Chris Izworski's daily Michigan birding report turns to Kent County this morning, where fall migration is delivering the goods across the Southern Lower Peninsula. The past two weeks have produced 136 species at 136 observation points, and the last 48 hours alone have flagged some exceptional finds that deserve attention from anyone within striking distance of Grand Rapids.
Chimney Swifts Staging at Rosa Parks Circle
The dominant story in Kent County right now is the concentration of Chimney Swifts holding at Rosa Parks Circle in downtown Grand Rapids. Forty-five individuals have been logged there over the past 14 days, with fresh birds reported as recently as yesterday. This is typical pre-migration staging behavior, and with today's calm ENE winds at 3 to 7 mph and sunshine, the swifts should remain active. The birds will be most visible during the first hour after sunrise, around 7:10 AM, when they begin feeding in earnest. If you're downtown anyway, a quick stop there costs nothing and can yield excellent view of these difficult-to-study birds.
Warblers and Rarities in the Northeast Section
The rarest sightings of the past week have clustered in the Alto and Freeport area along Baker Avenue Southeast. An Olive-sided Flycatcher was reported at both 10505 Baker Avenue Southeast and 10350 Baker Avenue Southeast on September 5, suggesting the bird may be staging in that specific corridor. Olive-sideds are always noteworthy in Michigan, particularly this deep into early September. The area also holds recent reports of Bay-breasted Warblers at Seidman Park and Wilson's Warblers at the Lautenbach Stronghold, so the northeast section of the county is definitely the hot zone for migrants right now.
Even more intriguing: a Golden-winged Warbler and a Blue-winged Warbler were both observed at 1050 Parnell Avenue Northeast on September 5. Finding both species at the same location is uncommon enough to warrant a targeted visit if you cover that quadrant today. The calm morning conditions will favor warbler activity through mid-morning.
Water and Grassland Specialists
Reeds Lake continues to deliver, with Wood Duck and Double-crested Cormorant activity recent and consistent. Millennium Park logged Canada Geese and more cormorants on September 5. The real jewel for water specialists this week is Caledonia WWTP, where a Red-necked Phalarope was present on September 4 (note: this site requires appointment; call 616-889-7937). Phalaropes are not routine in Kent County, making this a significant record if the bird is still present.
On the grassland front, Savannah Sparrows and Horned Larks continue to work weedy fields and open ground. Six Savannah Sparrows were noted at Thornapple River Drive Southeast on September 5, and 11 Horned Larks have been logged at 2151 108th Street Southwest in Byron Center, with the most recent sighting on September 2. These species typically move south in larger numbers as September progresses, so current birds may represent early waves.
The Uncommon Residents
Two Common Ravens were reported at Townsend Park on September 5, which is worth noting if you bird that location. Ravens remain scarce enough in Kent County to flag. Cedar Waxwings, Eastern Wood-Pewees, and Blue Jays round out the current mix, all present in modest numbers at Seidman Park and surrounding riparian corridors.
Getting Out Today
Weather conditions are nearly ideal for a productive morning session. Sunrise is at 7:10 AM, with the peak dawn chorus window extending to 8:40 AM. ENE winds at 3 to 7 mph are light enough to allow good bird activity, and the forecast calls for sunny skies and 78 degrees by midday. There is zero rain in the forecast.
If you have limited time, prioritize Seidman Park for a broad mix of migrants and residents, or head northeast to the Baker Avenue and Parnell Avenue locations if you are specifically targeting warblers and flycatchers. Reeds Lake remains the perennial choice for variety and the best chance at waterbirds and waterfowl. For phalarope hunters with access, Caledonia WWTP is the play, though remember the appointment requirement.
Check live updates and the full county dataset at https://birding.chrisizworski.com for the latest eBird submissions and hotspot activity in Kent County.