Kirtland's Warbler Foray

June 8-11 (Fri.-Mon.)

Leader: Bill Murphy

Join us as we carpool to north central Michigan to explore the very limited breeding range of the endangered Kirtland's Warbler.  Nesting only among jack pines of a certain age and wintering in the Bahamas, this warbler is one of the rarest birds in North America. Besides nesting Kirtland's, Nashville, and Mourning Warblers we'll observe about 130 other species. Targets will include Trumpeter Swan, Ruffed Grouse, Virginia Rail, Caspian Tern, Common Raven, Hermit Thrush, Bobolink, Upland Sandpiper, Clay-colored Sparrow, and Purple Finch.

We'll explore Iosco and Alcona counties (Tuttle Marsh, Mio, Au Sable River valley, Oscoda, Tawas Point State Park), and Nayanquing Point. We'll stay at the Bay Inn/Crow’s Nest Motel in Tawas. This will be Bill Murphy's third time leading this trip. He knows the area well, having covered nine breeding bird survey atlas blocks there a few years ago. Assisting in the northern areas will be Oscoda resident Peggy Ridgway, former Michigan Audubon president.

This jointly sponsored field-trip is free for those who are members of either IAS or AWBAS and for those individuals age 18 and under.  Non-members will be charged $30.  Participants will be responsible for their own meals and motel. Dress for warm days with chilly mornings and evenings. Tawas Point can be especially cold and windy in early June. Limit 15 participants. For information contact Bill Murphy at billmurphy8@sbcglobal.net or (317) 849-4868.

Tentative schedule:

 Day 1, Friday

Meet at the McDonalds in Fishers at 7:30 a.m. to carpool.

Continue on MI-23 north to Tawas/Oscoda

Check into Bay Inn/Crow's Nest Motel in Tawas

Fast food dinner followed by evening birding at Tawas Point

First day timing:

Lv Fishers 7:30

Ft. Wayne 9:15

Lansing 11:00

Flint 12:00 (quick lunch stop)

Bay City 12:30

Tawas (75 mi.) 2:00 -- check into motel

Remainder of day at Tawas Point

Day 2, Saturday

Head to Pine River area for Kirtland's and Nashville Warblers, Vesper and Clay-colored Sparrows

Birding back roads in Alcona County

Lunch at the Chat 'N Chew in Glennie

Birding along the Au Sable River -- Iargo Springs, Foote Pond dam (Trumpeter Swans)

Birding at decomissioned Wurtsmith AFB/Clark's Marsh (Northern Harrier, Merlin, Upland Sandpiper, Sora, Least Flycatcher, Savannah Sparrow)

Dinner at Wiltse's Brew Pub in Oscoda - private room c/o Peggy Ridgway

Day 3, Sunday

Tawas Point (migrant trap -- waterfowl, shorebirds, vireos, warblers, sparrows, orioles)

Tuttle Marsh and back roads in Alcona County (Sandhill Crane, Bobolink, possibly Black-backed Woodpecker)

Dinner at Wiltse's Brew Pub in Oscoda - private room c/o Peggy Ridgway

Day 4, Monday

Drive south Nayanquing Point Birding Center near Piconing (Least Bittern, Virginia Rail, Sandhill Crane, Yellow-headed Blackbird)

Lunch and wrap-up in Linwood

Drive home

Accommodation options

Bay Inn/Crow's Nest, Tawas. (989) 362-0088, bayinntawas@yahoo.com $64.79 x 3 nights = $194.37. Includes breakfast.

AmericInn, just south of the U.S. 23 bridge in Oscoda near the Au Sable River mouth.  (989) 739-1986. $111.49 x 3 nights = $334.47

Woodland Pines Resort, south of Oscoda on U.S. 23, has restaurant. (989) 739-2021.  www.woodlandpinesresort.com. $88.99 x 3 nights = $242.97