Hunt For Kirtland's Warbler - 14 Jun 2026
I wanted to get up north to look for Kirtland's Warbler (S etophaga kirtlandii) this week but clouds and rain were predicted for most of the time. Only Monday morning looked clear so I decided to drive to Grayling, MI this Sunday afternoon, spend the night, then possibly take the DNR-sponsored Kirtland Warbler Tour in the morning. I left the house at noon for the 3-hour drive to Grayling. Skies were darkening and severe thunderstorms were being reported in nearby Detroit and Dearborn. Sure enough, as I got onto I-275 North at Sibley the skies opened up; I would need wipers on high-speed and drive with the hazard lights blinking. Traffic was moving at 40 mph. I-696 West was less rainy; I had the wipers on continuous during the constant downpour. Traffic was going 50 mph. US-23 N saw the rain finally subsiding, and by the time I reached Flint the heavy clouds were starting to show breaks of blue. I had time to kick around so I took the exit near Roscommon off I-75 N and...
