Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

Saturday, May 25 – Thursday, June 30, 2024

Join us for Kirtland’s Warbler Tours!

In collaboration with Hartwick Pines State Park, Michigan Audubon offers Kirtland’s Warbler Tours.

About Kirtland’s Warbler

Once living on the brink of extinction, the Kirtland’s Warbler has made significant steps toward recovery, due to careful habitat management practices and creating public awareness. However, it is on the Threatened Species list.

A male Kirtland's Warbler perches on a pine branch with faded pine branches and green in the background.

The Kirtland’s Warbler is a neat gray-and-yellow bird and one of the rarest songbirds in North America. A true habitat specialist, it breeds primarily in young jack pine forests in Michigan and adjacent parts of Wisconsin and Ontario. A few counties in the northern Lower Peninsula represent its primary nesting area, but in recent years nesting pairs have been recorded in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Wisconsin, and Ontario.

 

 

When:

Saturday, May 25 – Thursday, June 30, 2024 at 7AM EST

Saturdays and Sundays, additional tours at 11AM EST

Tour Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours

Cost: $15 per person, plus pre-registration

Group Tours:

  • Tour sizes are limited to 25 people
  • All participants must pre-register
  • These are group tours open to the public
  • Groups of 10 or more participants must contact Michigan Audubon directly at events@michiganaudubon.org to schedule a private 11 a.m. tour during the week

Pre-Registration and Recreation Passport Required:

  • Pre-register here
  • A Recreation Passport is required for entry to the park and can be purchased beforehand through the State of Michigan here or onsite upon arrival at the park.

Where: Hartwick Pines State Park, North of downtown Grayling

  • Tours meet at the Michigan Forest Visitor Center within Hartwick Pines State Park
  • Participants are given a brief orientation to the Kirtland’s Warbler and the Jack Pine Forest habitat
  • Afterward, participants caravan to protected pine barrens for the chance to view the endangered warbler
  • Hartwick Pines State Park and the Michigan Forest Visitor Center are located on Hartwick Pines Road (aka M-93) just east of I-75. There is an approximate walk of five minutes up an inclined walkway to reach the visitor center from the parking lot. Maps and detailed information regarding Hartwick Pines can be found on the Michigan DNR Website.
  • Looking for accommodations in Grayling? Check out Grayling Visitors Bureau.

What you can experience:

  • Kirtland’s Warbler Sightings: We have a high success rate of spotting the Kirtland’s Warbler! However, weather conditions can affect their visibility. During rainy or extremely hot weather, the warblers may stay hidden in the pine branches. But don’t worry, our experienced guides have a knack for finding them even in unfavorable conditions, so don’t let the weather deter you from joining us!
  • Trail and Terrain: You’ll park along the road and walk on sand trails into the jack pine habitat. Typically, the walking distance is less than a mile, but it depends on where the birds have established their nesting territories for the season.
  • Dress Appropriately: Be prepared for the weather and terrain! Wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes suitable for outdoor trails.
  • Duration of the Experience: Plan to spend about two hours outdoors on the trails, exposed to the elements. We recommend wearing sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat for added protection.
  • Photography Considerations: Unfortunately, we’re unable to accommodate special arrangements for professional photographers at this time.
  • Cancellation: Please be advised that we may cancel any tour due to unforeseen circumstances, such as adverse weather conditions.

Looking for More Tours?

US Forest Service also offers Kirtland’s Warbler and Jack Pine Wildlife Tours. Visit their website for more information.

Questions? Contact us at events@michiganaudubon.org

FAQs about Kirtland’s Warbler Conservation

What happens to Kirtland’s Warbler population after delisting from the Endanger Species list?

A post-delisting monitoring plan is in development, and includes a full population census throughout the Kirtland’s Warbler range. The census started in 2021, and continues every fourth year through the delisting monitoring time period. The Kirtland’s Warbler Conservation Team, comprises government agencies, bird conservation organizations, and academic scientists, uses the latest scientific findings to guide habitat management recommendations. We’re also working on a comprehensive conservation plan covering breeding grounds, wintering areas, and migration stopovers to address habitat needs and long-term species management.

Will habitat management continue to support Kirtland’s Warbler?

Absolutely. Michigan DNR, U.S. Forest Service, and other partners will continue habitat management efforts. Kirtland’s Warblers rely on young jack pine stands, typically between 6 to 15 years old, for breeding. Agencies manage these habitats to maintain a sustainable breeding population. Additionally, ongoing research is evaluating the potential use of red pine stands and optimizing planting rates for economically viable jack pine stands.

Are Brown-headed Cowbirds harming Kirtland’s Warbler nesting success?

Current research suggests that Brown-headed Cowbirds are no longer a significant threat to Kirtland’s Warbler breeding success. You can find more details in a recent publication here.

Resources

Registration

Other Kirtland’s Warbler Tour Locations

Other locations

Learn about other locations for seeing the Kirtland’s Warbler!