Early Spring Migrators in Michigan

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). 

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 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). 

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).