David Peters, Compiler
The summer of 2014 was without a doubt one for the record books. A unprecedented seasonal total of 228 species from the Michigan Bird List were reported in the Saginaw Bay Area this summer, fourteen more than the previous record, set back in 1992. This report lists each of these species, 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.
Michigan rarities observed during the season included *Black-bellied Whistling Duck (2nd SBA record), *White-winged Dove (1st SBA record). SBA rarities reported include White-eyed Vireo and Lark Sparrow, representing the 1st Huron County records for both species. As in the previous several summer seasons, several new all- time peak counts were recorded in Midland County.
Climatically, June was near average, but July had cooler than average temperatures and more than average precipitation. Due to increased Lake Huron water levels, exposed shore on the flip-side, flooded costal marsh habitat was abundant.
Click "Seasonal Surveys" in the Navigation Bar for complete report!
The summer of 2014 was without a doubt one for the record books. A unprecedented seasonal total of 228 species from the Michigan Bird List were reported in the Saginaw Bay Area this summer, fourteen more than the previous record, set back in 1992. This report lists each of these species, 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.
Michigan rarities observed during the season included *Black-bellied Whistling Duck (2nd SBA record), *White-winged Dove (1st SBA record). SBA rarities reported include White-eyed Vireo and Lark Sparrow, representing the 1st Huron County records for both species. As in the previous several summer seasons, several new all- time peak counts were recorded in Midland County.
Climatically, June was near average, but July had cooler than average temperatures and more than average precipitation. Due to increased Lake Huron water levels, exposed shore on the flip-side, flooded costal marsh habitat was abundant.
Click "Seasonal Surveys" in the Navigation Bar for complete report!