Today's Conditions
Partly sunny skies, 58 degrees, and light southerly winds favor continued waterfowl presence at traditional staging areas. The south wind component typically pushes early spring warblers northward, though the county's warbler activity in this two-week window has not yet materialized at reportable levels. The forecast shifts tomorrow with southeast winds of 10 to 15 miles per hour and showers likely, which may accelerate passage or suppress reporting. Today's dawn chorus window extends from 6:17 to 8:17 a.m., with sunrise at 6:47, offering a full hour of prime early morning activity before the light fully transforms.
Where to Bird Baraga County Today
The 1300 U.S. 41 location in Baraga continues to deliver the highest waterfowl variety and the best chance at unexpected shorebirds or gulls. The Head of Keweenaw Bay pulloff deserves a visit given the recent Black-headed Gull report, and that site's 163 all-time species and position at the bay mouth make it productive across seasons. The Baraga Sewage Ponds remain a strong secondary option for Goldeneyes and Wood Ducks, though the bay corridor has the advantage of scale and seabird potential.
For detailed eBird maps, species breakdowns, and live reporting from Baraga County, visit https://birding.chrisizworski.com.