Chris Izworski's daily Michigan birding report turns to Benzie County this morning, where the past two weeks have produced 157 species across the northern Lower Peninsula landscape. The action is concentrated at a handful of proven hotspots, and today's weather window offers decent conditions for getting out before a hard frost tonight.
Gulls and Terns at Platte Point Dominate the Count
Platte Point continues to run the show in Benzie County. Ring-billed Gulls are the story, with 250 individuals tallied in the past 14 days, most recently on May 9. American Herring Gulls number 100. These congregations reflect typical early May patterns along the Lake Michigan shoreline, where gulls stage after spring migration pushes them northward. The Caspian Terns present at the same location, 16 birds, are worth scanning for as well; they command the shore in late May and June.
The gull numbers at Platte Point warrant a closer look for rarer individuals. Two Iceland Gull reports came in on May 9, which is solid for this time of year in Benzie County. The species is regular during spring and fall migration along the Michigan shoreline, but confirmation always requires careful field work against the larger gull masses.
Warbler Wave in Motion at Multiple Sites
Palm Warblers lead the warbler count at 30 individuals, seen at Platte Point in the past two weeks. Yellow-rumped Warblers are at 20; Northern Yellow Warblers have pushed into Elberta Marsh in small numbers, with 9 recorded. This is classic mid-May activity. The sparrow passage continues as well, with White-crowned Sparrows at 15 and White-throated Sparrows at 10, both from Platte Point. These are transit birds, and conditions matter for what sticks around versus what pushes through.
The slightly cool weather overnight (31 degrees with widespread frost) may slow down some warbler activity early this morning, but the mostly sunny forecast with light northwest winds should allow birds to feed and move once the sun clears the dunes. The dawn chorus window runs from 5:52 AM to 7:52 AM, giving early birders a full two-hour window if they can reach a hotspot by first light.
Shorebird Interest at Sleeping Bear Dunes
Willets have been flagged as notable sightings at Sleeping Bear Dunes NL, Tiesma Beach. Three birds were noted on May 7, and single birds on May 9. Willets are uncommon inland in Michigan during migration, so the repeat sightings at this location are worth documenting. The species prefers sandy beaches and mudflats during spring passage, and Tiesma Beach fits the habitat perfectly.
White-winged Scoters were observed at the same Sleeping Bear Dunes location on April 26, with 12 individuals. These diving ducks are moving north in May, and offshore concentrations can build quickly along the Lake Michigan side of the Sleeping Bear dunes. A scan of the water from Tiesma Beach with a scope is worthwhile if you're in the area.
Scattered Rarities and Seasonal Notes
A Northern Mockingbird was reported at Flycatcher Farm on May 7 and May 5, which represents a notable record for Benzie County at this time of year. The species is expanding northward in Michigan, and spring sightings in the northern Lower Peninsula are becoming more regular but still warrant documentation. Flycatcher Farm is private, so access considerations apply.
Elberta Marsh continues to show waterfowl activity, with Canada Geese at 14, Mallards and Mute Swans at 8 each, and Tree Swallows at 8. The marsh is staging area for multiple species during this migration window.
Where to Bird Today in Benzie County
Platte Point is the top choice this morning. The gull and tern concentrations are real, the warbler passage continues, and the Iceland Gull reports suggest close inspection of the gull flocks is warranted. The mostly sunny conditions and light winds will keep viewing conditions reasonable through midday.
Sleeping Bear Dunes NL, Tiesma Beach is worth a secondary visit if you want to chase the Willets or add diving ducks. The frost overnight may push some waterfowl activity, and the dunes habitat can concentrate migrants during passage windows.
Elberta Marsh is the reliable inland option if you want to avoid the shoreline crowds, though the warbler variety will be less than Platte Point this time of year.
Today's all-day sunshine and frost-free daytime conditions are solid for May birding in northern Michigan. Get out early to catch the dawn chorus, and work the hotspots methodically. The warbler wave is active, and notable records are still coming in.
For live maps, detailed hotspot information, and full county data, visit https://birding.chrisizworski.com.