Warblers in Michigan

I just wanted to write to thank you for all your help in choosing the best feeders and food for my yard. It’s incredible to live in the city, and see such good birds. I think it’s because we’ve switched to the “good stuff” at Wild Birds Unlimited. We are amazed and also sorry for those people who just don’t notice the beauty that is all around. I have my Michigan field guide and next I’m going to invest in your binoculars to get a closer look at of some of those new birds that keep showing up in town.~ Lansing, MI

Yellow-rumped Warbler AKA Butter-butts

This is a really great time to bird watch. Spring warbler migration begins in early April with the return of the Yellow-rumped and Pine Warblers. During peak migration in mid-May, you may see or hear several species of warblers a day.

The endangered Kirtland's warbler is one of the rarest members of the wood warbler (Parulidae) family. It nests mainly in northern Michigan and just recently in Wisconsin and Ontario, but nowhere else on Earth.

Male Kirtland's warblers arrive back in Michigan from the Bahamas between May 3 and May 20, a few days ahead of the females. The males' song is loud, yet low pitched, ending with an upward inflection.

Some cold days in May, warblers are desperate to find insects to eat. These hungry and exhausted warblers often forage low and in the open. I’ve often seen them stopping by to fuel up on my suet feeder in the spring. Another good reason to always keep that feeder full!

Kirtland's warbler

The Blue-Winged Warbler is a common migrant in May. It prefers shrubby fields and willow swamps. Listen for the male’s buzzy two-parted beeee-bzzz song.

The Golden-winged Warbler is also a common spring migrant during the second and third week of May. Their preferred nesting area is overgrown fields. The male’s song is a high buzzy bee bee bee. From a distance their silhouette may be confused with a chickadee.

For a list of more Michigan warblers come in to check out our Birds of Michigan Field guides or go to: http://www.michiganaudubon.org/education/identification_guide/warblers.html

Related Articles:
- Attracting Michigan Songbirds http://goo.gl/Gmn0b
- Michigan made suet feeders: http://bit.ly/rbKskX 
- What’s the best suet for Michigan wild birds? http://bit.ly/yAR4pm
- Best field guide for Michigan birds http://bit.ly/vPOMx1
- What are the Best Binoculars: How to Choose Optics http://bit.ly/vZW26j