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The Kirtland’s Warbler is one of the rarest warblers in the world and is recognized on Michigan’s endangered species list. This guided tour begins at Hartwick Pines State Park, https://grayling-mi.com/attractions/hartwick-pines-state-park where participants will meet for a brief presentation about the warbler. After this participants caravan to protected pine barrens where the Tour Guide will lead the group to hopefully hear and see one of these elusive birds. Tours only run until the end of June, because the males sing only during nesting season and that is how these reclusive birds are sighted. Guided tours are required, as the nesting locations are off-limits to everyone but the guided tours. Be sure to take along some good binoculars or spotting scopes and bug repellent. Wear comfortable shoes because you’ll be walking in the sand. I know 7am is early, but the birds hide during the heat of the day, so an early start is necessary. Visitors have traveled from all over the world, just to get a glimpse of this little fellow.
Hartwick Pines State Park near Grayling, MI is hosting the Kirtland’s Warbler Tours in cooperation with Michigan Audubon. Tours are offered May 25th-June 30th, 2024 at 7:00 am. There is an additional tour on Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00 am. Cost is $20 per person plus you need to have a State Park Recreation Permit - https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/buy-and-apply/rec-pp Tour sizes will be limited to 25 people, and participants must pre-register (registration opens February 14, 2025).
Groups of 10 or more participants should contact Michigan Audubon directly at events@michiganaudubon.org to schedule a private 11 a.m. tour during the week.
Preregister at https://www.michiganaudubon.org/kirtlands-warbler-tours/
https://grayling-mi.com/things-to-do-in-the-grayling-area/birdwatching
Looking for accommodations in Grayling, check out Places to Stay
Are you interested in learning about birding for conservation? You can learn from Michigan Audubon about citizen science and how data helps identify threats to bird populations and habitat.
