Species’ totals from this week’s are included in parentheses ().
This was a fantastic week for early spring migration through the Straits! Warmer temperatures have finally provided an abundance of open water. In turn, waterbird counts have rapidly increased in productivity.
Certain species have notably ramped up migration including Red-breasted Merganser (1,129), Long-tailed Duck (1,081) and Canada Goose (667). Common Goldeneye (224) and Common Merganser (155) are also on the move in considerable numbers. New arrivals for this week include all three species of grebes; Red-necked (12), Horned (2), and Pied-billed (1). The first Great Blue Herons (2) were also observed moving north.
Canada Geese – McGulpin Point 04/08/2026
April was off to a quick start with a strong westerly wind on 04/03. This count produced the first handful of Common Loons (49) and an early Red-throated Loon (1)! Sightings of White-winged Scoter (42) flocks are quickly becoming more frequent. The season’s first pair of Canvasback (5) was spotted moving west among a flock of Redhead.
Dabbling duck migration is a major highlight in early April. These puddle ducks returned in full force, as all 9 species have been represented. Blue-winged Teal (11), Green-winged Teal (1), and Northern Shoveler (10) were all new for this spring season. Additional migrants included Mallard (286), American Black Duck (31), Wood Duck (6), Northern Pintail (12), American Wigeon (21), Gadwall (2).
A male Harequin Duck in breeding plumage was the star of the show this week. This handsome individual foraged at Graham Point in the early morning before flying off northeast towards St Ignace by 8am. Sightings on the Great Lakes are always a special treat as the eastern population is quite small (<5,000).
I haven’t been the only one enjoying newly arrived sparrows and blackbirds. Local Merlins and an immature Northern Shrike did not mind my presence while chasing passerines around the Graham Point on 04/09.
