As a native Michigander, the Kirtland’s Warbler has been a “target bird” for me for many years. When the opportunity to visit Northern Michigan finally presented itself, I knew exactly what I had to do. My plan was to fly into Traverse City to meet Mike, who was driving over from Wisconsin for the adventure.
Cherries, Wineries, and Mergansers
I had an hour to kill at the airport, so I spent some time reading local guides and chatting with the friendly gift shop staff. I learned that Traverse City is the “Cherry Capital of the World,” producing 75% of the U.S.’s tart cherries. I was lucky enough to catch the tail end of the cherry blossom season—a stunning sight. Another fun fact? Michigan boasts more lighthouses than any other state in the country.
Once Mike arrived, we drove to Mission Point Lighthouse on Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay. The route was dotted with 52 different wineries; we stopped at both Chateau Chantal and Brys Estate to enjoy some excellent local pours. The avian highlight of the day was three male Common Mergansers in full breeding plumage, their striking black-and-white feathers providing a beautiful contrast to the deep blue of the bay.
We spent the night in Grayling at the comfortable Motel 72. It was a surprise to be scraping ice off the windshield in late May, but Goodale’s Bakery was open early with perfect coffee and donuts to warm us up. Our only regret? Not buying a dozen of their famous cherry donuts!
A Conservation Success Story
The next morning, we made the 45-minute drive to the Mio Ranger Station. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service offers daily tours from May 15–31 to help birders see the Kirtland’s Warbler, with a 7:15 a.m. start time.
After our group assembled, we watched a video detailing the warbler’s remarkable conservation journey. The population of singing males once hit a record low of just 167 in 1974 and again in 1987. Thanks to dedicated recovery efforts, those numbers rebounded to a record high of 1,828 by 2011. This species breeds exclusively in young Jack Pine forests, and the work being done to restore that specific habitat is nothing short of heroic.
We followed the ranger three miles into the Huron-Manistee National Forest. We pulled to the side of a dirt road, and after just a few short minutes, we heard—and then saw—our target bird. It was a beautiful sight and a truly meaningful moment for me. We saw a total of 15 species on the tour, including a Nashville Warbler and a Vesper Sparrow, both rarities for us.
Our final stop was at a Brown-headed Cowbird trap. These birds are a major threat to the warbler due to nest parasitism, where they lay their own eggs in the warbler’s nest. The cowbird chick is larger and stronger, often pushing the warbler chicks out. Michigan’s aggressive management program has been a vital contributor to the Kirtland’s Warbler’s breeding success.
Two days were not nearly enough time in this beautiful state. I look forward to returning to Michigan soon to explore more birding hotspots and spend time with family.
A Personal Connection
Visiting Mio held an unexpected layer of meaning for me. My grandmother immigrated to the U.S. from Hungary in 1912, and I recently discovered that she spent time in this very area. Finding her Stations of the Cross from the local Our Lady of the Woods Shrine in 2026 added a personal significance to the trip. Standing in the same landscape she once walked, while finally observing the Kirtland’s Warbler, made for a memorable journey that connected the past with the present.
Trip Summary:
Trip Totals: 23 species • 1 life bird (Kirtland’s Warbler)
Next up: South Dakota Birding – From iconic monuments to mountain birds
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