NEWS RELEASE
Kirtland's Warbler Tours (pdf)
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, and Michigan Audubon Society are pleased to announce the dates for the Kirtland’s warbler tours. Bird watchers are urged to take this opportunity to observe the endangered Kirtland’s warbler and view nesting areas by participating in guided tours. The guided tours represent the best opportunity to view this endangered songbird, as Kirtland’s warbler nesting areas in northern Michigan will be closed and posted against public entry during the nesting season.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Michigan Audubon Society will conduct guided tours from May 15 through July 4, departing from the Ramada Inn in Grayling, Michigan. The tours are offered daily at 7:00 a.m. and at 11:00 a.m. and are free of charge.
The U.S. Forest Service will conduct tours from May 15 through July 2, with tours departing at 7:00 a.m. from the U.S. Forest Service District Ranger Office in Mio, Michigan. Tours are conducted daily with the exception of Memorial Day. The USFS tour charges $10.00 per person under the Recreation Fee Demonstration Program. More information can be found at http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/hmnf/pages/warbindex.htm.
Actual sighting of the Kirtland’s warbler is not guaranteed. The average date when the first Kirtland’s warbler arrives at the nesting area is May 12; the latest record of the first arrival is May 20. Thus, the chance of seeing the bird during early guided tours is less than ideal. The best period for seeing the warbler is during late May and the month of June. After July 1, viewing opportunities diminish. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars and spotting scopes. Small groups are preferable. They create less disturbance and participants are more likely to see the bird. Large groups should contact the following offices for reservations. Groups of four or fewer are encouraged, but not required, to make reservations so optimum schedules can be established. Playing recorded warbler songs or the use of any other attraction methods will not be allowed. Special efforts will not be made for photographers.
For more information contact:
| U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service East Lansing Field Office 2651 Coolidge Road East Lansing, MI 48823 Phone: (517) 351-2555 Contact: Chris Mensing (x316) chris_mensing@fws.gov |
U.S. Forest Service Mio Ranger District 107 McKinley Road Mio, Michigan 48647 989/826-3252 Contact: Kim Piccolo (Ext. 3320) or Bev McVeigh (Ext. 3310) E-mail: r9 hmnf website@fs.fed.us |
Michigan Audubon Society |
Follow this Link for More Information About Kirtland's Warblers
Follow this Link for Information About Endangered Species in the Midwest and Northern Great Lakes
