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Each spring and summer, the forests, wetlands, and shorelines of the Great Lakes region burst into song as colorful warblers arrive from their southern wintering grounds. These tiny, restless birds can be challenging to spot, but learning their markings, songs, and favorite habitats makes every sight rewarding.

Whether you’re exploring a lakeside trail or watching from your backyard, here are 10 warblers you can see in the Great Lakes region and tips to help you identify each one.

1. Yellow Warbler

How to identify: Bright lemon-yellow plumage with subtle chestnut streaks on the chest.

Where to find them: Shrubby wetlands, stream edges, and willow thickets.

Listen for: A cheerful “sweet-sweet-sweet, I’m so sweet!” song.

2. American Redstart

How to identify: Black (or gray in females) with bright orange patches on the wings and tail.

Where to find them: Deciduous forests and wooded backyards.

Behavior tip: They often fan their tails to flush insects.

3. Black-and-white Warbler

How to identify: Striking black-and-white stripes, like a tiny zebra.

Where to find them: Tree trunks and branches. This warbler creeps along bark like a nuthatch.

Listen for: A thin, squeaky song like a wheel turning: wee-see, wee-see, wee-see.

4. Common Yellowthroat

How to identify: Males wear a black “bandit” mask; females are plain yellow and olive.

Where to find them: Marshes, wet meadows, and brushy fields.

Listen for: The bouncy “witchety-witchety-witchety” call.

5. Magnolia Warbler

How to identify: Yellow chest with bold black streaks, white wing bars, and a gray back.

Where to find them: Coniferous forests and mixed woods during migration.

Fun fact: Despite the name, they don’t nest near magnolias, they were first spotted in one!

6. Chestnut-sided Warbler

How to identify: White underside with a chestnut stripe down the sides and a yellow crown.

Where to find them: Regenerating clearings and young forests.

Listen for: “Pleased, pleased, pleased to meetcha!”

7. Blackburnian Warbler

How to identify: A fiery orange throat that glows in the canopy.

Where to find them: High in mature coniferous forests, often near hemlocks or spruces.

Pro tip: Look for them during migration when they forage lower.

8. Palm Warbler

How to identify: Brownish-olive above, yellow below, with a rusty cap and tail-wagging habit.

Where to find them: Open areas with scattered trees, especially during migration.

Behavior tip: That constant tail-bob gives them away.

9. Yellow-rumped Warbler

How to identify: Blue-gray back, yellow patches on the rump, sides, and crown.

Where to find them: Very adaptable. Seen in woods, parks, and backyards.

Fun fact: One of the few warblers that can digest waxy berries, allowing it to stay farther north in winter.

10. Black-throated Green Warbler

How to identify: Olive-green back, yellow face, and a bold black throat.

Where to find them: Coniferous and mixed forests, especially near lakes and streams.

Listen for: “Trees, trees, whispering trees.”

Final Tips for Spotting Warblers

• Go early: Morning light and activity are best for sightings.
• Listen first: Learn a few key songs. They’ll guide your eyes.
• Stay patient: Warblers move fast, but pausing quietly often brings them into view.
• Bring binoculars: A lightweight pair helps you catch those fleeting colors.

Want to read about 10 more birds you can see in this area? Click here to read.

If you’ve ever noticed a tiny black and white bird tapping away on your trees or hanging upside down from your suet feeder, chances are you’ve met a Downy Woodpecker! They’re the smallest woodpeckers in North America, but they make a big impression with their bold markings, cheerful energy, and gentle drumming that echoes through backyards and woodlots alike.

Downy Woodpeckers are remarkably adaptable. You can find them year round across most of the continent working over tree trunks in quiet forests or flitting between suet feeders and maples in suburban yards. Once they discover a reliable food source, they often return day after day, bringing a sense of rhythm and life even to the snowiest winter morning.

So what exactly do these little woodpeckers love most, and how can you make your yard a place they want to call home?

Feeding the Downy Woodpecker

When it comes to feeding, Downy Woodpeckers aren’t picky but they do have favorites. Suet is at the top of their list. Made from rendered animal fat, suet provides the high energy they need, especially during cold months. A simple suet cage works fine, but if you want to make them especially comfortable, choose one with a tail prop a flat board that extends below the feeder to support their balance.

You’ll also attract them with black oil sunflower seeds, peanuts, and mealworms. Peanuts, especially unsalted and shelled, give them protein rich energy, while dried or live mealworms mimic their natural insect diet.

When setting up feeders, place them near trees or shrubs. Downies feel safest when they can dart to nearby cover if startled, and they’ll visit more confidently when their feeding area mimics their natural woodland environment.

Check out my post on The Best Bird Feeders For Your Yard.

Creating a Natural Habitat

Feeders are just one part of attracting woodpeckers. A truly inviting yard feels like their natural habitat rich in trees, insects, and safe shelter.

If you have a dead tree or branch that’s not a safety hazard, consider leaving it standing. These “snags” are gold for woodpeckers, full of insects and larvae beneath the bark, and perfect for drumming and nesting.

Native trees and shrubs like oak, birch, and dogwood host a variety of insects that Downy Woodpeckers depend on. Avoiding pesticides is just as important. Chemical sprays might eliminate garden pests, but they also destroy the very insects these birds rely on for food.

A Place to Drink and Bathe

While we usually think of Downy Woodpeckers as bark drillers and suet lovers, they also enjoy water. A clean, shallow bird bath can attract them especially one with a gentle dripper or small fountain. The sound of moving water piques their curiosity and draws them down from nearby branches.

Place your bird bath near a tree or shrub where they can perch between visits, and keep it clean year-round to prevent algae buildup.

Wonder which bird bath is best? Read my article on Bird Baths 101.

Nesting and Shelter

When spring arrives, Downy Woodpeckers start searching for nesting sites. In the wild, they excavate their own cavities in dead or decaying trees a process that can take weeks of persistent drilling. You can encourage nesting by leaving a few dead limbs in safe trees or by installing a woodpecker nest box designed for Downies.

For best results, choose a box with a 1¼-inch entrance hole, and mount it 6–20 feet high on a tree trunk in a quiet, semi shaded area. With a bit of luck, you might see a pair claim it as their home, returning year after year to raise their young.

Want my recommendation for a nesting box? Click Here.

Keeping Them Safe

Once Downy Woodpeckers visit your yard, you’ll want to keep them safe. Keep cats indoors, move feeders away from windows, and use anti collision decals to prevent accidents. Avoid glue traps and chemical sprays outdoors as they can harm both birds and the insects they depend on.

A Joyful Backyard Companion

There’s something comforting about the steady tap of a Downy Woodpecker on a cold morning. They bring energy and life to even the quietest corners of the yard, reminding us that nature is always close by.

By offering nutritious food, natural shelter, clean water, and a safe space to nest, you’ll not only attract these charming little drummers but you’ll help them thrive. Once a Downy finds your yard, it often becomes a familiar visitor, returning each day with soft calls and a rhythmic tap that feels like part of the landscape itself.

I didn’t set out to become a birder. It started with curiosity watching a little black-capped chickadee flit around the backyard feeder one morning while I was sipping coffee. I didn’t know its name at the time. All I knew was that it made me pause. And that was enough to open the door.

If you’ve ever stopped what you were doing to notice a bird singing outside your window or followed a flash of red through the trees, congratulations you’ve already started birdwatching! The rest is just practice, presence, and a little patience.

Here’s a simple guide to help you begin, no matter where you are.

🌳 1. Start Where You Are

You don’t need fancy gear or a nature preserve to start birding. Your backyard, porch, balcony, or even your window is enough. Birds are everywhere, especially in the Great Lakes region, where we’re lucky to have such rich birdlife through all four seasons.

Just take 10 minutes in the morning or evening to watch and listen. That’s it. Birding is about slowing down and noticing what’s already around you.

🔍 2. Get to Know a Few Common Birds

Start small. Pick 3 to 5 birds you see often and learn their names, colors, and calls. In my yard, it was the cardinal, chickadee, and bluebird. The more you learn about them, the easier it becomes to notice new ones.

You can use a simple bird guide or free apps like:

• Merlin Bird ID – for easy photo or sound identification
• eBird – to track your sightings and see what others are spotting nearby

You can read my Top 10 Birds To See In Michigan to help you start recognizing common species.

🍽️ 3. Offer a Little Hospitality

Putting out a bird feeder is a great way to bring them closer. Start with a basic feeder and black oil sunflower seeds, most birds love them. You’ll likely see cardinals, chickadees, nuthatches, and finches within days.

Later, you can add a suet feeder in winter or a hummingbird feeder in summer. Native plants are even better because they feed birds and insects naturally and help the whole ecosystem.

Not sure what feeder is best for your yard? Take a look at my article on The 5 Best Bird Feeders For Your Yard to help determine which is best for you!

📓 4. Keep a Bird Journal

One of my favorite parts of birding is writing things down. Keep a little notebook or print out a birding journal page. Jot down:

• What birds you saw
• What they were doing
• What the weather was like
• How it made you feel

It’s such a peaceful practice especially if you’re out with kids. They love pointing out birds, drawing them, and giving them nicknames.

📸 5. Bring Your Camera (or Don’t)

As a photographer, I always have the urge to grab my camera. But some days, I leave it behind on purpose. Birding doesn’t have to be about capturing the perfect shot it’s about connecting with the moment. And that stillness is something I’ve grown to love deeply.

That said, photographing birds has helped me learn even more about their behavior, and it’s deeply rewarding. If you’re into photography too, start by practicing with common birds right near home. You don’t need a big lens just a lot of quiet observation.

💚 6. Stay Curious

The more time you spend watching birds, the more they’ll teach you about patience, seasons, migration, and what it means to truly belong to a place. I believe birding helps us care more, not just about wildlife, but about the forests, the lakes, and our own backyards.

So if you’re wondering how to start birdwatching, the answer is simple: just look up. You’re already on your way.

Looking for a simple, eco-friendly way to feed backyard birds? This DIY toilet paper roll bird feeder is the perfect quick project. It’s a great activity for kids, takes less than 10 minutes, and uses items you probably already have at home.

Whether you’re just getting started with backyard birding or looking for a fun nature craft, this feeder is a win win, easy for humans, tasty for birds!

🐦 Why Make a Toilet Paper Roll Bird Feeder?

• ✅ No tools required
• ✅ Reuses cardboard tubes
• ✅ Kid and bird friendly
• ✅ Ideal for chickadees, cardinals, finches, and woodpeckers

This feeder attracts a variety of backyard birds and encourages hands on learning for little nature lovers.

🛠️ What You’ll Need

• 1 empty toilet paper roll or paper towel tube (cut in half)
• Peanut butter (or sunflower seed butter for allergies)
• Bird seed mix (black oil sunflower is best)
• Butter knife or spoon for spreading
• String or twine (optional)
• Shallow plate or tray

📋 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Spread the Peanut Butter

Use a butter knife or spoon to coat the outside of the toilet paper roll with a thick layer of peanut butter. Make sure it’s well covered this is what holds the seed.

📝 Tip: For nut-free options, use Crisco, lard, or sunflower seed butter.

Step 2: Roll in Bird Seed

Pour bird seed onto a plate or tray. Gently roll the peanut butter covered tube in the seed, pressing lightly so it sticks. Rotate until it’s fully coated.

🐤 You can also sprinkle extra seed on by hand for full coverage.

Step 3: Hang/Slide Onto a Branch or Hang on The Side of a Tree

• Option 1: Slide the roll directly onto a small tree branch.
• Option 2: Thread a piece of string through the roll and tie it around a thicker branch.
• Option 3: Hang on hooked tree bark.

🧼 Clean-Up and Reuse Tips

• These feeders last a few days in mild weather. Replace them once the seed is eaten or the tube gets soggy.
• Cardboard tubes are biodegradable, but remove any string or leftovers to protect wildlife.
• Encourage kids to observe and record which birds visit!

🌱 Bonus: Add a Learning Twist

Turn this into a backyard science project:

• Count how many birds visit in 10 minutes
• Compare different seed mixes
• Track feeder activity in a bird journal

Final Thoughts

This DIY toilet paper roll bird feeder is one of the easiest ways to get kids interested in birds and nature. It’s budget friendly, zero waste, and gives your backyard birds a tasty treat.

So grab a cardboard tube, some peanut butter, and your favorite seed mix and watch the birds flock in!

Just because the leaves are dropping does not mean your backyard is going quiet.

In fact, fall is one of my favorite seasons to birdwatch. There’s a different kind of energy in the air. Fall migration is happening, food sources are shifting, and some birds that stuck around all summer are starting to act a little differently. But here’s the fun part: not all birds fly south.

Many stay right here through the crisp, cool months fluffing up their feathers, caching seeds, and filling the backyard with soft calls and quick flicks through the trees.

So, if you’ve been wondering whether to pack up the bird feeders for the season, don’t! These 10 birds are still showing up in my yard this fall, and chances are, they’re visiting yours too.

1. 

Black-Capped Chickadee

These tiny fluff balls are heart of the fall feeder scene. Always curious and never too shy, chickadees are year-round residents that get even cuter in cooler weather when they puff up like little feathered marshmallows. I’ve watched them stash sunflower seeds under bark like it’s a game and they always come back for more.

2. 

Northern Cardinal

Their bright red feathers against gold leaves or fresh snow? Stunning. Male cardinals are especially showy this time of year, and I’ve found they tend to visit feeders more frequently as the temperature drops. A little black oil sunflower seed, and they’re yours.

3. 

Downy Woodpecker

If you hear a soft tapping on a tree nearby, there’s a good chance it’s a downy woodpecker. These little drummers are regulars at suet feeders in fall. They’re not just cute they’re also important bug-eaters as they prep for winter.

4. 

White-Breasted Nuthatch

With their upside-down antics and nasal “yank-yank” calls, nuthatches are hard to miss. I call them the acrobats of the bird world. They’re caching seeds like crazy in the fall, wedging them into tree bark to snack on later.

5. 

American Goldfinch

While they lose their bright yellow color in fall, goldfinches don’t go far. Their fall and winter plumage is more of a soft olive or brown, but you’ll still spot them if you leave your thistle feeder out a little longer.

6. 

Blue Jay

Loud, bold, and impossible to ignore, blue jays are around all year but I especially love watching them in fall as they cache acorns in the ground and carry peanuts off in their beaks. They’re clever, loudmouths, and completely entertaining.

7. 

Dark-Eyed Junco

When I see juncos, I know cold weather isn’t far off. These little slate-colored snowbirds usually show up in my yard in late fall, scratching around under feeders or poking through leaf litter. They love millet and cracked corn and apparently, my garden beds.

8. 

Mourning Dove

Often overlooked, mourning doves are calm, gentle presences in the backyard. I hear their soft cooing early in the morning and see them basking in patches of sun. They’ll stick around all fall and beyond especially if you sprinkle seed on the ground for them.

9. 

Tufted Titmouse

One of my personal favorites with big eyes, a cute crest, and endless energy titmice are like chickadees’ slightly bolder cousins. I love watching them grab a sunflower seed, fly off to a branch, and hammer it open like it owes them money. They’re a fall staple at my feeders.

10. 

Red-Bellied Woodpecker

Not just a woodpecker with a red head his one has a faint blush on its belly, and a call that sounds like it belongs in a sci-fi movie. They’re larger than downies, and they love suet and peanuts. I always get excited when I see one glide into my yard with that zebra-striped back and bright red crown.

Final Thoughts

Fall birding is quieter, slower but in the best way. It invites you to pay attention, to notice the subtler behaviors, and to appreciate the birds that stay behind when the skies clear of migrating flocks.

So keep your feeders full, your binoculars nearby, and your ears open. You might just find that fall is the season where you connect with your backyard birds the most.

Let me know what birds you’re seeing this fall I’d love to hear!

There’s nothing better than waking up to the chatter of chickadees or catching a glimpse of a scarlet tanager flitting through your trees. But attracting songbirds to your yard takes more than scattering birdseed it’s about creating a space that truly supports them.

If you live in the Great Lakes region, you’re already in prime birding territory. Here’s how to turn your yard into a real haven for songbirds one that goes beyond quick fixes and feeds birds the way nature intended.

1. Start with Native Plants (This Is the Real Secret)

Forget decorative landscaping. If your yard is full of barberry, hostas, and turf grass, you’re not giving birds much to work with.

Instead, plant native species that actually support insects and berries the foundation of a bird’s diet, especially during nesting season.

Here in the Great Lakes, some great options include:

• Serviceberry (Amelanchier): early spring berries
• Red Osier Dogwood: winter food and nesting cover
• Purple Coneflower, Goldenrod, and Bee Balm: attract pollinators and seed-eating birds
• Oak and Birch trees: host hundreds of native caterpillars that are critical food for baby birds

🪴 Bonus: Native plants don’t need fertilizer or pesticides, and they’re adapted to our climate.

2. Feeders Are Fine But Be Intentional

Feeders can supplement natural food sources, especially in winter or migration season. But don’t rely on them as your only offering.

Good options:

• Black oil sunflower seeds: loved by cardinals, chickadees, finches
• Suet: great in winter for nuthatches and woodpeckers
• Nyjer (thistle): a goldfinch favorite

But skip the grocery store seed mixes full of milo or cracked corn. Most songbirds won’t touch them, and they attract pests like starlings.

🧼 Important Tip: clean your feeders! Songbirds are dying from dirty feeders more than predators.

Want to see more birds at your feeder?

Download my FREE Feeder Placement Chart to learn exactly where to hang your feeders for the best bird activity. Whether you’re just get started or looking to improve your setup, this quick guide will help you create a bird friendly backyard in no time. Grab your free chart here.

3. Add Water! Even a Simple Dish Helps

Birdbaths don’t have to be fancy. A shallow dish on a stump works fine, especially if it’s near cover.

Why it matters:

• Birds drink and bathe, even in winter
• Moving water (add a solar bubbler!) draws in shy species like warblers and thrushes
• It supports birds when natural water sources are dry or frozen

4. Keep Things Messy (Birds Like That)

We’re trained to keep our yards tidy, but birds love a bit of chaos.

• Let your leaves lie in fall: Overwintering insects = bird food
• Leave seed heads standing through winter
• Don’t cut down all your brush—wrens and sparrows love it for cover

Messy = life. Neat = empty.

5. Ditch the Poisons and Lawn Obsession

If you’re spraying herbicides or lawn treatments, they’re killing the insects birds rely on. Even “natural” sprays can be harmful.

And that lush green lawn? It’s a desert to most wildlife.

Try shrinking your lawn with:

• A native wildflower patch
• A low-maintenance no-mow zone
• A layered edge with shrubs, small trees, and flowers

Less grass = more birds.

Final Thoughts: Think Habitat, Not Handouts

Anyone can throw out some seed. But if you really want to attract songbirds and help them thrive, you need to think about your yard as a living habitat.

When you offer native food, clean water, safe shelter, and a break from toxins, you’re not just feeding birds. You’re becoming part of the ecosystem.

And they’ll thank you with song!

Michigan is a birdwatcher’s paradise, offering a diverse array of avian species across its forests, wetlands, and lakeshores. Whether you’re exploring the Upper Peninsula or enjoying your backyard in Royal Oak, there’s always a feathered friend to admire. Here are ten must-see birds that make Michigan a haven for bird enthusiasts.

1. 

American Robin

Our state bird, the American Robin, is one you’ll see everywhere! With its eye catching orange chest and cheerful song, you’ll often see them hoping across your lawn. A sure sign of springs arrival.

2. 

Black-capped Chickadee

This tiny, year round friendly resident will often be curious of you. You’ll see them in forest and residential areas alike

3. 

Northern Cardinal

With its eye catching color and beautiful whistle, the northern cardinal adds a splash of color to any forest landscape, especially during snowing months.

4. 

Sandhill Crane

These long legged elegant birds are known for their distinctive calls. You’ll find them in Michigans wetlands and open fields during migration season.

5. 

Red-Winged Black Bird

These little black birds will catch your eye with their bright  red stripe. They can be be found in a variety of areas such as wetlands, marshes, grasslands, and even urban areas.

6. 

Downy Woodpecker

The smallest of North America’s woodpeckers, the Downy is a common sight in Michigan’s woodlands and backyards, easily recognized by its black and white feathers and drumming sounds  

7. 

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Also known as  “butter butts” due to the bright yellow patch on their rumps, these warblers are one of the earliest to return in spring.

8. 

Blue Jay

Known for their intelligence and complex social behaviors, Blue Jays are striking with their blue, white, and black plumage and are frequent visitors to bird feeders

9. 

White-breasted Nuthatch

These small birds can often be seen going head first into a tree trunk looking for insects and emitting a “yank yank” sound.

10. 

American Goldfinch

Bright yellow in the summer and more subtle in the winter, these finches are a delight to watch when they visit your feeder.

Tips for Spotting These Birds:

• Early Mornings: Birds are most active during dawn.
• Diverse Habitats: Explore different environments—forests, wetlands, and meadows—to increase your chances of sightings.
• Feeder Setup: Attract a variety of birds by offering seeds,  and fruits.
• Stay Quiet: Move slowly and minimize noise to avoid startling birds.

Happy birding! Don’t forget to share your sightings and photos with me on Instagram and Facebook @greatlakeswildlifejournal. Let’s celebrate Michigan’s incredible birdlife together!

One of the best parts of wildlife photography is the thrill of seeing animals in their natural environment. But as exciting as it is, it’s also important to remember that we’re guests in their space. I’ve had moments where I was tempted to move just a little closer but I’ve learned that the best photos often come when we slow down, keep our distance, and let the moment unfold naturally.

1. Understanding Animal Behavior

One of the most important things you can do before heading out is to learn about the species you’re hoping to photograph. Knowing their habits, routines, and warning signs will help you avoid stressing them out.

Some common signs that an animal is feeling uncomfortable or threatened include:

• Sudden freezing or staring — the animal is alert and watching you closely.
• Alarm calls or warning sounds — birds, squirrels, and even deer will sound the alarm.
• Moving away or hiding — a clear sign they want more space.
• Defensive behavior — like fluffing up, stomping, hissing, or making themselves look larger.

If you notice any of these, it’s time to slow down, back off, or even leave the area. No photo is worth distressing an animal.

2. Keep Your Distance

One of the best ways to photograph wildlife respectfully is to give them plenty of space. A telephoto lens (300mm or longer) allows you to capture detailed shots without getting too close. Not only does this reduce the risk of disturbing the animal, but it also helps you stay safer in the field.

Whenever possible, let the animal come to you. Staying still and quiet often leads to more natural and relaxed moments than trying to chase or follow them.

3. Respect Nests and Dens

As tempting as it may be to photograph baby animals or peek into a bird’s nest, it’s best to avoid these sensitive areas altogether. Wildlife can be especially vulnerable during nesting and denning seasons.

Getting too close can cause parents to abandon their young, attract predators to the area, or add unnecessary stress to an already demanding time. It’s just not worth the risk.

4. Follow Local Regulations and Ethical Guidelines

Before heading out, always check the rules of the park, reserve, or public lands you’re visiting. Many areas have specific guidelines for interacting with wildlife, especially during sensitive seasons like breeding or migration.

Also, consider learning from organizations that promote ethical nature photography, like NANPA or Audubon. Their guidelines offer great insight into how we can be better stewards with our cameras.

5. Leave No Trace

The golden rule: leave nature exactly as you found it.

• Stick to trails when you can to avoid damaging delicate habitats.
• Don’t move branches, bait animals, or alter the environment for a better photo.
• Pack out everything you brought with you trash, gear, even biodegradable items.
• Avoid using playback calls or sounds that may disrupt natural behaviors.

When we photograph with care, we help preserve the beauty and balance of wild places for everyone including the wildlife.

In Conclusion

If you remember just three things, let them be this: patience, distance, and respect. You’ll be amazed at the kinds of moments that come your way when you let nature take the lead. The best shots often happen when we slow down, observe quietly, and allow wildlife to be exactly what it is…wild.

Share your favorite stories of times when you waited and let nature do its thing! You can tag me on Facebook and Instagram @greatlakeswildlifejournal.