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Tours Offered to View Endangered Kirtland’s Warbler

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, and Michigan Audubon Society are again providing opportunities to catch a glimpse of the endangered Kirtland’s warbler in northern Michigan this spring and summer. 

The Fish and Wildlife Service and Michigan Audubon Society will lead tours from the Grayling, Michigan, Ramada Inn from May 15 through July 4. Tours are offered weekdays at 7 am and on weekends and holidays at 7 am and 11 am. 

“This is an incredible opportunity to observe the endangered Kirtland’s warbler and view nesting areas,” said Dan Elbert, biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  “The warbler’s nesting areas in northern Michigan are closed to the public during nesting season.”

Although actual sighting of the Kirtland’s warbler is not guaranteed, participants will learn about the conservation success story of the Kirtland’s warbler, a species once on the brink of extinction and now making a comeback.  Tours are free of charge.

Most male Kirtland’s warblers arrive on the breeding grounds between May 1 and May 18, with the first females arriving a week or so after the first males.  The best period for seeing the warbler is late May and the month of June.  After July 1, viewing opportunities diminish.  Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars and spotting scopes.  

Groups of eight or more should contact the offices listed below for reservations.  Playing recorded warbler songs or the use of any other attraction methods will not be allowed.  Special efforts will not be made for photographers.

The U.S. Forest Service will conduct tours on the Huron-Manistee National Forest.  Please contact the U.S. Forest Service for more details using the contacts listed below.

For more information: