A total of 189 species from the Michigan Bird List were reported in the Saginaw Bay Area this summer. This falls short of the last two summer’s unusually high totals, but it is still above the long term average for the season. This report lists each of the species reported, along with the highest reported individual count(s) for each, and a list of the SBA counties in which each was noted.

Last departure dates and first arrival dates are listed for species that aren’t present during the breeding season. As is typical for the season, the total number of observers and observer trips was on the low side. Arenac County was comparatively under-represented. Only one Michigan Review List species was reported. One new SBA peak count was established.

June temperatures were seldom above or below the mean deviation. July was similar, but a bit more often above average. The later half of July was notable for lack of precipitation.

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Chimney Swifts at Chestnut Hill Elementary School, 3900 Chestnut Hill Drive, Midland MI 48642.


July 28, 2016. At least 100+ birds. Very hard to count in the dim light with them circling.

• Saw the first pair of swifts arrive in the area at 9:01.
• 20+ at 9:05
• 30+ at 9:10
• By 9:12 they were starting to stay near the chimney
• 50+ at 9:12
• First bird into the chimney at 9:13-just a single (probably wants to get the perfect perch)
• By 9:19 lots of birds making fakes toward the chimney but veering off rather than going in.
• At 9:21 a few more went in.
• At 9:23 came the big dump-all the birds went in-or almost all.
• 9:24 three birds in.
• 9:25 one bird in and I could not hear or see any more. 
• Waited a few minutes and saw no more.
  
  

August 5, 2016. At least 100+ birds

Instead of one big dump with a few stragglers, there was a big flock into the chimney and then about 1/4 of them came in over the next 5 minutes.

Arrived at 9:10-birds were flying in circles over and around the chimney. 

• 9:14- the bulk of the swifts dived into the chimney at least 100 birds
• 9:15- a dozen more entered
• 9:16- ten more
• 9:17- three more
• 9:18- seven more
• 9:19- three more
• 9:20- one entered
• 9:21- one entered
  
  

August 6, 2016

Staked out the school at 5:00 AM. Had a long wait.Had been there at 6:00 AM July 29th and saw no birds so I moved it up an hour.

• 6:40-   8 birds left the chimney
• 6:42- 44 left
• 6:43- 43 left
• 6:44- 40 left
• 6:45-   5 left       TOTAL= 140

Waited 10 minutes but saw no more birds.  As they left they immediately left the area, no clouds of birds like the arrival.
Left two or tree at a time. Easy to count, unlike their arrival in one massive dump. I may have missed a few because they come out of the chimney, drop over the lip and glide away. A few might have sneaked by on the back side of the chimney.