So, I haven't posted anything in a little while (a few months!), so here is an update of what birding I have done in the past months. On June 3rd, I assisted in leading a birding trip for the Cerulean Warbler Weekend. We had a very small group, but we managed to find over 80 species. The trip went through birding spots throughout Allegan and Barry Counties, Michigan. Unfortunately, I did not have a camera. Here is a list of the highlights: Ring-necked Pheasant (Allegan SGA), Ruffed Grouse (Lifer! Allegan SGA), Red-shouldered Hawk (On nest, Barry County), Grasshopper Sparrow (Lifer! Allegan SGA), Dickcissel (Allegan SGA), Bobolink (Allegan SGA), Cliff Swallow (Allegan Dam), Sedge Wren (Lifer! Allegan SGA), Black-billed Cuckoo (Allegan SGA), Upland Sandpiper (Allegan SGA), Northern Harrier (Allegan SGA), Cerulean Warbler (Lifer! Only heard, Barry SGA), Orchard Oriole (Allegan SGA).
Random sightings throughout the past months:
A few trips to the Cannonsburg SGA in late June, yielded, Hooded Warbler, Acadian Flycatcher, and Red-headed Woodpecker.
Caspian Terns at Versluis Lake in late summer.
A first, for me, for Michigan, I found a Forster's Tern at Grand Haven SP, in August. (Pictures to be added)
Peregrine Falcon in downtown Chicago.
A trip to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, gave me Trumpeter Swan, Common Raven, Common Loon, Bald Eagle, and Osprey.
Olive-sided Flycatcher at Huff Park.
American Golden Plovers at the Caledonia Sewage Ponds. (Pictures to be added)
Black-throated Blue Warbler and Canada Warbler, on a trail near my house.
And another Trumpeter Swan at the Baker Sanctuary, where I lead nature walks for Cranefest.
My Year list so far is now at 225 species.
-Travis Mangione
