Winter ignored the calendar as March began, issuing a major snow event on the first full night of March. Another decent snow occurred later in the month, along with some rain, but from mid-April on there was no more snowfall, and indeed, lower than average rainfall. March temperatures were milder than average, but April and May were near average.
A total of 262 species from the Michigan Bird List were reported in the Saginaw Bay Area this spring, the third highest total since the Birds in the SBA compilation was initiated. 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. First dates are listed for species not recorded in the preceding February, and last dates for (most of) the species that don’t remain into the summer.
An impressive number of six new SBA all-time peak counts were established. Equally impressive were the six new spring high counts. There was one new record spring early date, and one new record spring late date. One first time ever in the SBA record was reported, as were first time records for Arenac County, Saginaw, and Tuscola Counties. Rounding out the list of notables is the seven Michigan Review List species were reported.
Fish Point State Wildlife Area in Tuscola County, and Tawas Point State Park in Iosco County played a significant role in SBA birdlife this spring, accounting for many of the before mentioned records.
Click here for full report!
A total of 262 species from the Michigan Bird List were reported in the Saginaw Bay Area this spring, the third highest total since the Birds in the SBA compilation was initiated. 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. First dates are listed for species not recorded in the preceding February, and last dates for (most of) the species that don’t remain into the summer.
An impressive number of six new SBA all-time peak counts were established. Equally impressive were the six new spring high counts. There was one new record spring early date, and one new record spring late date. One first time ever in the SBA record was reported, as were first time records for Arenac County, Saginaw, and Tuscola Counties. Rounding out the list of notables is the seven Michigan Review List species were reported.
Fish Point State Wildlife Area in Tuscola County, and Tawas Point State Park in Iosco County played a significant role in SBA birdlife this spring, accounting for many of the before mentioned records.
Click here for full report!