Kirtland's Warbler

This is one of the most specialized birds in North America; it nests only in tracks of young Jack Pines in Michigan (primarily), Wisconsin, and Ontario. Given that range and habitat restriction, it's not surprising that the species has declined as humans have expanded into those areas. It is currently listed as Endangered, and the population is estimate at 4,000 to 5,000 birds, all of which winter in the Bahamas. I caught up with this individual in Northern Michigan, in a Jack Pine forest managed specifically for this species. It was great to hear so many (~10) singing birds on this beautiful morning. I would have like to capture and individual without bands, but those tags help tell the conservation story of this species in this instance.

Iosco County, Michigan, 5/17/22
Canon 600mm f/4 IS II + 1.4x III on EOS R5
1/5000 at f/5.6, ISO 1600