Chris Izworski's daily Michigan birding report focuses on Monroe County this morning, where the past two weeks have delivered 155 species across 155 observations. The county is in the thick of post-breeding season, and the data tells a clear story: marshes are the draw, shorebirds are moving through, and swallows are gathering in numbers that suggest late-summer congregations are already underway.
Shorebirds and Stilts at Pointe Mouillee
Pointe Mouillee State Game Area continues to be the engine of Monroe County birding. In the past 14 days, observers have logged Redheads (7), Blue-winged Teal (7), Canvasbacks (5), Wood Ducks (4), and a healthy assortment of waders and terns. More important, the recent flags show Black-necked Stilts (6 birds on July 4), Stilt Sandpipers (3 on July 4), and American Herring Gulls (5). These are shorebirds running ahead of the peak mid-July migration push, so expect the mudflats and shallow pools to remain active through the week. Access requires a permit from September 1 through December 31, so now is the time to work this site without that restriction.
Short-billed Dowitchers lead the shorebird count at Pointe Mouillee with 20 individuals recorded in the past fortnight, making them the second most frequently reported species across the entire county. They've been present through July 4, which is typical timing for this staging population.
Erie Marsh and the Rare Grosbeak
Erie Marsh Preserve and Gun Club has produced different birds: Tree Swallows dominate the count at 23 individuals, followed by Northern Yellow Warblers (11). Great Blue Herons (8) and Barn Swallows (6) round out the heavy hitters. The site remains open through August 31, giving birders a full window before access closes for the fall hunting season.
The notable sighting flag here belongs to a Blue Grosbeak at the Antenna Farm on July 4. A single bird is enough to warrant a visit if you're in the area, though breeding Blue Grosbeaks are rare in Michigan and summer sightings like this one should be nailed down with documentation.
Erie Marsh has also produced a White-rumped Sandpiper (July 4), greater Yellowlegs (July 4), Stilt Sandpipers (2 on July 4), Black-necked Stilts (2 on July 4), and a Pectoral Sandpiper (July 4). The site is holding good shorebird diversity for this early stage of fall migration.
Swallows and the July Slowdown
Tree Swallows and Barn Swallows are concentrated in the marsh systems, particularly Erie Marsh and its adjacent areas. At 23 Tree Swallows in two weeks and 6 Barn Swallows, these birds are already beginning the pre-migration clustering behavior typical of early July. Warblers have gone quiet, as expected this time of year; Northern Yellow Warblers (11) are still present but no longer singing frequently at dawn.
Weather and Timing
Today brings a 100 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms with highs near 76 degrees and light northeast winds at 5 to 9 miles per hour. Tonight the storms continue; tomorrow offers only a chance of showers with slightly stronger northeast winds and a high of 80 degrees. These conditions are not ideal for early morning birding, but they should push any remaining nocturnal migrants down into the county overnight. The northeast flow is not a classic wave-producing wind direction, but any moisture-laden front can funnel birds downward. The dawn chorus window runs from 5:33 to 7:33 AM; if the rain holds off momentarily, upland species along Woodtick Peninsula or Sterling State Park might be active between the breaks.
Where to Go
For a full day, Pointe Mouillee offers the most consistent numbers and the best chance at lingering shorebirds before the main push. Bring your permit application if you do not already have one, and focus the mudflat pools and shallow bays. Erie Marsh Preserve and Gun Club is the secondary choice and remains accessible; the swallow activity and mixed shorebird records make it worth the drive if you're focused on warblers and waterfowl.
Both sites will likely be slow this morning given the steady rain forecast, so plan accordingly. Afternoon or tomorrow morning may be more productive once the weather clears.
Live ebird data and the full county hotspot map are available at https://birding.chrisizworski.com.