The annual Kirtland’s Warbler singing male survey of the US Fish & Wildlife Service will be conducted June 6th through June 15th for the entire Upper Peninsula.

Interested volunteers for the Yellow Dog Plains survey can contact Nancy Moran by calling the Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve at 906-345-9223. Surveyors will meet daily at 7:00 am at the intersection of Co Rd 510 and the AAA Road. Maps of the survey area and instructions will be provided. (Water, bug spray, and a compass/GPS are recommended supplies)

The survey is conducted by driving or hiking this large area, listening for birds and investigating singing warblers.

If you are interested in participating in the survey of other areas of the UP, contact Christie Deloria at USFW, 906-226-1240.

Adult Description of the Kirtland’s Warbler

* Small songbird; large warbler.

* Bluish gray face and back.

* Yellow throat, chest, and belly.

* Black stripes down sides.

* White crescents above and below eyes.

* Constantly pumps its tail.

* Two white wingbars.

Immature Description

Similar to adult female, but duller, and with black spotting across chest.

A rare bird of the Michigan jack pine forests, the Kirtland’s Warbler is dependant upon fire to provide the small trees and open areas that meet its rigid habitat requirements for nesting.