Chris Izworski's daily Michigan birding report turns to Ontonagon County this morning, where a modest 92 species have been logged in the past two weeks. The county is in that familiar post-breeding lull, warblers have gone quiet, and migration energy is building quietly. The eBird data shows activity concentrated at a handful of reliable hotspots, with waterfowl and early-season migrants getting the most reports.
What's Moving Through Now
Mallards lead the county list with 11 individuals at Bond Falls as of yesterday, July 12. Common Mergansers are showing up in decent numbers at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness SP, Union Bay with 8 birds as of July 8. Red-breasted Mergansers are scattered along the Engineers Memorial Highway corridor north of the park, with 6 birds seen July 9. These waterfowl concentrations suggest birds are already positioning themselves for the transition ahead, though nothing dramatic is happening yet in mid-July.
The breeding warblers that remain are doing what they do in summer: staying put and staying quiet. American Redstarts and Red-eyed Vireos at Bond Falls show consistent presence with 6 observations each, most recent July 12. Black-throated Blue Warblers are holding at Summit Peak in the Porcupine Mountains, with 5 birds seen July 6. These are not migrants passing through; these are residents tending territory after nesting.
Savannah Sparrows remain the top-counted species overall at 12 individuals from Ewen-Matchwood, last reported June 29. This is a breeding concentration, not transient birds. Brewer's Blackbirds also peaked at Ewen-Matchwood with 5 individuals, recorded June 29.
The Weather Angle
Today brings 100 degrees and sunny skies with only 10 mph westerly wind. This is not ideal conditions for birding in Ontonagon, frankly. The heat will suppress activity, and you will want to be in the field early. The dawn chorus window runs 5:45 AM to 7:45 AM, and that is when birds will be most responsive. Sunrise is 6:15 AM, so get out slightly before the sun clears the horizon. Humidity will be manageable with the light west wind, but by midday the heat will shut things down entirely.
Tomorrow looks similar at 95 degrees with continued westerly wind and sun. The pattern is not shifting fast enough for migration triggers. You need south or southeast winds and cooler overnight temperatures to push shorebirds through, and that is not on the immediate horizon.
Notable Records and Migration Watch
A single Marsh Wren was reported at BGBBS21 on July 2. This is a legitimate flag by eBird standards. Marsh Wrens are not daily in Ontonagon County, so this is worth noting if you are working the wetland complexes. The sewage ponds hotspot has logged 178 species all-time and would be a logical place to check if you want to pursue this record.
Shorebird migration is set to start mid-July by calendar standard, and while the eBird data does not yet show significant shorebird numbers, the Ontonagon River mouth and the sewage ponds are the places where these birds will show up first. Neither hotspot has popped in the recent data, but that may change quickly in the next week or two as southbound birds begin their journey.
Where to Focus Today
If you are heading out this morning, Bond Falls is your best bet for activity. Mallards, American Redstarts, and Red-eyed Vireos were all there as recently as July 12. The water and surrounding habitat will hold birds even in summer heat better than open ground. The Porcupine Mountains complex, particularly Union Bay, rounds out the reliable spots with mergansers, chickadees, crows, and other residents. Both locations offer some shade and water access, which matters when the thermometer hits 100.
The Ewen-Matchwood area has produced the Savannah Sparrow numbers and Brewer's Blackbirds, but those records are from late June. It is worth checking if you are in the area, but it is not the top priority this specific day.
The data from Ontonagon County is thin by comparison to some of Michigan's more heavily birded regions. That is typical for the western UP outside peak migration seasons. The hotspot network is solid, particularly the Porcupine Mountains and Bond Falls, and consistent coverage there would likely turn up additional species. For now, you are working with what you have.
For live updates and the full county eBird map, head to https://birding.chrisizworski.com.