Chris Izworski's daily Michigan birding report looks at Clare County this morning, where the past two weeks have produced a modest but steady stream of late-season migrants and resident waterfowl. The data tells a clear story: Wilson State Park dominates the activity, with concentrations of Ring-billed Gulls (23), Dark-eyed Juncos (13), Mallards (7), and a handful of supporting species. Elsewhere in the county, Red-winged Blackbirds continue to move through suitable habitat near Farwell, and Turkey have been reported along US-127 North near Harrison. This is not a banner period for Clare County birding, but it is exactly what you should expect in late October across the northern Lower Peninsula.
Water and Waterfowl: Wilson State Park Holding Most Action
Wilson State Park is clearly where you need to focus your effort today. The past four days of eBird submissions show consistent activity on the water: 23 Ring-billed Gulls, 7 Mallards, 2 Common Loons, a Ring-necked Duck pair, and a single Canada Goose. This concentration makes sense given the season. Water levels on Clare County's lakes remain stable through late October, and as air temperatures drop into the 35-degree range tonight, expect waterfowl to settle in more predictably. The loons are particularly worth monitoring, as they often linger here through early November before final migration pushes them toward deeper water or the Great Lakes.
The Ring-billed Gull numbers are routine for this time of year; Clare County's lakes attract these birds reliably during fall. The real interest lies in checking those gull flocks carefully for surprises. Herring Gulls occasionally work through late October, and rarer gulls do turn up in such concentrations if you put in the time. The Ring-necked Duck pair noted on October 24 is worth refinding today; diving ducks often show site fidelity and may still be present.
Juncos, Cardinals, and Resident Songbirds
Dark-eyed Juncos have built up to 13 individuals at Wilson State Park, which is the expected phase of their arrival and settlement. By late October, junco numbers typically peak as birds establish themselves across the county for the winter. Black-capped Chickadees (3), White-breasted Nuthatches (2), and a Downy Woodpecker (1) round out the small-bird picture. The Cardinal pair at Wilson suggests breeding birds have remained through fall, which is increasingly common across Michigan.
The two American Robins reported from Wilson on October 24 may be migrants still moving south or birds already settling in for a late stay. Clare County typically holds a few robins through November if the food supply remains adequate.
Open Country and Field Birds
The concentration of 35 Red-winged Blackbirds at the location along West Cadillac Drive in Farwell on October 18 signals classic late-season movement through grasslands and weedy fields. These birds were likely staging before pushing further south. Return visits to similar habitat could still turn up lingering individuals, though the count is down from what you might see in mid-October.
The five Wild Turkeys reported along US-127 North near Harrison on October 23 are typical for the area and demonstrate the expanded wild turkey population across the northern Lower Peninsula. Winter flocks are consolidating now, so sightings should remain regular through the season.
Weather and Birding Conditions Today
Conditions favor an early morning visit to Wilson State Park before the chance of isolated showers passes. The park should be accessible and the water visible for scanning. Sunrise is at 8:10 AM, and your dawn chorus window runs until 9:40 AM, though songbird activity will be limited this late in the season. Wind from the west at 12 miles per hour is moderate but manageable. Tonight's drop to 35 degrees and clear skies may push additional waterfowl into Clare County lakes, so conditions tomorrow morning could be even more productive than today.
Hotspot Recommendations
Start with Wilson State Park. The eBird data over the past two weeks shows it is clearly the hot spot in Clare County right now, and the concentration of species and individuals justifies the focus. If Wilson feels quiet or if you want to diversify, Shamrock Park offers the highest all-time species total (125 species) and could hold migrating warblers or kinglets if any are still moving through. October is marginal for rare finds in Clare County, but a patient morning at either location is worthwhile.
For the live map and full county checklist, visit https://birding.chrisizworski.com.