Chris Izworski's daily Michigan birding report focuses on Lenawee County this morning, where fall migration is driving serious activity through the southern Lower Peninsula. The past two weeks have logged 119 species across the county, with the Mills-Macon Highway fields emerging as the hottest spot for shorebird and grassland activity right now.
The Peregrine Falcon Pattern at Mills-Macon
The major story here is the Peregrine Falcon presence at Mills-Macon Highway fields. Eight separate observations in the past week, with multiple sightings on September 5th alone, point to a bird or birds working the area hard. The pattern makes sense: Mills-Macon is holding American Golden-Plovers (23 individuals recorded), Killdeer (40 individuals), and Northern Rough-winged Swallows (20 individuals), all of which would draw a hunting falcon. Last observation was September 6th. If you're heading out today with clear skies and a light easterly wind, this area warrants a morning check, particularly during the dawn window from 6:41 to 8:41 AM.
Shorebird Push Continues Through the Fields
Beyond the falcon interest, Mills-Macon is the place to be for shorebirds in Lenawee right now. The American Golden-Plover count (23 birds as of September 5th) is substantial for the county and worth documenting. Killdeer remain abundant at 40 individuals (most recent September 9th), and Savannah Sparrows (14 birds, September 6th) are moving through the weedy edges typical of post-harvest agricultural fields. Horned Larks (30 individuals, September 9th) are also present. This is classic fall migration habitat, and today's forecast of 78 degrees, patchy fog clearing to sun, and light easterly wind will not push any birds out immediately.
Waterfowl and Wetland Activity
Schoonover WPA holds eight Trumpeter Swans (last recorded September 4th), making it worth a visit if you're in that corner of the county. The location at 6988-6998 N Raisin Center Highway in Tecumseh has been productive for waterfowl: 14 Canada Geese and 12 Cedar Waxwings were noted September 10th, just yesterday. Wood Ducks continue at Ramsdell Nature Park (7 birds, September 6th). Tomorrow's forecast brings a slight chance of showers and southerly winds 1 to 9 miles per hour, which historically can push additional waterfowl southbound, so Schoonover may be worth checking again over the weekend if conditions hold.
Sewage Ponds and Swallow Activity
Morenci Sewage Ponds remains productive for migrant shorebirds and swallows. Eight Lesser Yellowlegs were recorded September 7th, and Bank Swallows (9 individuals, September 4th) are still moving through. These sites can change rapidly with migration timing and water levels, so today's stable weather makes for decent conditions to work the ponds if you're south toward Morenci.
Overall County Status
Red-winged Blackbirds (100 individuals at Seneca SGA, September 7th) and European Starlings (50 at W. J. Hayes SP, September 7th) dominate the raw counts, as is typical for the season. The county has held 119 species in the past 14 days, which is solid for early September during active migration. Lake Hudson SRA, the county's all-time hotspot with 216 species recorded, should be checked if you have time; fall migration can produce surprises through woodland edges and along the shoreline. Ives Road Fen Preserve (183 species all-time) is also worth a visit for warbler activity if you're targeting migrants.
The best recommendation for today: head to Mills-Macon Highway fields before 9 AM to work the shorebirds and check for the Peregrine Falcon. The light east wind and early sun favor spotting. If you've already worked that area, Schoonover WPA offers waterfowl diversity and is less pressure-tested recently.
For live eBird data, detailed hotspot information, and migration updates for Lenawee County, visit https://birding.chrisizworski.com.