Chris Izworski, reporting from Michigan, turns to Montmorency County this morning, where the past two weeks have delivered modest but steady activity across the northern Lower Peninsula. The 86 species tallied in the last 14 days reflect the post-breeding lull and the transition into mid-summer; the real news here is the emergence of late-summer swallows, the continued presence of breeding sparrows, and a pair of noteworthy outliers that merit attention.
What's Moving Through Montmorency Now
Bank Swallows dominate the recent report with 8 individuals logged at Long Lake Road as of June 28. These birds are gathering, which is exactly what you expect to see in early July. Barn Swallows follow with 3 birds at Grass Lake DNR boat launch, also from late June. Look for both species congregating over open water and marshes; today's dead calm conditions and bright sun will make them easy to spot mid-day once thermals get going. Swamp Sparrows, quiet in their marsh redoubts but reliably present, have shown 4 individuals at Anchor Lake through June 29. The Field Sparrows at Clear Lake Kirtland's Warbler Management Area and the Eastern Towhees at the same location represent the tail end of strong early-breeding-season vocalizing; by July 7 these birds are largely silent and conspicuous by their absence from earshot.
Red-tailed Hawks continue in low numbers (3 birds) across the county, including at Canada Creek Ranch, a productive mixed-habitat zone. Raptor activity never slows, but it is not the draw here in early July.
Notable Sightings and the Palm Warbler Anomaly
Two records stand out from the noise. A Purple Martin showed at CCR Vivs on July 6, which is late for breeding individuals but consistent with regional post-breeding wandering and congregation behavior. More intriguing is the Palm Warbler at Clear Lake Kirtland's Warbler Management Area on June 24. Palm Warblers are not routine in Montmorency County in late June; this one likely represents an early vagrant or a bird overshooting migration timing. Worth mentioning to the region's active listserv if it reappears.
The Yellow-throated Vireo pair at Grass Lake DNR boat launch (June 28) reinforces that site's reputation as a reliable breeding hotspot. American Redstarts at Anchor Lake (July 2) and the single Eastern Wood-Pewee at Canada Creek Ranch (July 6) are par for the course in mixed forest habitats during breeding season.
eBird Activity and Coverage
Fourteen days, 86 species, 86 total observations. The data is thin. Montmorency County is not a high-traffic birding destination in early July, and weekend activity does not yet show the sustained effort that brings a county list to 150 or 160 species by autumn. The Hillman Sewage Ponds, the county's richest all-time site with 156 species logged, has generated unremarkable recent reports. Clear Lake State Park and the Clear Lake Kirtland's Warbler Management Area, both productive year-round, are showing routine breeding activity.
Weather and Timing for Today
Sunrise is 5:56 AM, dawn chorus window 5:26 to 7:26. Today breaks sunny and windless at 89 degrees by mid-day, dropping to 60 overnight. Tomorrow the pattern shifts: partly sunny turning to rain showers by afternoon, with light west winds. The calm today favors waterfowl and shorebird activity if any movement is underway at the lake systems; the incoming rain tomorrow may nudge migrants slightly. Shorebird migration proper does not kick into gear until mid-July, so expect limited action on that front through the weekend.
Where to Head
If you are working Montmorency County today, Grass Lake DNR boat launch remains the most consistent producer of mixed species, with swallows, vireos, and waterfowl reported in recent days. The Clear Lake Kirtland's Warbler Management Area is the alternative, offering access to different habitat and the added appeal of the Palm Warbler record should it linger. Either site will yield normal breeding season activity; neither is likely to surprise.
Follow live county data and access the full Montmorency checklist at https://birding.chrisizworski.com.