Chris Izworski's daily Michigan birding report looks at Midland County this morning, where fall migration continues to deliver waterfowl and warblers in measurable numbers. The past two weeks have seen 107 species reported across the county, with Whiting Overlook Park and Chippewa Nature Center anchoring the activity. Today's conditions, mostly cloudy with temperatures climbing to 61 degrees and a northeast wind at 14 mph, should hold migrants in place without pushing them through rapidly.
Waterbirds Concentrating at Whiting Overlook
Ring-billed Gulls continue to dominate counts at Whiting Overlook Park with 125 individuals logged as recently as September 19. That number alone tells you the park's appeal during this period. American White Pelicans are the more noteworthy tally at the same location, with 34 birds present. These are significant numbers for pelicans this far inland; the presence of that many suggests favorable feeding conditions on the Tittabawassee River and associated backwaters. Canada Geese account for 27 individuals at the overlook, right on schedule for mid-September movements. Bonaparte's Gulls hit 11 birds on September 13, though more recent checks would clarify whether they are still present in numbers.
What stands out: a Stilt Sandpiper was reported at Whiting Overlook on September 13. That is a rare sighting for Midland County and worth a targeted search if you are heading that direction. Stilt Sandpipers are consistent shorebird migrants through Michigan, but they are not routine county birds. Check the mudflats and shallow edges if the water level is down.
Warblers and Woodland Migrants at Chippewa
Chippewa Nature Center and its wetlands complex remain the county's prime birding asset. Yellow-rumped Warblers have pushed to 40 individuals as of September 19, making them the top warbler species in the dataset. Wood Ducks continue at 36 birds, concentrated in the wetlands; this is normal density for the center's shallow impoundments. Red-winged Blackbirds total 75 birds in the wetlands, still singing and present despite late September arrival.
Green-winged Teals are in at 23 individuals as of September 17. Early-season teal movements like this often correlate with fronts pushing cool water south; today's northeast flow is the tail end of such a system. Look for small flocks in the shallower backwater areas. White-throated Sparrows have appeared at 10 birds, right on cue for the season. Warblers are still dropping in; beyond Yellow-rumpeds, Cedar Waxwings account for 7 birds, and Blue Jays 8, suggesting steady passerine flow.
Weather and Movement Patterns
Today's mostly cloudy conditions with northeast wind and rain chance of only 7 percent offer decent early morning birding without driving fresh migrants. The northeast flow has likely slowed southbound movement somewhat compared to the strong south and southwest winds of earlier weeks. Sunrise is at 7:22 AM with the dawn chorus window extending to 8:52 AM, giving you a full 90-minute window for warblers and other songbirds to be vocal. Temperatures will climb only to 61, so dress for cool conditions.
Tomorrow's forecast of partly sunny skies and lighter northeast winds (6 to 15 mph) should hold similar conditions, with a marginal warming to 63 degrees. Neither day signals a major new flight push, but migrants should remain visible and feedable.
Where to Bird Today
If your time is limited, Chippewa Nature Center remains the best single stop, given its all-time species total of 227 and current concentration of warblers, teals, and waterfowl. The main trails and wetlands boardwalk should produce consistent sightings in this lull period. If waterbird counts are your focus and you want a chance at that Stilt Sandpiper or to tally pelicans and gulls, Whiting Overlook Park is the logical choice. The 197 all-time species count there reflects its importance during migration windows like this one. Scope the shorelines carefully and check any exposed mud or sand where shorebirds might rest.
The county is in competent fall migration territory without exceptional rarity reports, but 107 species in two weeks demonstrates steady, healthy movement. Take advantage of the stable weather and check the hotspots before cooler systems push through later in the week.
Follow live sightings and explore the full county dataset at https://birding.chrisizworski.com.