Chris Izworski reporting from Michigan turns to Alpena County this morning, where the past two weeks have delivered 115 species across the Northern Lower Peninsula landscape. The numbers tell a story of post-breeding dispersal and early shorebird movement, with waterbirds dominating counts and swallow concentrations building on thermal rising over marshes.
Waterbirds Anchoring the Recent Data
Isaacson Bay continues as the epicenter of activity. Ring-billed Gulls lead all species with 45 individuals reported most recently on July 25, accompanied by 22 Canada Geese and 10 Common Terns at the same site. American Herring Gull numbers sit at five birds. This constellation of large waterbirds on the bay suggests stable late-summer loafing habitat, though the tern count reflects breeding birds still tied to local nesting colonies rather than peak migration. The presence of six Mute Swans at Partridge Point on July 22 adds a non-native element to the mix; these birds remain problematic across the Great Lakes region and merit noting on any county survey.
A Red-necked Grebe at Isaacson Bay on July 21 stands as the flagged rarity for the period. This represents the sort of grebes that drift through during late summer, so the timing fits standard post-breeding vagrancy patterns. Worth looking for if you are working that bay today.
Swallows Gathering in the Thermal Season
Tree Swallows show 12 individuals at Partridge Point (July 22), with Bank Swallows counted at six birds the same day. This is the season when swallows begin congregation on wires and over open water and marsh, staging loosely ahead of autumn departure. With today's forecast calling for partly sunny conditions and light winds from the west at 5 mph, thermal activity should be moderate; these swallows will use available lift over the marshes and bay margins. Partridge Point has logged 211 all-time species, making it a logical choice for observing this behavior in real time.
Warbler Passage and the Tennessee Warbler Flags
Two Tennessee Warblers at Hinckley HOUSE, reported on July 24 and July 28, rank as flagged sightings and carry interest as late July vagrants or early passage birds. These are not routine for Alpena County in summer; both records from the same location within four days suggest either a single bird lingering or a small pulse of movement. Warblers overall are quieter now post-breeding; dawn chorus will be minimal despite the 14 hour 47 minute day length and a sunrise window beginning at 5:47 AM. The Hermit Thrush count of five at Hillman-Alpena Trail on July 19 reflects breeding birds still present rather than passage migration.
Weather and Tonight's Outlook
Today reaches 87 degrees with a 44 percent rain chance and west wind at 5 mph. Tonight, however, brings showers likely and possible thunderstorms, with tomorrow forecasted for rain showers likely and minimal wind from the north. This pattern will not drive significant new movements; instead, it will keep birders indoors during prime early morning hours. If you are heading out this morning before the afternoon convection develops, aim for 5:47 AM to 7:47 AM in the dawn chorus window, though warbler song will be sparse this time of year.
Where to Bird Alpena County Today
Isaacson Bay remains the top choice if waterbirds are your focus; the gull and tern concentrations are real and recent. Partridge Point offers diversity with swallows, Mute Swans, Bald Eagles (four reported July 22), and Marsh Wrens, plus the infrastructure of 211 all-time species on the books. Both sit on the northeast shore and can be worked in a single morning before the rain arrives.
The 115 species in two weeks is solid but not exceptional for this county at this time of year; eBird data can be sparse during mid-summer when most birders are focused on breeding behavior rather than hotspot coverage. Continue reporting what you find.
For the live county map and full eBird data stream, visit https://birding.chrisizworski.com.