The 2006 Kirtland’s warbler census revealed 1,479 singing males, the highest count in history and the fourth consecutive annual count record.  The discovery of three unmated males in eastern Ontario, Canada was also notable. 

Kirtland’s warbler recovery is dependent on annual intensive habitat management and annual brown-headed cowbird control.  These vital interagency actions alleviate the twin threats of nesting habitat loss and nest parasitism. 

Guided tours, conducted annually by the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with assistance from the Michigan Audubon Society, provide the public an opportunity to see Kirtland’s warblers.  The 2006 tours were attended by 940 people from 45 states, the District of Columbia, and eight foreign countries. 

The success of the Kirtland’s warbler recovery program is credited to the strong partnerships between the Fish and Wildlife Service, Forest Service, Department of Agriculture – Wildlife Services, Michigan Departments of Natural Resources and Military and Veterans Affairs, The Nature Conservancy, The Bahamian National Trust, Michigan Audubon Society, and others.