Chris Izworski, reporting from Michigan, turns to Iosco County this morning to find the fall warbler push building across the northern Lower Peninsula. Tawas Point State Park continues to dominate the eBird reports for the past two weeks, with 163 observations across 163 species countywide. The point is living up to its reputation as a migration funnel: Yellow-rumped Warblers have hit 45 individuals, American Redstarts 35, and Bay-breasted Warblers 19. These are not casual sightings. This is the real migration, and it is happening now.
Warbler Influx at Tawas Point
The warbler numbers at Tawas Point SP reflect what should be expected in late August across northeastern Michigan. Yellow-rumped Warblers dominate, as they always do during fall passage, but the presence of 19 Bay-breasted Warblers is noteworthy for this county. American Redstarts at 35 individuals suggest a strong flight of second-year birds moving through. Common Yellowthroats, typically later migrants, are also showing at the point with 13 counted. These warblers will be in drab fall plumage, so field marks must be sharp: undertail coverts on the Yellowthroats, the pale spotting on Bay-breasted, the constant tail-flicking behavior of the Redstarts.
Tawas Point SP holds 304 species on its all-time list for good reason. The point juts into Lake Huron and forces migrants into a concentrated corridor. Yesterday's observations (August 30) logged Ring-billed Gulls at 90 individuals, a reminder that waterbirds are also moving through. The merganser activity, with Hooded Mergansers at Tuttle Marsh Wildlife Area and Red-breasted Mergansers at the point, signals that dabbling and diving ducks are beginning their own southbound push.
Orchard Orioles and Long-tailed Ducks: The Rare Notes
eBird has flagged three Orchard Oriole reports from Tawas Point SP on August 27 and 30. This species is uncommon in Iosco County, particularly in late summer. The bird typically moves through Michigan in spring with far greater regularity. An August presence at a point hotspot warrants attention. Any birder heading to Tawas Point today should scan the shrubby areas and edges with this in mind.
More striking are the Long-tailed Duck reports from Tawas Bay and Tawas Point SP, with four sightings on August 26 and one on August 25. Long-tailed Ducks are rare inland in Michigan and typically favor the Great Lakes in winter. Their presence in late August is unusual and worth confirming if the birds are still present. These are the kind of sightings that can justify a drive north.
Nighthawks and Marsh Shorebirds
Van Etten Lake reported 20 Common Nighthawks on August 28. Late August into early September is prime time for nighthawk concentrations, particularly on calm evenings when insects are active. The forecast calls for light rain today with a southwest wind at 5 to 10 miles per hour, conditions unlikely to push large nighthawk flights tonight. Tomorrow's lighter winds (0 to 5 mph from the west) may prove more favorable for viewing.
Tuttle Marsh Wildlife Area continues to produce shorebirds: Wilson's Snipe at 18 individuals as of yesterday is strong for late August. Marsh edges along the Au Sable River drainage in this region attract these birds consistently during migration. The marsh also logged 60 Common Grackles, which cluster in staging flocks before moving south.
Weather and Timing Today
The 99% rain chance today means conditions will be damp and likely slow. Light rain does not stop migration, but it can dampen visibility and reduce activity. Sunrise is at 6:55 AM, with the dawn chorus window from 6:25 to 8:25 AM. If you can get out before the rain intensifies, Tawas Point SP will be worth a morning walk. The southwest wind might continue to funnel migrants into the point.
Tuesday looks somewhat better, with a chance of showers but warmer temperatures (85 degrees) and very light winds from the west. That may be the better bet for a full morning session.
Where to Focus
Tawas Point State Park is the clear recommendation. With 304 all-time species and active reporting of warblers, waterfowl, and the rare Orchard Oriole, it is the center of action in the county right now. If the Long-tailed Ducks are still at Tawas Bay or the point itself, they are worth the effort. Tuttle Marsh Wildlife Area is the secondary choice for shorebirds and marsh specialists.
For live updates and full county data, visit https://birding.chrisizworski.com