A neotropical migratory bird is a bird that breeds in Canada and/or the U.S. and spends (our) winter in Mexico, Central America, South America, or the Caribbean. Many such species arrive in and/or pass through SE Michigan in May.
Over 2 dozen different species of warblers alone arrive at this time of the year and many, many bird watchers head for migrating warbling hotspots like Magee Marsh in Ohio, Point Pelee in Ontario, and Tawas Point in Michigan.
Warbler chasers come to these hotspots from all over, in big numbers, and with big cameras. These tiny birds (about the size of chickadees) are one of the key reasons that bird tourism is a big business in some locations.
Warblers also pass through Eliza Howell Park, though in smaller numbers. Here are some of the migrating warblers that I tend to see every May in the park. Each picture is of a male in breeding season plumage.
The following photos were all taken by Margaret Weber. My thanks for the permission to use and my appreciation of the quality of the shots.
Blackburnian Warbler
Blackburnians pass through here on their way to their breeding grounds from mid-Michigan through much of Canada.
Black and White Warbler
This is one of the few warblers that forages for insects along the branches of trees rather than in the leaves.
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warblers glean insects from the bottom of leaves. Their breeding area includes much of Michigan.
Northern Parula
In breeding season, this forest bird is usually high in the canopy. In migration, however, it is often low enough for good looks.
Nashville Warbler
The Nashville Warbler is misnamed. It migrates through Tennessee, but neither summers nor winters there. It breeds in northern Michigan and Canada, nesting on the ground.
Magnolia Warbler
The Magnolia Warbler was given its name 200 years ago by an ornithologist who found it in a magnolia tree in Mississippi (in migration). It breeds in the northern forest, far from any magnolias.
American Redstart
American redstarts breed in much of the eastern United States, favoring woodlands with abundant shrubs. I have not yet observed them in breeding season in Eliza Howell Park, but it would not surprise me if I do some year.
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There is not much that can compare with the excitement of seeking and finding these beautiful birds as they near the end of their long migration northward. During their May migration through this part of the country, approximately May 5 to May 20, I spend some time with the crowds at the famous hotspots.
That is exciting, but it is even more satisfying for me to see these warblers right here in this Detroit park. I hope to introduce others to the experience.
Eliza Howell Nature Walks 