Above: Kirtland's Warbler by Nancy Gaudino
Northern Michigan:
Kirtland’s Warbler and the Upper Peninsula
May 30 to June 5, 2023
This trip is now full. Please join the wait list below. We will contact you if a space opens and will collect your payment at that time.
Yellow Warbler by Adam Betuel
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Trumpeter Swan by Dan Vickers
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Sharp-tailed Grouse by Arthur Anderson
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Georgia Audubon Guide: Adam Betuel, Director of Conservation
Group Size: Maximum of 12 participants (trip can run at an elevated cost with 10 participants)
Georgia Audubon Member Price: $3,460* per person
Non-member Price: $3,510* per person (includes a one-year Georgia Audubon membership)
Single Supplement: +$700
*Based on double occupancy and 12 participants. See further details if traveling solo.
Lodging Note: Depending on group construction, single travelers may be asked to pay a single supplement if we are unable to pair you with another guest. All efforts will be made to pair individuals to avoid this expense, though it cannot be guaranteed. Impacted travelers, should they decide to cancel, will be reimbursed following the cancellation policy below.
With over 3,000 miles of coastline, an extensive state forest system, and a diversity of habitats, it is no wonder that Michigan is a top-notch birdwatching destination. Join Georgia Audubon's Director of Conservation, Adam Betuel, on this tour of the northern reaches of bird-rich Michigan, where we will look for rare birds, long distance migrants, and species not found in the Southeast.
The trip will start with a search for the famous Kirtland’s Warbler, whose breeding range is almost exclusively in the Jack Pine forests of northern Michigan. In this same area we will target Upland Sandpiper, Evening Grosbeak, nesting Black Terns, and warblers galore. Next, we will head north to the Upper Peninsula, where we may find Sharp-tailed Grouse, Alder Flycatcher, Bobolink, and if lucky, a Black-billed Cuckoo or LeConte’s Sparrow. Fingers will be crossed as we visit the famous migration hotspot Whitefish Point, pockets of boreal forest and bog habitat hosting Spruce Grouse and Canada Jay, and the marshy and boggy haven of Seney National Wildlife Refuge. The final few days of the trip will be spent in the enchanting city of Traverse City. A visit to nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore will be had to search for Piping Plovers and to meet with local researchers. Over 60% of the endangered Great Lakes breeding population of the Piping Plover, many who nest in Michigan, overwinter on the Georgia barrier islands. Nearby hotspots should see us adding Blue and Golden-winged Warblers to the trip list as well as Bank Swallow, American Bittern, and more. In addition to the all-important bird life, we will see three Great Lakes, visit with local researchers, have chances to indulge in local cuisine like whitefish & Michigan pasties, and finish at the aptly named Rare Bird Brewing.
Please contact Adam Betuel by email with any questions.
Please Note: Credit card processing fees are now included in the registration price.
Please Note: Credit card processing fees are now included in the registration price.
trip overview
Click on each day for more information.
day 1: arrive in traverse city
The group will arrive at the Cherry Capital Airport by 2:00 PM at the latest. After loading up our bird-mobile, we will head east towards Houghton Lake. Stops will be made at Houghton Lake Flats Flooding, Michelson's Landing, and the Houghton Lake Sewage Ponds, time permitting. At these spots we should encounter a diversity of duck species, nesting Black Terns, Sandhill Cranes, transient shorebirds, and possibly a rail or two if we’re lucky. After checking into our hotel, we will then enjoy dinner and a beverage in the quaint town of Grayling.
Overnight: Beachfront Hotel Houghton Lake
Overnight: Beachfront Hotel Houghton Lake
day 2: the rarest u.s. warbler
Today we will search for the prize bird of the trip. After an early morning breakfast at the hotel (supplemented with a donut or pastry from a local bakery), we will head to the Jack Pine forests, with their sandy soils that make this area so appealing to the Kirtland’s Warbler. The Kirtland’s Warbler is one of the rarest songbirds in North American and was just recently taken off of the endangered species list (their population sits now at around 2,300 pairs). In addition to the highly desirable Jack Pine Warbler, we will also be on the look out for Upland Sandpipers, Brewer’s Blackbirds, Clay-colored & Vesper Sparrows, as well as some other warblers like Nashville. The rest of the morning will be spent at Hartwick Pines State Park. Evening and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are often found visiting the feeders. Red-breasted Nuthatches and Brown Creepers can be found climbing trunks below Blackburnian & Black-throated Green Warblers and next to Least Flycatchers.
After lunch, Mackinaw City will beckon. Depending on time, a few stops will be made near the top of Michigan’s mitten. Trumpeter Swan, Common Loon, Veery, and some less likely species including Sora and Long-tailed Duck could all be added to the trip list. A memorable dinner will be had at the locally famous Audie’s before we settle in at our hotel in the shadow of Mackinac Bridge.
Overnight: Holiday Inn Express Mackinaw City
After lunch, Mackinaw City will beckon. Depending on time, a few stops will be made near the top of Michigan’s mitten. Trumpeter Swan, Common Loon, Veery, and some less likely species including Sora and Long-tailed Duck could all be added to the trip list. A memorable dinner will be had at the locally famous Audie’s before we settle in at our hotel in the shadow of Mackinac Bridge.
Overnight: Holiday Inn Express Mackinaw City
day 3: upper peninsula
Just after departure, we will have fantastic views of both Lake Michigan and Lake Huron as we cross the Straits of Mackinac and arrive in the Upper Peninsula. Along the quiet country roads near the town of Pickford, we will search for Sharp-tailed Grouse, Bobolink, Alder Flycatcher, and Yellow Warbler. The nearby Munuscong Potholes could produce a Black-Billed Cuckoo, Wilson’s Snipe, Indigo Buntings, and, if we are really lucky, a LeConte’s Sparrow.
As we progress northward, we will try to find time to stop and search for a Black-backed Woodpecker or Connecticut Warbler depending on recent sightings (both very uncommon but possible). Finally, we’ll arrive at Paradise (literally)! After checking into our hotel and maybe even a quick rest, we will visit Whitefish Point. Whitefish Point is a world-renowned migration hotspot and sports a species list topping 340. Anything can be present during our visit (in 2019 we had a Lazuli Bunting!), but we will primarily be looking for migrating warblers, waterfowl, and shorebirds. Sometimes, Eurasian Tree Sparrows can be found hanging around the gift shop and bird feeders. A hearty meal will top off our first day in the, possibly quite chilly despite the date, U.P.
Overnight: Magnuson Grand Hotel Lakefront Paradise
As we progress northward, we will try to find time to stop and search for a Black-backed Woodpecker or Connecticut Warbler depending on recent sightings (both very uncommon but possible). Finally, we’ll arrive at Paradise (literally)! After checking into our hotel and maybe even a quick rest, we will visit Whitefish Point. Whitefish Point is a world-renowned migration hotspot and sports a species list topping 340. Anything can be present during our visit (in 2019 we had a Lazuli Bunting!), but we will primarily be looking for migrating warblers, waterfowl, and shorebirds. Sometimes, Eurasian Tree Sparrows can be found hanging around the gift shop and bird feeders. A hearty meal will top off our first day in the, possibly quite chilly despite the date, U.P.
Overnight: Magnuson Grand Hotel Lakefront Paradise
day 4: Seney NWR & Tahquamenon Falls
At over 95,000 acres, two-thirds of which is wetlands, Seney National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for birdlife. So much so that when it was established in the 1930’s, migratory bird protection was the primary driver for its creation. Blue-winged Teal, Wood Duck, Ring-necked Duck, and possibly all three species of Mergansers can be found on Seney’s bodies of water. Additionally, dozens of Trumpeters Swans could join them. Caspian and Common Terns can be found patrolling the low airways above the wetlands, and Ruffed Grouse may be heard drumming from upland areas. Bald Eagles, Osprey, and Northern Harriers all occur here in good numbers. Yellow-rumped Warblers will be decked out in the full breeding plumage (not the dull versions we see down south) and bouncing around with numerous other Parulidae.
This area of the Upper Peninsula has stretches of forests that harbor boreal species not frequently found this far south in the eastern United States. Canada Jay, Boreal Chickadee, and Spruce Grouse will all be tricky to find, but we will try our best. Both Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets, singing Winter Wrens, breeding Hermit Thrush and White-throated Sparrows, and raucous Common Ravens could all join us in these northern forests. The rest of the day will be spent visiting the Tahquamenon Falls. In addition to the beautiful scenery, we may come across an American Redstart or Chestnut-sided Warbler.
Overnight: Magnuson Grand Hotel Lakefront Paradise
This area of the Upper Peninsula has stretches of forests that harbor boreal species not frequently found this far south in the eastern United States. Canada Jay, Boreal Chickadee, and Spruce Grouse will all be tricky to find, but we will try our best. Both Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets, singing Winter Wrens, breeding Hermit Thrush and White-throated Sparrows, and raucous Common Ravens could all join us in these northern forests. The rest of the day will be spent visiting the Tahquamenon Falls. In addition to the beautiful scenery, we may come across an American Redstart or Chestnut-sided Warbler.
Overnight: Magnuson Grand Hotel Lakefront Paradise
day 5: Whitefish Point & transfer to Traverse City
Today will primarily be a travel day but will start and end with a bang. Before turning back to the south, we will spend a bit more time at Whitefish Point saying goodbye to Lake Superior (our third Great Lake) and in hopes of catching some more late spring migrants. We will stop in St. Ignace at the bottom of the U.P. for lunch and depending on time, will hopefully squeeze in a stop at Straits State Park. Closer to Traverse City, there may be opportunities to stop for some new trip birds like Grasshopper Sparrow.
As we check in at the Delamar Hotel, we’ll have some bubbly to celebrate the life birds sighted thus far and for a successful visit to the deep north. After checking in and freshening up, we’ll go out for a dinner in downtown Traverse City.
Overnight: Delamar Traverse City
As we check in at the Delamar Hotel, we’ll have some bubbly to celebrate the life birds sighted thus far and for a successful visit to the deep north. After checking in and freshening up, we’ll go out for a dinner in downtown Traverse City.
Overnight: Delamar Traverse City
day 6: Sleeping Bear Dunes, Piping Plovers, and warbler cleanup
Breakfast sandwiches and pastries from Common Good Bakery will only slightly be topped by today's birds. Golden-winged, Blue-Winged, and Mourning Warbler will all be at the top of our most-wanted list today. A migrant Olive-sided Flycatcher could look down on us from the top of a snag, and if we haven’t seem them already, we will make time to find some Bank Swallows and Mute Swans (countable up here). In the late morning or early afternoon, we will plan to visit with a Piping Plover biologist at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This expert will teach us about the endangered Great Lakes population of the Piping Plover, their life history, and the threats they face while these birds share the sand with us.
Lunch will be filled with cherries and good times. The remainder of the afternoon will be spent visiting the roadside ponds and rural fields of Leelanau County. Field Sparrows and Eastern Meadowlarks will provide the soundtrack to the bucolic surroundings. For dinner we will return to Traverse City for a casual and liquid-filled meal at the very on-theme Rare Bird Brewing. Cheers to a great trip!
Overnight: Delamar Traverse City
Lunch will be filled with cherries and good times. The remainder of the afternoon will be spent visiting the roadside ponds and rural fields of Leelanau County. Field Sparrows and Eastern Meadowlarks will provide the soundtrack to the bucolic surroundings. For dinner we will return to Traverse City for a casual and liquid-filled meal at the very on-theme Rare Bird Brewing. Cheers to a great trip!
Overnight: Delamar Traverse City
day 7: departure
There are no planned activities for the final morning, as we will be without transportation. The hotel provides a shuttle to the airport. If people are still at the hotel come lunchtime, there is a very pleasant walk to numerous suitable lunch options (in addition to the hotel's offerings). The trail provides nice views of Lake Michigan and maybe one final new species.
Number of species expected: 125-150
additional details
Price includes:
Price does not include:
Payment Plan:
Participants may pay in full by choosing the Georgia Audubon Member or Non-Member price. For those who wish to pay in two installments, we will accept a $500 down-payment at the time of registration ($550 for non-members). Payment in full will be due by February 15, 2023. The final payment would include your single supplement payment, if applicable.
COVID-19 Considerations & Vaccination Requirements:
Until further notice, all participants in the Georgia Audubon Travel Program must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and have had at least one booster at the time of their travel date. Georgia Audubon will verify participants' vaccination status at least two weeks prior to the travel dates. Participants will also be expected to adhere to all local travel guidelines and restrictions at the destination at the time of travel. If you are unable or unwilling to comply with the COVID-19 travel precautions, please do not register for this event at this time. We will provide updates to organizational, airline, and national COVID-19 guidelines as they arise.
Cancellation Policy:
If notice of cancellation by the participant is received by December 15, 2022, a refund of all payments made will be given (less a $50 administrative fee and all credit card fees). If notice of cancellation is received between December 16, 2022, and February 14, 2023, a 50% refund of the fees paid to date will be given unless the space(s) can be filled, in which case a full refund will be given (less a $50 administrative fee and all credit card fees). Thereafter, all deposits and payments are non-refundable unless the space(s) can be filled, in which case a full refund will be given (less a $50 administrative fee and all credit card fees). In the event of tour cancellation due to weather, strike, war, quarantine, or other unforeseen emergency situation, a refund will be given less any non-refundable payments made to local companies. Please contact Adam Betuel if you have any questions regarding the non-refundable payment schedule.
Travel Insurance:
We recommend purchasing travel insurance in case you must make an unforeseen trip cancellation past our refund period. Check with your own insurance carrier or consider a travel insurance specialist.
- One expert birding tour leader from Georgia Audubon
- Accommodations at all destinations (double room). A non-shared room is available for an additional fee. Depending on group construction, solo travelers may be forced to pay a single supplement. All efforts will be made to pair individuals to avoid this expense though it cannot be guaranteed. Impacted travelers, should they decide to cancel, will be reimbursed following the cancellation policy below.
- All transportation during the trip including pick-up at the airport. A free airport shuttle is provided by the final hotel
- Driver gratuity
- A donation to the Great Lakes Piping Plover Recovery Effort
- All meals, including basic non-alcoholic beverages, from dinner on Day 1 to dinner on Day 6
- All entrance fees to parks & reserves
- Spiral bound trip checklist
- Taxes
Price does not include:
- Airfare and any accompanying baggage fees
- Tip for the shuttle driver from the final hotel to the airport
- Alcoholic or specialty beverages
- Appetizers and desserts, unless noted by your guide
- Lunch on Day 1 and breakfast on Day 7
- Snacks, beverages, room service, or sightseeing not specified in itinerary
- Souvenirs
- Laundry
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Medical costs
- Personal communications (hotel phone calls, cell phones, etc.)
- Any other incidentals that participants may wish to purchase
Payment Plan:
Participants may pay in full by choosing the Georgia Audubon Member or Non-Member price. For those who wish to pay in two installments, we will accept a $500 down-payment at the time of registration ($550 for non-members). Payment in full will be due by February 15, 2023. The final payment would include your single supplement payment, if applicable.
COVID-19 Considerations & Vaccination Requirements:
Until further notice, all participants in the Georgia Audubon Travel Program must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and have had at least one booster at the time of their travel date. Georgia Audubon will verify participants' vaccination status at least two weeks prior to the travel dates. Participants will also be expected to adhere to all local travel guidelines and restrictions at the destination at the time of travel. If you are unable or unwilling to comply with the COVID-19 travel precautions, please do not register for this event at this time. We will provide updates to organizational, airline, and national COVID-19 guidelines as they arise.
Cancellation Policy:
If notice of cancellation by the participant is received by December 15, 2022, a refund of all payments made will be given (less a $50 administrative fee and all credit card fees). If notice of cancellation is received between December 16, 2022, and February 14, 2023, a 50% refund of the fees paid to date will be given unless the space(s) can be filled, in which case a full refund will be given (less a $50 administrative fee and all credit card fees). Thereafter, all deposits and payments are non-refundable unless the space(s) can be filled, in which case a full refund will be given (less a $50 administrative fee and all credit card fees). In the event of tour cancellation due to weather, strike, war, quarantine, or other unforeseen emergency situation, a refund will be given less any non-refundable payments made to local companies. Please contact Adam Betuel if you have any questions regarding the non-refundable payment schedule.
Travel Insurance:
We recommend purchasing travel insurance in case you must make an unforeseen trip cancellation past our refund period. Check with your own insurance carrier or consider a travel insurance specialist.
travel information
Vehicle:
We will be using a 14-seater shuttle bus with a professional driver. We will employ a seating rotation. Everyone will need to be able to physically access the back of the bus. If you get sick riding in the back of larger vehicles, please come prepared with appropriate medication.
Pace and Effort:
The pace and effort of this trip is easy to moderate. Most mornings will have us departing the hotel early. During this time of year, the day lengths are very long in northern Michigan. To take advantage of this, some days will be long and if there are opportunities for owling, they wouldn’t start until after 10:00 PM (these would, of course, be optional). Most walks will be short and on flat, easy surfaces. Some stops will be along roads and in close proximity to the vehicle. There will be longer periods of standing still. Some walks will be on sandy and rocky beaches, and others have the potential to be muddy. Two hotels we are only using for only one night. Most drives will not exceed an hour or hour and a half at a time, though on Day 5 we will have longer stretches in the vehicle.
Weather:
Despite what the calendar may say, our trip could have some chilly weather. Rough average temps for this region during this time of year are highs in the upper 60’s or low 70’s and lows in the 40’s. Of course, it could hit the 80’s or even dip into the 30’s. Some time will be spent along lake fronts, which can be windier and thus colder. Rain is a possibility. It will be important to prepare for these temperatures and conditions and bring layers to deal with fluctuations.
Dietary Restrictions:
All efforts will be made to accommodate any dietary restrictions. However, at many points during this trip, dining options will be very limited. Most mornings we will be eating breakfast at the hotel. Please contact Adam Betuel to discuss your needs before registering if you think there could be an issue.
Flights:
Delta, United, and American Airlines all fly from Atlanta to Traverse City and have flights scheduled to arrive before 2:00 PM. Allegiant also flies to Traverse City but not from Atlanta. Flights to Traverse City, as of May 2022, are not overly cheap and may be worth investigating before registering if the additional cost could be a deciding factor.
Terms and Conditions:
Please review the Georgia Audubon Travel Program Terms and Conditions prior to registration.
