Chris Izworski's daily Michigan birding report focuses on Roscommon County this morning, where the past two weeks have delivered a solid 100 species across 100 observations. The county is showing classic early-October waterfowl movement, with Northern Shovelers and Mallards dominating the waterside habitats, while the cooler nights are settling in lingering late migrants.
Waterfowl Concentrations at the Sewage Ponds
The Houghton Lake Sewage Ponds remain the engine of birding activity in the county, accounting for the bulk of recent reports. Northern Shovelers top the count with 13 individuals since October 4, followed by 11 Mallards and 6 Gadwall. These numbers reflect the predictable late-season buildup as birds move through before heading further south. The ponds also hosted 8 Great Egrets, most recently on September 29, and 5 American Wigeons as of October 4. American Golden-Plovers, four shorebirds recorded here, add a touch of interest; these birds don't linger long in fall migration, so their presence is worth noting if you can access the site.
Double-crested Cormorants have appeared in smaller numbers, four individuals through late September. The Dunlin sighting of three birds on September 28 is worth flagging as a notable record for the site. Access to the sewage ponds is restricted to weekdays, 8 AM to 4 PM, so your window is narrow; this morning at 69 degrees and sunny with light westerly wind would be ideal if you can manage the drive and the permit requirement.
Late Warblers and Marguerite Gahagan
Two warbler sightings merit attention. A Northern Parula showed up at Higgins Lake on October 6, a late date for this species in the northern Lower Peninsula. More significantly, a Canada Warbler was reported at Backus Creek SGA on October 3, another bird pushing the calendar late. Both represent the tail end of warbler migration, and neither should be expected to linger much past this week given the forecast overnight lows dropping to 38 degrees tonight.
White-throated Sparrows, six birds at Marguerite Gahagan Nature Preserve as of October 4, are more reliably present this time of year. Song Sparrows persist as well, with three recorded at Backus Creek SGA on October 4. These are the sparrows birders should focus on now; the warblers are transients.
Residents and Year-Round Standbys
Black-capped Chickadees continue to show well, with eight birds at Higgins Lake recorded just yesterday. Blue Jays and Mourning Doves, three each at Higgins Lake as of October 6, are settling into their fall and winter routines. Wood Ducks, three at Houghton Lake Flats Flooding on September 29, remain present in small numbers. Tree Swallows, still lingering at the sewage ponds with three birds on September 28, are nearly spent for the season in northern Michigan.
Weather and Timing
Today presents favorable conditions for a morning outing: sunny skies, temperatures reaching 69 degrees, and only light westerly wind at 5 to 10 mph. The calm before the cold is setting in; tonight drops to 38, and tomorrow stays cool at 61. This stability may hold migrants in place for one more day, though the cooling trend signals that departures will accelerate through the week. The dawn chorus window runs from 7:11 AM to 9:11 AM, with sunrise at 7:41.
Where to Go
If you have access to the Houghton Lake Sewage Ponds during weekday business hours, that remains your best bet for shorebirds, waterfowl diversity, and egrets. The northern shoveler and gadwall concentrations alone justify the trip. For unrestricted access, Backus Creek SGA offers recent warbler reports and resident sparrows, though the late migrants are moving through fast. Higgins Lake rounds out a day's circuit and has produced the Northern Parula and consistent chickadee activity.
The 100-species total in the county over two weeks is solid if not spectacular; October in Roscommon tends toward waterfowl rather than songbirds at this point, and the data reflect that reality. Get out early if you're heading for the sewage ponds; the window closes at 4 PM.
For the live county map and full eBird data, visit https://birding.chrisizworski.com.