Cross one off the Life List

The Kirkland's Warbler is a rare little bird. It's endangered and breeds one bird per every six acres (at best) only in the woods of northern Michigan. I was fortunate enough to join the U.S. Forest Service on a field trip during the Michigan Audubon's Birding Festival in East Tawas, Michigan.

It was an hour drive into the painstakingly managed jackpine forest, but the minute we stepped off the bus you could hear the happy call of the Kirkland's Warbler. There are specific rules for entering Kirkland's Warbler territory, chief among them: don't go off the road - not even one step.

My goals on this trip were (1) to see a Kirkland's Warbler and cross it off my birding life-list and (2) to get a photo of the bird. I'm happy to say both goals were met, though the quality of  the photos I got is pretty low due to the little warbler's desire to stay well away from us.

The rules of entering the Kirkland's Warbler's forest:





A Kirkland's Warbler singing:

The best shot I could get: