Chris Izworski's daily Michigan birding report turns to Genesee County this morning, where 126 species have moved through in the past two weeks and shorebird activity is notably active at the county's key wetland sites. Brown-headed Cowbirds are congregating at Henderson Rd. pond in numbers reaching 60 individuals as of August 18, while European Starlings have been clocking in at 50 birds near US-Michigan-Fenton. The real story, however, sits in the rarer sightings: a Henslow's Sparrow at Flushing Twp. Nature Park yesterday, a Lesser Black-backed Gull at a Hill 23 Dr. location in Flint, and three Baird's Sandpipers holding at DeBuck's Sod Farm as recently as August 18. A Stilt Sandpiper was present at Henderson Rd. pond on the 18th as well.
The Sewage Ponds Are Running Hot
Bird Rd. Sewage Ponds continues to dominate the county activity, a pattern that should persist through late August migration. Northern Rough-winged Swallows and Tree Swallows have been recorded there, along with Bank Swallows and Horned Larks in the single digits, all logged as recently as August 19. The pond's 209 species all-time total reflects its reliable draw during passage periods. Bobolinks remain present at the site as well, with 12 individuals counted on the 19th. This is the place to be in Genesee County right now if you are targeting shorebirds and swallows. Access requires parking outside the gates; do not block the driveway.
Waterfowl and Raptors Moving Through
Canada Geese are concentrated at 7325 Enterprise Parkway in Mount Morris, with 30 birds recorded as of August 20. Wood Ducks are active at Flushing Twp. Nature Park, 11 individuals counted the same date. Mallards number 14 at Genesys Nature Trails, also as of August 20. Turkey Vultures are moving, with 25 logged at 8365 Torrey Road in Grand Blanc on the 20th. This thermal activity is typical for late August, as the birds begin drifting southward in preparation for fall migration. The southerly wind today at 5 to 8 mph will not be strong enough to initiate any major push, but it maintains the conditions that have been producing steady warbler passage into early fall.
Weather and Timing Today
Today holds mostly sunny conditions with highs near 84 degrees. The dawn chorus window closes at 8:16 AM, which leaves a narrow but viable window for early morning work if you are targeting migrants or local breeders still calling. Tonight's chance of showers and thunderstorms may suppress evening activity, but any brief calm before the rain could produce nighthawk flights, a reliable feature of late August in Michigan. Tomorrow brings showers and thunderstorms throughout the day, which will likely concentrate birds at sheltered wetlands and push warblers lower into cover.
Where to Go
If you are in Genesee County this morning and have the window for it, Bird Rd. Sewage Ponds is your best bet for shorebirds, swallows, and whatever warblers are staging. The Henslow's Sparrow at Flushing Twp. Nature Park is a rarer sighting worth chasing before afternoon heat sets in; that location has logged 189 species all-time and consistently turns up quality fall migrants. Cedar Waxwings and Field Sparrows have been working that preserve as well. The Baird's Sandpipers at DeBuck's Sod Farm require permission, so plan accordingly if you want to pursue them before Saturday's weather deteriorates.
For live eBird data and the full species breakdown from Genesee County, visit https://birding.chrisizworski.com.