Chris Izworski's daily Michigan birding report turns to Muskegon County this morning, where the past two weeks have delivered solid fall migration activity across the southern Lower Peninsula. With 159 species logged in the last 14 days, Muskegon is showing the expected seasonal movement, though recent reports suggest the action is concentrated at a handful of key locations rather than spread evenly across the county.
American Pipits and Shorebirds Dominate the Wastewater System
The Muskegon Wastewater System continues to be the workhorse hotspot, with American Pipits leading the species count at 30 individuals most recently seen yesterday. This concentration is worth the drive if you have not worked the system yet this fall. Pipits typically funnel through in loose flocks during this period, and the bare muddy substrate of the wastewater ponds creates ideal conditions. Green-winged Teal are also present at the same location, with 15 birds tallied, providing a decent diving duck option alongside what will likely be scattered mallards and the occasional pintail. Six Bald Eagles have been documented at the wastewater system as well, likely patrolling for waterfowl and shorebirds.
The rare news from this hotspot arrived earlier in the week: a Blackburnian Warbler was present on September 22, marked three separate times in the eBird data. While that bird may have moved on by now, it underscores that warblers are still filtering through on their southbound push. The Muskegon Wastewater System ranks first all-time in the county at 284 species, and that history suggests it remains the most reliable location for migrants that do not necessarily show up anywhere else.
Lakeshore Parks and the Sparrow Wave
Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve and the surrounding lakeshore parks are tracking a solid mix of migrants and resident species. Yesterday brought six White-throated Sparrows through the preserve, along with American Goldfinches, Blue Jays, and Mourning Doves. Double-crested Cormorants number 10 birds on the most recent count. European Starlings are running higher than usual at 20 individuals, which is typical for this stage of fall when pre-migration flocking peaks. A Baltimore Oriole was documented at the preserve on September 18, confirming that straggler warblers and passerines are still dropping in through late September.
The Horned Larks deserve attention as well. Twelve birds were counted at S. Swanson Rd. potholes on September 24, indicating that the weedy, open habitat that Larks prefer is holding birds as they stage before moving further south. These birds often push through in small groups and will respond to pishing and playback, making them a productive target if you work the right margins.
Hawk Movement and Shorebird Remnants
Nine Broad-winged Hawks were recorded at Muskegon Channel-East End on September 24, suggesting that the dispersing kettle traffic along the Michigan lakeshore is still active. While the big push toward the Straits occurs earlier in the season, scattered Broad-wings and other raptors continue to funnel south in late September, particularly on days with favorable conditions. The American Kestrels present at the wastewater system, five strong on the recent count, are another raptor option worth noting.
Semipalmated Sandpipers were the shorebird story of early fall in the county, with three birds at Pere Marquette Park on both September 20 and 21, and a single bird lingering through September 21. Shorebird passage is often quick and weather dependent, so if any individuals remain, they are likely running out of time before the cold front arrives later in the season.
Weather and Timing for Today
Today offers calm, sunny conditions with temperatures climbing to 71 degrees and light easterly winds at 2 to 6 mph. This setup will keep morning thermals minimal, which typically holds migrants in place longer rather than pushing them upward and onward. Dawn chorus will be compressed into the narrow window from 7:04 AM to 9:04 AM, so arrive early if you are targeting any vocal residents or passing warblers that might sing from the understory. Tonight's temperatures will drop to 44 degrees, which is cool enough to potentially stall southbound movement through Sunday, meaning tomorrow may offer similar or better birding opportunities before conditions change further into fall.
Muskegon Wastewater System remains your best bet for volume and variety today. Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve is a solid secondary option if the wastewater system is difficult to access or if you want to cover shoreline habitat. Both rank in the top four all-time hotspots for the county and have produced migrants all season.
For live maps, county checklists, and full detailed reports from Muskegon County birders, visit https://birding.chrisizworski.com.