Chris Izworski, reporting from Michigan, turns to St. Clair County this morning, where the post-breeding season is settling into its predictable rhythm. The eBird data from the past two weeks shows 109 species recorded across the county, a respectable total for late July when much of the spring migration crush has passed and breeding activity has peaked. What's moving now is shorebird migration starting its push southward, and the obligate gathering of swallows over marsh and open water as juveniles fledge and birds stage.
Swallows and Marsh Birds Dominating Fort Gratiot
Fort Gratiot Nature Preserve continues to be the county's most active birding location, and the numbers confirm it. Tree Swallows are running at 20 individuals counted on July 20, with Northern Rough-winged Swallows at 8 and Bank Swallows reported at 15 along the Vine from Kennedy to Rattle Run on July 14. These aggregations are typical for this time of year; swallows are working insects over open water and marsh edge. Common Grackles lead the overall count at 40 individuals, also at Fort Gratiot, reflecting the post-breeding congregation behavior that defines late summer in Michigan marshes. Red-winged Blackbirds number 7, and Wood Ducks hold steady at 6 on the wetland proper. American Goldfinches are present at 14, often working thistle and seed-heavy areas. Osprey sightings at 4 individuals suggest decent forage in the shallows and channels.
Shorebird Movement Beginning
Shorebird migration is now underway in mid-Michigan, and St. Clair County is positioned well to catch it. Semipalmated Sandpipers appeared at Desmond Landing on July 17 with 6 individuals noted. This is the expected vanguard; peak shorebird passage through the southern Lower Peninsula typically runs through August and into September. Desmond Landing and the broader Port Huron area should see increased activity as the month progresses. The wetland and shallow water habitat along the St. Clair River corridor will concentrate birds as they move southbound.
Rare and Notable Sightings
eBird flagged several records worth noting. A White-throated Sparrow turned up at Belle River Bridge on Terry Road on July 15, which is early for significant sparrow movement but not unprecedented in coastal or transitional habitat. A Northern Waterthrush was recorded at Algonac State Park on July 14, a bird that should be quieter this time of year but still present in riparian growth. The Black-throated Green Warbler at Pine River Nature Center on July 8 is consistent with late breeders or non-breeders lingering. Most interesting is the report of 5 Common Mergansers at North Shore St. Clair Lake on July 7, suggesting some waterfowl are already on the move or staging for later migration.
Weather and Today's Conditions
Today's forecast calls for 82 degrees with a 71 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, wind out of the west at 15 miles per hour. The active weather pattern will likely suppress early morning activity, as cloud cover and rain do not favor the dawn chorus or active foraging. Tomorrow, July 22, looks considerably better: mostly sunny, 72 degrees, and northwest winds at 10 to 14 miles per hour. This is the day to be in the field. The weather window is tight but worthwhile. If you are out before the rain, the dawn chorus runs from 5:39 AM to 7:39 AM, giving you a window to catch breeding and lingering songbirds at their most vocal, though in late July the chorus is already muted compared to May and June.
Where to Focus
Fort Gratiot Nature Preserve remains the day's best bet if you venture out despite the rain chances. The wetland there is consistently productive, with the swallow aggregations alone worth an extended observation session. If you can wait for tomorrow's clearer weather, Algonac State Park offers 219 all-time species and should be catching early shorebirds moving through the St. Clair River delta. The data is not thick from the past two weeks, suggesting spotty coverage rather than a slow birding period, so ground work today and tomorrow will yield birds not yet logged.
Follow live county activity and detailed hotspot reports at https://birding.chrisizworski.com for the complete map and current data.