Early Spring Migrators in Michigan

Katelyn Helsel • March 26, 2025

Although the spring equinox was marked by snow throughout much of Michigan, the recent sunshine in the Lower Peninsula has everyone excited for warmer days and chasing spring turkeys. With this seasonal transition also comes the return of many migratory bird species who fly south for the winter.


According to the Cornell University Lab of Ornithology, birds migrate to move from areas of low/decreasing resources to areas of high/increasing resources. With Michigan winters bringing cold weather and snow to the state, there are more food resources available in the southern part of the country. Thus, birds migrate south during the winter where there is more food available. Once spring finally arrives, they migrate north to take advantage of increasing insect populations and nesting locations (Cornell University Lab of Ornithology). 


Spring in Michigan is a great time to watch for these migrating birds; some start arriving early in March while others wait until May. Red-winged blackbirds, sandhill cranes, Canada geese, and turkey vultures are among the early migrators. Keep an eye out for these species because once they arrive, it’s a sure sign that spring is well on its way. 



Red-Winged Blackbird

Red-winged blackbirds appear very early in spring with males arriving before females. The males are solid black with bright red shoulder patches outlined in yellow. Females are a streaky brown color, with juveniles also exhibiting a similar coloring. Females also have a yellowish wash around their bill. This species occupies marshy areas and breeds in freshwater marshes, woody swamps, weedy fields, and hayfields. They also occasionally nest in wooded areas along waterways. Red-winged blackbirds feed mainly on insects in the summer and seeds in the winter (Cornell University Lab of Ornithology, National Audubon Society). 


Their breeding season begins in early spring and males will sing their heart out to try and attract a female. Look for these birds sitting on a high perch in marshy areas and listen for their “oak-a-lee" song (University of Michigan Museum of Zoology). 

Sandhill Crane

Another species that migrates back to Michigan in early spring is the sandhill crane. Sandhill cranes are tall, large birds with a long neck and legs. They have grey feathers and a red crown on their head/eyes, and their tail is covered in drooping feathers. Juveniles are a grey or rusty brown color without the red crown on their head. Sandhill cranes breed in open wetlands surrounded by shrubs or trees. Breeding birds like to hang out and nest near wetland and upland forest edges whereas nonbreeders like to hang out in grassy, open areas. This species is omnivorous and feeds on grains, berries, insects, snails, and more. They use their long bill to help them probe for subsurface food (Cornell University Lab of Ornithology, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology). 


Sandhill cranes form breeding pairs during their spring migration. They mate with the same partner year-after-year and maintain this bond by courtship displays and vocalizations. Look for these birds flying overhead or performing their mating dance and listen for their “trills, purrs, and rattles” (University of Michigan Museum of Zoology). 

Canada Goose

Canada geese also migrate back to Michigan in early spring. They are large waterbirds with a black neck and head, white cheek patch, brown feathers, and a white underside. Chicks are small and yellow and have soft plumage. Canada geese occupy many habitats near water and grassy fields. They are especially drawn to lawns because grass is easily digestible, and lawns provide a wide unobstructed view to look out for predators. For this reason, they are frequently found in parks, golf courses, and airports. Their diet consists of grasses and sedges in the summer and berries and seeds in the winter (Cornell University Lab of Ornithology). 


During their spring migration, they are recognized by their V-shaped flocks as they travel north. These flocks are composed of multiple families and individuals with the more experienced geese taking turns leading. Look for them flying overhead in this signature “V” or hanging out near water bodies and listen for their calls. (Cornell University Lab of Ornithology, Indiana Department of Natural Resources). 

Additionally, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) partners with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) to band geese each year. Banding allows researchers to gain valuable insights on populations, and to test for diseases like avian influenza. Bands provide information on distribution, survival, migratory routes, and more. To learn more about this effort, visit the DNR’s webpage on waterfowl management found HERE.




Turkey Vulture

Although their shocking appearance makes them appear a little grotesque, turkey vultures are very important for the ecosystem because they reduce the spread of disease by consuming dead or decomposing meat. They are very large birds and have long wings with “fingers” at the tips. When soaring through the air, turkey vultures hold their wings slightly raised in a ‘V’ shape. They have dark brown feathers and a bright red head, although their feathers appear black from a distance. This species likes to fly over open areas of mixed farmland, forests, and rangeland. They roost in trees or other high secluded spots at night. Turkey vultures are largely able to find decomposing meat due to their excellent sense of smell. They mostly consume mammals but will eat reptiles, amphibians, fish, or other birds (Cornell University Lab of Ornithology). 


The turkey vulture is the most widespread and abundant of all the scavenging birds of prey. They are considered partial migrants, meaning northern populations will migrate while southern populations will not. In Michigan, look for them soaring the skies at dawn or dusk. Turkey vultures are silent most of the time and lack the organs to make proper songs, so they make a series of grunting, hissing, and growling noises instead (Cornell University Lab of Ornithology, Hawk Mountain Global Raptor Conservation).

More Spring Migrants

For birds who wintered further south, their migration back to Michigan peaks around May. Common birds you may see around this time include warblers, sandpipers, and dabbling ducks. There are also many prime places in Michigan to see these beautiful birds fly in. Check out the Michigan DNR’s Spring Birding page found HERE for more information.


The state of Michigan is also home to several hawkwatch sites. These areas are great places to venture to during spring and look for migratory hawks. Official spring hawkwatch sites as mentioned by the Michigan DNR include Lakeport State Park, Brockway Mountain, Mackinac Island State Park, Mackinaw City, and Whitefish Point (Michigan Department of Natural Resources). Their website also lists more sites along Great Lakes shoreline migration routes, making it easy to track migration patterns of certain birds. 



Finally, Michigan’s Wetland Wonders are a great place to look for migratory waterfowl and many other species. 


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