I was ready for another van trip and told Leann we don’t always have to drive cross country. Shorter trips should be in the rotation. She agreed and said let’s drive to Michigan and see if we can spot a Kirtland’s Warbler. When will I learn?
- Our goal was to see one of the rarest song birds in North America. What makes Kirtland’s rare and unique?
- They nest on the ground, only other Warbler that does that is the Oven Bird. Ground nests make them fair game for more predators
- They only nest at the base of Jack Pine trees that are 5-15 years old.
- They prefer blueberry bushes near the base of the tree.
- If the area is not acceptable the female will depart for a better location
- Apparently some areas are home to numerous lonely males.
- It breeds in Michigan and adjacent parts of Wisconsin and Ontario and winters in the Bahamas.
- Kirtland’s were on the endangered species list for over 50 years.
With the rarity of the Kirtland, it was starting to sound like a Snipe hunt. I was going home if Leann told me to bring a pillow case with me while birding. Old boy scouts will know what I am talking about, everyone else can do a web search on Snipe hunt & pillow case.
The Kirtland’s Warbler is named after Jared P. Kirtland, the father-in-law of Charles Pease, on whose farm near Cleveland, Ohio, the first specimen was collected. Collected means they shot it so they could study it closer. James Audubon, the patron saint of birds killed thousands of them to study.
We booked a campsite at Hartwick Pines for 4 nights, let the search begin.
We were having dinner and Sammy decided he wanted to head into the shelter. He would periodically stick his head outside just to make sure all was well.
This is the elevated walkway to the visitor center
Old growth trail
It stormed and rained a lot.
The rain and storms slowed enough for us to do the Deer Run Trail. There is a cross-country ski resort north of where we camped. The trails are groomed and connect to the state park . Hopefully, they will get snow so we can check it out.
Pollen sack from a pine tree. Pollen was on everything and making us sneeze.
Glory Lake
White Pine in bloom
Leann signed us up for a bird tour with the local Audubon group. Apparently the search for the Kirtland is popular, we met a couple from Texas. That is a long way for one bird, I noticed they did not have a pillow case so I was starting to fill better about our chances.
This is the first place we stopped, looked like the right environment but no luck.
Stop #2. We could here them calling but could not see them. Then one flew into the base of a nearby bush but we could not get a good view. This was followed by more calling but no sightings. Then one landed in the dead tree on the left. His back was to us so not a great view. He flew off, more calls and them he came back and landed for a frontal view. Everyone was happy.
Kirtland’s Warbler, CHECK so what’s next?
The guide was talking about other local bird locations. He said there are Golden Winged Warblers spotted at a wetland area that was not too far. I wanted to strangle him because I knew where we were headed.
Golden Winged Warblers are also rare but not as much as the Kirtland
We went here twice and the only thing we saw were the wood ticks we found on us later in the day.
Pink Lady’s Slipper
Blackberry in bloom
Branch of the Au Sable River. Apparently the Au Sable is a great kayak river.
All of the rain brought out a bunch of these guys, they look like snails. Escargot anyone?
There was an Osprey nest here
Happy sweet 16th Birthday Sammy!!
The old rule of thumb was 1 year in a dog’s life equals 7 years in a human’s life. Turns out that is not accurate since dog life expectancy varies by size. Here is the latest from the American Kennel Club.
Sammy weighs 70 pounds so he is 99 years old!!!
I hope I am doing that well at 99.
Leann called a couple we met in Ecuador and we joined them for dinner. Great company, good burger and beer, adequate fries.
Jim is a baker and gave us some Sourdough bread,.
Our camp for the night was Point Au Gres Park & Campground. We checked in before heading to dinner, first glance and I was ready to go somewhere else. Leann talked me off the ledge and I was glad she did
A nice sunset to end our trip.
We saw a rare bird, did some nice hikes and got a chance to catch up with some new friends. It was a fun trip even with the lousy weather.
HAPPY TRAILS, STEVE