Chris Izworski, reporting from Michigan, turns to Mackinac County this morning as fall migration continues its grip on the Upper Peninsula. The past two weeks have delivered 143 species across the county, with the action concentrated at the predictable fall hotspots along the Straits and lakeshores. Sharp-shinned Hawks are pouring through at Mackinac Straits-Point LaBarbe-Fall with 56 individuals logged since September 1, and Ring-billed Gulls are staging 115-strong at Bridge View Park. This is migration in force, not a quiet Monday.
Hawks and Raptors Dominating the Straits
The Straits corridor is the story right now. Sharp-shinned Hawks lead the charge with 56 counted at Mackinac Straits-Point LaBarbe-Fall through September 13. Broad-winged Hawks have also appeared there in small numbers, six individuals logged. This is the predictable pattern for September in Mackinac County; cold air and south winds funnel migrants through the narrowest point of water, and raptors concentrate along the thermal corridors. The forecast today calls for west winds at 5 to 10 miles per hour and clear skies until tonight, which may slow the hawk push, but the passage continues through the month regardless.
Waterbirds and Rare Finds at Pointe LaBarbe
Pointe LaBarbe remains the county's most productive location, and for good reason. The hotspot's 268 all-time species reflects its exposure to Lake Huron and the funnel effect created by the Straits geography. This past week, observers have logged multiple rare records here. A White-winged Dove appeared on September 12, a Parasitic Jaeger on the same date, and a Dickcissel on September 7. These are the vagrants and overshoots that make fall migration in Mackinac County worth the drive. Common Loons are present with 12 individuals sighted, and Cedar Waxwings number 16 in the immediate area. Red-winged Blackbirds are staging in numbers, 24 logged at Pointe LaBarbe on September 13. Common Mergansers have shown up at Bridge View Park in small numbers as well.
The Dickcissel record bears watching. Two separate birds have been logged: one at Pointe LaBarbe on September 7 and another at Graham Point on September 4. Graham Point, with 232 all-time species, is another productive stop for anyone in the area, and it shares much of Pointe LaBarbe's exposure and bird draw. A second Lesser Black-backed Gull was also logged at Graham Point on September 4, following another on September 4 at Pointe LaBarbe. These are worth looking for if you are in the Straits area this week.
Warblers and Songbirds in Transition
The warbler passage has not yet peaked, but Blackpoll Warblers are moving through Pointe LaBarbe with five counted on September 13. This is a reliable September indicator; Blackpolls migrate late and often appear in mid-September as the vanguard of the massive warbler pulse. An Olive-sided Flycatcher was logged at Brevoort Lake Campground on September 7, another bird typical of this period. American Goldfinches are scattered across the county's open and weedy edges, six logged at Pointe LaBarbe. Common Ravens are also holding station at the same location with six individuals reported on September 13.
Weather and Tomorrow's Outlook
Today offers clear conditions and calm winds, ideal for stationary birds but potentially slow for migration. The overnight forecast shifts dramatically, with rain showers developing tonight and heavier rain expected Tuesday morning. South and southwest winds will gust 20 to 30 miles per hour tomorrow, conditions that typically push a new pulse of warblers and small songbirds into the county. Tuesday may be the stronger day for songbird activity. Sunrise this morning is at 7:15 AM, with a dawn chorus window of approximately two hours, though the clear skies and lighter winds may limit vocal activity compared to overcast migration mornings.
Where to Focus Your Effort
If you are heading out today, Pointe LaBarbe and Graham Point remain the logical choices. Pointe LaBarbe's combination of waterbird diversity and its history of vagrant records makes it the first priority, especially if you are hoping to refind the White-winged Dove or to connect with any lingering rare warblers. The Mackinac Straits-Point LaBarbe-Fall location is also productive for raptors if you want to document the hawk passage firsthand. Today's calm winds may make for easier observation than the gusty conditions forecast for Tuesday.
The county is in the thick of fall migration, and fourteen days of eBird reporting shows no signs of slowdown. Check the live map and county data at https://birding.chrisizworski.com for detailed locations and the latest observations.