Chris Izworski's Michigan birding report turns to Baraga County this morning, where the past two weeks have delivered a solid mix of lingering breeders, early migrants, and a handful of noteworthy records that deserve attention if you're planning a trip into the western Upper Peninsula today.
Swallows, Grackles, and the Waterbirds
The dominant species reports from Baraga County over the past 14 days point to late summer congregation behavior. Common Grackles have been reported most frequently, with 30 individuals tallied at Spruce River Bridge as recently as August 1st. That's the kind of pre-migratory buildup you expect in early August, particularly at a bridge crossing that likely attracts insects. Cliff Swallows remain active too, with 20 birds seen at Kamarainen Roadside Park through July 24th, though the most recent observations there are from that date. Bank Swallows, which typically linger longer into the season, show 15 individuals from the Baraga Sewage Ponds on July 23rd.
The waterfowl picture at the sewage ponds is mixed. Canada Geese and Hooded Mergansers appear established there, with 9 and 7 birds respectively recorded on July 23rd. Hooded Mergansers this late into summer suggest nesting birds or possibly early returning migrants. Ring-billed Gulls haven't shown up in large numbers, just 4 individuals from the L'Anse vicinity on August 1st, which is quiet for this time of year.
The Notable Records
There's real news here for Baraga County birders. A Great Egret was documented at Sturgeon River Sloughs Wildlife Area, South Unit, on July 26th. This is the kind of sighting that rates a flag on eBird and warrants a follow-up visit if you're in the area. Great Egrets have expanded northward in Michigan over the past decade, but they remain uncommon in Baraga County, so confirmation of a bird staying put for a few days is worth the drive.
The Marbled Godwits at Ojibwa Beach and Sand Point on July 23rd also carry weight. Four individuals is a legitimate count for that species in this county; Ojibwa Beach sits on the shoreline and attracts migrant shorebirds predictably. The date places these birds squarely in the shorebird peak window, which aligns with the seasonal timing.
Red-headed Woodpeckers are flagged from the Baraga Sewage Ponds, with 2 birds on July 23rd. This species is always noteworthy in Michigan and worth verifying if you're at the ponds this week.
Warblers and Insectivores
Fall warbler migration is beginning in earnest across the Upper Peninsula, and the Baraga County records reflect the early stages. Pine Warblers, Chestnut-sided Warblers, and Ovenbirds all appear in the past two weeks. The Chestnut-sided and Ovenbird records from the sewage ponds on July 23rd are particularly telling; early fall migrants often congregate at productive wetland edges. Keep an eye on mixed flocks moving through the county over the next three weeks.
Weather and Timing Today
Conditions today favor early activity. Sunrise comes at 6:34 AM with a dawn chorus window running until 8:04 AM. The forecast calls for 82 degrees, sunny skies, and just 5 mph wind from the south. That south wind is important; it's the kind of gentle push that can move warbler migrants northward from lower latitudes overnight. A 2 percent rain chance means clear skies should persist through daylight hours. Tonight's drop to 63 degrees and partly cloudy conditions could trigger additional songbird movement before tomorrow's showers arrive.
Where to Go
If you're heading out into Baraga County today, the Baraga Sewage Ponds remain the most productive hotspot on the eBird leaderboard for this county, with 193 species recorded all-time. The ponds consistently deliver mixed waterfowl, shorebirds, and warblers, and today's conditions should allow good viewing through mid-morning. Your second option is Ojibwa Beach and Sand Point, which sits on Lake Superior's shoreline and has documented 207 species historically. The Marbled Godwits and Pine Warblers from late July suggest that habitat remains active. Given the recent Great Egret record, Sturgeon River Sloughs Wildlife Area, South Unit, warrants a stop if you have time, though accessing wetland reserves requires care and planning.
The 98 total species reported in Baraga County over 14 days reflects solid birding activity for a mid-sized Upper Peninsula county in summer. It's not explosive, but it's reliable. August is always a transition month here, and early mornings will reward patience.
Live eBird data and the full county map are available at https://birding.chrisizworski.com.