When news spread about a rare bird found in downtown Detroit two days ago, the southeast Michigan birding community was delighted.
I know, I was one of them!
A Kirtland’s Warbler was found in downtown Detroit, very close to Comerica Park where the Detroit Tigers play.
Not only was it a rare bird, it was found in an area you wouldn’t expect.
An area not known for its forested areas.
Rather it’s an urban location with tall buildings, skyscrapers, and concrete sidewalks.
Interspersed with small parks and landscaped hedges bordering concrete parking lots.
And that’s where I found the bird.
Foraging in the median of a busy street. A median with a less than 20-foot wide by 50-foot long rose bed.
The warbler eventually flew to yew bushes bordering a parking lot, foraging on the ground. And then flew up to the crabapple trees.
Only to return back to the yew bushes to forage.
In the past, I’ve seen Kirtland’s Warblers in the jack pine forests of northern Michigan.
Their typical habitat during breeding season.
Never thought I’d see a Kirtland’s Warbler in an urban setting.
Since it’s fall migration, you expect a lot of warblers to make their way through our southeast Michigan area as they fly south.
According to a veteran birder, based on the light gray face color, pale wing bars, and small breast markings, the bird may be a young female.
Given it’s been seen for the past two days. I’m curious if it will continue to be found over the next week.
Life county (Wayne) bird for me, which means it’s the first time I’ve seen the bird in my county.
