Since 2007, Michigan Audubon has hosted Cerulean Warbler Weekend at the Otis Farm Bird Sanctuary in rural Barry County. Each year, this event grows as we attract birdwatchers from around the nation and the world. The blue warbler that calls Barry County home is one of the most sought after species by birdwatchers and requires a sharp eye to find in the deep woods. Birders have come from Washington, California, Missouri,
Illinois, Texas, England, and Japan to see this rare and beautiful bird.

On Friday, May 20, Conservation Director, Tom Funke, and board member, Greg Nelson, scoured Barry County in search of rarities including: Cerulean Warbler, Henslow’s Sparrow, Louisiana Waterthrush, Common Loon, Bald Eagle, and Osprey. All of these birds and more were recorded, for a grand total of 95 species.

Congratulations to Tom and Greg for their efforts, which raised $1,000 for the Otis Farm Bird Sanctuary and public birding opportunities in Barry County.