Chris Izworski's daily Michigan birding report turns to Alcona County this morning, where fourteen days of eBird activity show 77 species logged across the northern Lower Peninsula landscape. The county is producing a mix of lingering warblers, resident woodland birds, and waterfowl building through the season. Today's mostly sunny conditions with temperatures reaching 79 degrees and light 10 mph east winds will hold through the afternoon, though overnight showers and thunderstorms arrive tonight, followed by a cooler, wetter Tuesday.
Waterfowl and Ducks on the Lakes
Ring-necked Ducks continue to show well, with eight individuals reported at Lost Lake Woods Club as recently as October 7. Canada Geese are moving through in modest numbers, nine birds documented at 4143 N Lake Shore Drive on Black River on October 10. More significant is the Trumpeter Swan pair at Indian Lakes in Glennie, logged on October 10. That sighting warrants attention for anyone working the wetland circuit; Trumpeters remain uncommon through much of this region. The cooler trend pushing in tomorrow may shuffle waterfowl distribution slightly, though October movements in Alcona tend to be gradual compared to counties further south.
Warblers and Migrants Still Lingering
The notable flagged sightings this period center on Cape May Warblers. Four birds appeared at Hubbard Lake on October 10, a decent concentration for this stage of fall. Magnolia Warblers were reported two at Swamp Road on October 2, and an American Redstart showed at the same location on October 3. This suggests that the main push of eastern warblers has moved through, but stragglers and lingerers remain catchable at the right spots. Swamp Road has produced 157 species all-time and continues to deliver late migrants; it merits attention this morning before conditions deteriorate tonight.
Feeder and Resident Species Holding Steady
Black-capped Chickadees, Blue Jays, and White-throated Sparrows are appearing regularly at Swamp Road, with the most recent reports logged today, October 12. Pine Siskins are active in good numbers, seven individuals at Hubbard Lake as of October 10, suggesting seed resources are drawing goldfinches and siskins to that area. American Goldfinches show six individuals at 1869 West Trask Lake Road in Barton City. White-breasted Nuthatches, always reliable through this season, are also present there. Mourning Doves have been prolific at the Trask Lake Road location with ten birds recorded. This concentration of residents and early-stage winter birds indicates that established feeding areas and mixed deciduous-conifer habitat are concentrating the county's avifauna.
The Brewer's Blackbird Question
Brewer's Blackbirds were flagged at Sturgeon Point State Park on October 3, showing as rare or notable sightings. That's worth remembering if you're working Sturgeon Point, one of the county's premier hotspots with 192 species all-time. Alcona's coastal habitat along Lake Huron can produce unexpected additions, particularly in fall when vagrant and coastal species drift through.
Where to Point the Binoculars Today
If heading out this morning, Harrisville Harbor remains the county's most productive spot with 216 all-time species and recent reports of Song Sparrows on October 12. The harbor will offer the best chance at late migrants and any lingering waterbirds before the weather deteriorates. Swamp Road is the secondary choice: 157 species all-time, recent warblers, and consistent resident activity make it a solid option when light is good and dawn chorus conditions favor listening. Plan your movements before mid-afternoon; thunderstorms are expected tonight and will push through into Tuesday morning, effectively capping serious birding activity until Wednesday.
For the live map and full county data, visit https://birding.chrisizworski.com.