The mission of the Michigan Seasonal Bird Survey is to gather seasonal bird data throughout the state. The success of this mission depends upon volunteer birders of all skill levels taking the time to compile and send in their observations in a report for each of the four seasons (due to the compiler by Mar 15, Jun 15, Sep 15, and Dec 15, respectively).

Your report is needed, whether you travel all over the state in pursuit of birds, or whether you report birds only from your own backyard. Results are compiled by county, and many counties have only a few regular contributors - some have none. Your sightings matter - even if you don't have anything rare to report.

The Michigan Bird Survey is interested in more than rarities. It keeps tabs on all species, noting the timing of migration, and the high counts (and low counts) for wintering and breeding species.

Due to the input of volunteers like you who send in their sightings, and the hard work of the seasonal compilers who put it all together, Michigan's Seasonal Bird Survey is setting a high standard for the quality of bird reporting in the Great Lakes region.

Spring 2011 Survey Cover Sheet & Form