Chris Izworski, reporting from Michigan, turns to Cheboygan County this morning to track what's moving through the northern Lower Peninsula as mid-August shorebird season peaks and early fall warbler migration begins in earnest.
Cormorants and Gulls at the River Mouth
The Cheboygan River mouth and marina continue to dominate the county's recent observation data. Double-crested Cormorants are the headline species here, with 50 individuals reported over the past two weeks, most recently on August 10. That concentration is typical for this time of year when birds gather at productive foraging grounds before dispersal. Bonaparte's Gulls, eight individuals logged at the University of Michigan Biological Station on August 4, round out the waterbird picture. With tonight's forecast dropping to 59 degrees under partly cloudy skies and tomorrow's calm northwest winds at 0 to 5 mph, conditions will remain stable for waterbirds lingering in the county. The Cheboygan River mouth and surrounding marina areas remain the logical first stop for anyone working the county today.
Shorebird Rarities and Warbler Activity
The notable news in Cheboygan County centers on two exceptional sightings from the past week. A Stilt Sandpiper was documented at Cordwood Point on August 11, representing exactly the kind of shorebird pulse expected during mid-August peak. More significant, Red-necked Phalaropes were recorded at Cheboygan State Park on August 4 (multiple observations of the same individual). This is a legitimate rarity for inland Michigan and warrants checking back at Cheboygan SP for residual activity.
The Kirtland's Warbler sightings at Red Bridge Road on August 3 merit attention as well, though early August is late for that species in the county. Two individuals is a solid count if confirmed and present.
Common warblers are already showing up in significant numbers. Yellow-rumped Warblers account for nine individuals at Duncan Shores Drive (August 11), while Northern Yellow Warblers total eight at Duncan Bay Nature Preserve (August 9). These are the vanguard of fall movement; expect increasingly drab plumages as the migration progresses. The Duncan Bay Nature Preserve is worth a morning visit before the heat builds, particularly with dawn chorus conditions favorable until roughly 8:00 AM.
Resident and Early Migrants
Wild Turkey continue to show at Big Sky Trail in Indian River with eight individuals recorded on August 8. Eastern Phoebes (five at Duncan Shores) and Chimney Swifts (five at the same location on August 11) indicate the broad spectrum of August activity typical for the county. Still evenings in late August often produce nighthawk flights, though eBird reports are sparse on that front for the past two weeks. Given tomorrow's calm conditions (0 to 5 mph northwest winds), watching a meadow or open area at dusk could yield activity.
Hotspot Recommendations
For birders heading out today, Cheboygan State Park remains the county standard with 239 all-time species. The recent phalarope sightings and shorebird season make it essential. Cheboygan Marsh and Gordon Turner Park (191 all-time species) offer wetland coverage that complements the river mouth focus. Given the warbler migration underway, Duncan Bay Nature Preserve's documented Yellow Warbler concentration makes it worth the visit, particularly early in the morning before cloud cover burns off.
eBird activity in Cheboygan has been steady but not explosive over the past 14 days: 114 observations across 114 species. Typical August numbers for the region. The county's geography straddling Lake Michigan and inland marshes keeps it productive year-round, and the hotspot network here reflects that consistent birding effort.
Follow live eBird data and the full county record at https://birding.chrisizworski.com for the interactive map and complete species totals.