Attention, birders! The Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Forest Service, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are seeking volunteers to help conduct a complete census of the Kirtland’s Warbler population in June 2021. 

Ninety-eight percent of the Kirtland’s Warbler population lives in Michigan during the spring and summer months. The census will be conducted June 6–27 in six counties in the Upper Peninsula and 13 counties in the northern Lower Peninsula. The bulk of the birds will be found in Crawford, Ogemaw, and Oscoda counties.

To be accepted as part of the census field crew, participants will be expected to:

  • Follow strict protocols to ensure birds are not overcounted. 
  • Use a compass and/or GPS unit to walk a transect through dense jack pine forest. 
  • Note its location on a map, and when possible, use the compass to triangulate its position. 
  • Turn in an accurate data sheet that gives the position of each bird heard. 
  • Participate for multiple days. People who want to participate for just one day will not be accepted. 

The census is conducted to ensure a minimum population of 1,300 pairs, evaluate the success of conservation efforts and management activities, and provide data for future research. 

The first step in participation is to go to https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79137_79767_79860_81155—,00.html and complete the volunteer registration form. 

Due to the rigorous nature of the census, not every potential volunteer will be accepted. Since the birds are identified by ear, a volunteer must have relatively good hearing. The volunteer will also be expected to walk a transect — potentially up to two miles — through dense jack pine trees over uneven terrain. Potential volunteers will also be expected to complete a learning module designed to help them learn the various calls and songs of the Kirtland’s Warbler and differentiate them from other birds in the jack pine ecosystem. The learning module will be available in April, along with more information about registering for specific dates and times.

If you have questions, please email Bill Rapai of The Kirtland’s Warbler Alliance at thekirtlandswarbleralliance@gmail.com.

~ by Bill Rapai, The Kirtland’s Warbler Alliance

Featured photo: Kirtland’s Warbler © Sherman Garnett