Shorebird Migration is Beginning!

While songbirds continue to raise their young, some shorebirds are already heading back to their wintering grounds. Although it won’t heat up until August, the unsuccessful breeders may get an early start.

This year’s shorebird migration around the Great Lakes could get interesting. Lake water levels continue to rise, and even inland marshes are at higher levels. Traditional hotspots around the Great Lakes may show fewer individuals this fall, and new inland spots may excite birders who live in counties where any shorebird is a rarity.

Where can you find shorebirds?

Unlike the name “shorebird” suggests, these birds can be found in a variety of habitats. Sandy beaches, mudflats, sod farms, flooded fields, wastewater facilities and marsh edges offer habitat for a variety of migrating species. Below are some species you could encounter around the Great Lakes.

This Red Knot was found on a busy beach in South Haven, MI.

American Avocets breed west of the Great Lakes, but they seem to show all around the Great Lakes during migration.

Large shorebirds, including Marbled Godwit, often stop along the lakeshore to rest. Stopping along beaches very early in the morning can often lead to some excellent discoveries.

  Wilson’s Snipe and many other species are attracted to Wastewater facilities. These places often yield incredible rarities.

 Shorebirds, like these Willets, seem to let their guard down while loafing on beaches. This is great as it allows for close examination.

An endangered Piping Plover spent a few days at Tiscornia Park in St. Joseph, MI.

A Spotted Sandpiper at Muskegon Wastewater searches for food along one of the lagoons.