Kirtland’s Warbler Tours 2023
June 8, 2023 @ 7:00 am - 9:30 am
| $15UPDATE: The Michigan Audubon Kirtland’s Warbler Tours will continue as scheduled following the Wilderness Trail Fire that started on June 3 southeast of Grayling. This year’s Kirtland’s Warbler tour site is east of where the fire is, and far enough away that tours may continue uninterrupted. We will monitor the situation, keeping everyone’s safety in mind.
Michigan Audubon, in collaboration with Hartwick Pines State Park, will offer Kirtland’s Warbler Tours in 2023. Tours will be held daily at 7 a.m. with an additional 11 a.m. tour on Saturdays and Sundays from May 27 through June 30. The tours are based at Hartwick Pines State Park just north of downtown Grayling. Tours cost $15 per person, and you must have a Recreation Pass to enter the State Park.
Tour sizes will be limited to 25 people, and participants must pre-register.
Groups of 10 or more participants should contact Michigan Audubon directly at events@michiganaudubon.org to schedule a private 11 a.m. tour during the week.
Tours will meet at the Michigan Forest Visitor Center within Hartwick Pines State Park, where participants are given a brief orientation to the Kirtland’s Warbler and the jack pine habitat. Afterward, participants caravan to protected pine barrens for the chance to view the endangered warbler. Tours typically last 2.5 to 3 hours in duration.
Hartwick Pines State Park and the Michigan Forest Visitor Center are located on Hartwick Pines Road (aka M-93) just east of I-75. There is an approximate walk of five minutes up an inclined walkway to reach the visitor center from the parking lot. You can find a map and detailed information regarding Hartwick Pines on the Michigan DNR Website.
A Recreation Passport is required for entry to the park. Recreation Passports can be purchased beforehand through the State of Michigan here or onsite upon arrival at the park.
We have a high success rate of seeing the Kirtland’s Warbler. However, weather plays an important role, as they tend to stay down in the pine branches during inclement weather and severe heat. Our guides have even been able to locate the bird during inclement weather, so don’t cancel your plans because the sun isn’t shining.
Please be advised that you will park along the road and walk into the jack pine habitat on sand trails. Walking distance is usually less than one mile. The distance of foot travel will depend on where the birds establish their territory for the nesting season in the jack pine.
Please dress for weather conditions and wear good walking shoes or boots. You will be outside for approximately two hours, so sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat are always recommended.
Out of respect for the bird and its well-being, our guide will not make special accommodations for professional photographers.
Are you looking for accommodations for the night in Grayling? There are many small motels and two chain hotels to fit your needs. Check the Grayling Visitor’s Bureau for information.
If you have questions regarding Kirtland’s Warbler Tours, please contact us at events@michiganaudubon.org.
Links to register will open on February 3, 2023. Please note that we have separate registration links for each week that tours are available. You must click on the link that includes the specific date you are looking for to register.
