I often visited Mio, Michigan in the spring to view the rare Kirtland's Warbler. This small but handsome bird was on the brink of extinction back in the 1970's and 1980's and I, along with many people from all over the world came to view it in case this little bird did go the way of the Passenger Pigeon. Requiring very specialized habitat of not too young and not too old Jack Pine Trees, it had run out of suitable habitat and was in a fast decline. A massive effort was made by wildlife specialist and with a little luck the bird has bounced back from 167 singing males at it lowest point to over 2000 singing males today (Only singing males can be counted but it is estimated that one female exists for every singing male). Once found only in a small number of Michigan counties it has established small colonies in a couple neighboring states and Canada. It has pulled back from the precipice and hopefully can remain there.
In previous years I had heard the warbler singing in suitable Jack Pine habitat in the Upper Peninsula and I decided to spend some time hoping to get some better images than the ones I presently had. Things could not have gone better. I drove some dirt roads into suitable territory, got out of the truck to begin hiking and immediately heard one singing. Within minutes I located the male bird singing constantly while moving around a small area. The light was not perfect but I was very happy with the quick results. Did I mention the bugs in the U.P. in June.
 |
| The old name, "Jack Pine Warbler" is easy to understand from this image. |
 |
| Angry Kirtland's Warbler |
 |
| Studies indicate unmated males sing more than mated birds. Hopefully this male has a mate. |
No comments:
Post a Comment