NORTHERN WARBLERS AND MORE IN
MICHIGAN’S EASTERN UPPER PENINSULA 2023 & 2024
Your best opportunity to photograph many beautiful warblers at a bird photography workshop. Learn how to combine the beauty of the boreal forest with its beautiful songbirds.
For the loon workshop, see COMMON LOONS AND MORE BIRDS 2023 & 2024
All info below pertains to the NORTHERN WARBLERS AND MORE WORKSHOP
Maximum of 4 participants per workshop:
DATE 1: May 19-23…. fee $2,400
DATE 2: May 25-29…. fee $2,400
DATE 3: May 31 – June 4…. fee $2,400
Workshop video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msRx1pia7iI
Workshop Participant Testimonials and Galleries | paulrossibirds
At this workshop you will meet the difficult challenge of photographing warblers within their habitats, and you will learn what those habitats are.
Songbirds prefer to stay within the trees and shrubs of their habitat because they are vulnerable to attack from a variety of hawks. This way they can escape as they quickly find cover the hawks cannot negotiate. They feed in these trees and shrubs almost exclusively, and most nest in them. Trees and shrubs provide their shelter from wind, rain, and sun. So, portraying songbirds with a “smooth background” that has no recognizable feature of their arboreal habitat is not top priority for me but is often welcome if one happens to land in such a situation or there is no other option. Sometimes those images are great for magazine covers. You will learn to portray songbirds within their natural habitat, and that is a challenge. But I will reveal my approach – a way of seeing the possibilities and anticipating, while dialing in the correct settings for your equipment and lightning conditions.
Male Cape May Warbler
Male Blackburnian Warbler
Male Magnolia Warbler
See many more images from the workshop by scrolling to the bottom of this page.
The location of this workshop is in Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula – near the north shore of Lake Huron, and inland to the north. This area is excellent for northern warblers at the time of these workshops – the peak of their migration and when many males are setting up territories. 24 warbler species breed in the area and 3 more migrate through at this time. Scarlet Tanager, Indigo Bunting, Baltimore Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Blue-headed vireo, and many other songbirds join them.
All of the 24 local warbler species have a breeding range extending further north, and migrants of those species pass through at the time of the workshops. Many of those northbound migrants stay around our lakeshore location after crossing Lake Huron – to feed on the superabundant midge hatches. The midges feed the incredible population of spiders, which the warblers also love. There is so much food for warblers that migrants often hang around for days. Local territories are fiercely fought over and protected, these territories are shrunken, and tolerance between species is increased. In other words, the density of birds is tremendous. On a 1.5 acre lot where I live we have had 7 species of warblers nest for over 16 years, seen and heard daily from our back deck – you will have access to this and numerous select locations of our 1.5-mile long private peninsula.
Here is a video I captured of male Blackburnian Warblers fighting over territory.
This peninsula is a northern version of Pt. Peelee, another migrant stopover and fallout location, but when the birds arrive this far north, they are all in excellent breeding plumage. For over 14 years I have pruned certain trees along the peninsula to reveal excellent perches with great backgrounds at many different forest edge locations with great lighting conditions. I also add and rotate new perches often within these trees. I have developed an alarm call system that draws migrant warbler flocks (+ other songbirds) to these perches, and because the perches are part of trees that provide plenty of cover, as the birds move closer, they can parade in, one after another (including difficult to photograph females). 8 species of local breeding warblers, which are just setting up territories (before nest building), are usually the first arrivals. And the migrants often arrive minutes after – sometimes 50-80 birds waiting to take their turn in front of you.
We head off the peninsula, along the lakefront, and further inland for many more warblers and other songbirds setting up territories. During the third workshop date range (May 31 – June 4) migration of songbirds is minimal so we concentrate on territorial males, but they can be excellent, especially for set-ups. Bonus non-songbird species such as Common Loon, Osprey, American Bittern, Ruffed Grouse, Pied-billed Grebe, Upland Sandpiper, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Black-backed Woodpecker, Virginia Rail, and Barred Owl are possible.
Spruce Budworm is still occurring in many areas and many species are taking advantage.
Here is an animation of migrating birds in the western hemisphere: http://www.audubon.org/news/see-millions-places-migrating-birds-have-gone-one-gif
It clearly shows that Michigan funnels migrating birds (especially northern warblers of the eastern U.S.) to the area of this workshop at the time of the workshop: mid-to-late May.
Male Black-throated Green Warbler
Male Black-throated Blue Warbler
We will work with beautiful vegetation and strive for images with excellent composition. The types of opportunities you will regularly have on this trip will only rarely be found at any other North American spring songbird migration hot spot (Magee Marsh, Ohio; Pt. Pelee, Ontario; Cape May, New Jersey; High Island, Texas; South Padre Island, Texas; Dauphin Island, Alabama; Dry Tortugas, Florida), where there can be plenty of warblers and other songbirds but you can only hope that a bird might be close enough and land on an unblocked perch with a decent background. These are good viewing locations but good photographic opportunities are often days apart. We will have many excellent opportunities on most days.
At the time of this trip aggressive experienced males, which are in their brightest plumage, provide abundant photo opportunities in their breeding habitats, especially since many migrants of the same species are usually around, as well as their own offspring from the previous year, which may take over their food-rich territories. And the local habitats we visit often have beautiful little scenes we will work with. At the other migrant hot spots, the vegetation is nowhere near as nice and many of the males are only in partial breeding plumage. Plus no calls are allowed, and no trees can be pruned. This is best policy at those locations because of the crowds. But the locations we visit during these workshops will not have any other people birding or doing photography, and only rarely will anyone else be around.
Male Canada Warbler
Male Yellow-rumped Warbler
We will do set-ups and you will learn how to create them. You will learn to find and utilize natural perches surrounded by nice scenes (exemplified in the 2 images above), and how to attract birds to these locations. You will learn the behavior of specific species that are comfortable in certain trees and shrubs. For example – the spruce warblers (and others) hunting for Spruce Budworm in spruces – Cape May, Blackburnian, Magnolia. See my video of that here.
Upon registration, you will be prompted on how to prepare for warbler photography with your equipment, and your skill, so you can hone your hand-to-eye coordination with appropriate practice centering the lens beforehand, which will give you more excellent images on this workshop and when doing all future bird photography. This is the single most important skill for bird photography! See my video here.
Male Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Participants during the first date range (May 19-23) will visit a feeder set-up for part of one day. If there is a cold day during the second date range (May 25-29) we visit this location for part of 1 day. Species include Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Purple finch and more. See Feeder Set-up
DATE 1: May 19-23 fee $2,400
DATE 2: May 25-29 fee $2,400
DATE 3: May 31 – June 4 fee $2,400
WORKSHOP LEADER: Paul Rossi
Fee includes 5 full days in the field. Fee does not include lodging or meals. There are 2 local lodging options, one with a kitchenette. A local supermarket and restaurants are nearby.
Deposit: $600 (non-refundable, to be subtracted from the final balance due) I prefer payments and deposits to be made by check. The balance of the payment is due May 1, 2023 or 2024. ($1,800)
Please make checks out to: Paul Rossi / 1181 South Palmerlee Road / Cedarville, Michigan 49719
Once I have received your deposit your spot will be secured and I will send your complete registration package by mail.
If you have any questions before registering, send me an e-mail with any inquiries to: pwaynerossi@gmail.com
BOOKING AND REFUND POLICIES: https://paulrossibirds.com/booking-and-refund-policy/
Group Size: 4 participants maximum
From: Cedarville, Michigan
If the workshops are full you can be put on a waiting list.
Cell service: On our peninsula, and in Cedarville AT&T is best, but Verizon works in spots. Service is poor to non-existent while we are shooting in some of the inland forest areas.
Best airport: The city of Pellston has a small airport but it will be expensive to land there – you must drive another 1.5 hours. Your best option is to fly to Detroit, Michigan and then drive the remaining 5 hours to Cedarville. From Detroit its straight freeway on I-75 to M-134 after the Mackinac Bridge, and east on M-134 for 38 miles to Cedarville. Canadians can fly to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and drive 1 hour to Cedarville.
Weather:
Be prepared for temperatures in the low forties in the early morning, when the birds are most active. It could rarely be in the thirties on some days. Some days temperatures can reach 80 degrees by late afternoon (not often). Dressing in layers is a good idea. We will photograph rain or shine, but not during a downpour. During a light rain using an appropriate towel to cover your lens and camera works well. Your boots could get a little muddy or dirty if we have a recent rain or heavy morning due.
If we have freezing nights songbird photography can be limited the next day. We will concentrate on the few cold tolerant songbird species and larger species that are available to photograph, but we have feeder options set up with beautiful perches and backgrounds, with the following species easily photographed in 2022: Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Baltimore Oriole, Purple Finch, Gold Finch, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Indigo Bunting, Blue Jay. And the feeders are usually loaded with birds on the cold days. If it is both windy and very cold our options become very limited. Normally during the 3 workshop date ranges, a cold and windy day is very rare, but I will concentrate on areas where the wind is blocked by forest, and often the birds are concentrated there.
Tentative Schedule:
Arrive the evening before (May 18 or May 24 or May 30) and I will meet you to go over your equipment to make sure it is clean (so auto-focus can operate as good as possible) and make sure you have your camera set-up correctly for this type of photography. I will determine your results at different ISOs, if you have not done so.
Sunrise is at 6:00 am but we won’t have enough light to shoot until around 6:30 am at the earliest. Most days we will need to head out around 6 am.
HOW OUR DAYS WILL GO:
There will be in-field instruction and photography during the day. On days with sunny conditions we will start in the field around 6:30 am. If the day remains sunny we will take a break and return to lodging at mid-day if we are within 20 minutes. Every day you should be prepared with a packed lunch or snacks because the weather can change even if predicted differently. It could become cloudy on a sunny day. And always bring bottled water. On a cloudy day, we may start a little later in the morning (when there is enough light) but we will continue throughout the day until evening and finish a little earlier (when light is insufficient). Cloudy days can be the most productive for numerous reasons, and it is best to take advantage of them. If it is sunny in the afternoon we will shoot until there is not sufficient light. I will get updates on the weather as possible and make decisions accordingly. We should always be back at the hotel by 9 pm.
More information will be provided once a deposit and contract are received.
Transportation:
Participants will need to follow Paul in their own vehicle to the shooting locations. Carpooling is optional. We will get in and out of our cars often: each time I find a flock or cooperative bird with good potential for excellent images. I will motion to participants to get out of their vehicles and quickly set-up their gear. Most locations are within 25 miles of your lodging. A high clearance vehicle is not necessary, but a low clearance vehicle should not be used, as it will limit our options to certain roads with desired habitat and species.
We will photograph mainly from a standing position, behind our tripods, but sometimes from a camping stool – I provide folded camping stools that participants will use during the workshop. There will be a lot of standing. Most of our photography will be from forest roads while we are less than 100 yards from our vehicles. We will sometimes walk to the most photogenic locations with the best light – usually not more than 200 yards.
My goal is to make you as comfortable as possible during our outings so you can concentrate well on the task at hand. Let me know when you need a bathroom break.
Bring
– clothing that is not white or brilliant in color: dull green, brown, black, beige, dark blue – all work well. Long pants, long shirts, and sweatshirts that mosquitoes cannot penetrate. Make sure that any jacket you use while doing bird photography does not make noise as you move your arms – the noise scares some birds. There will be some mosquitoes and/or black flies at times. The Coleman Mosquito Head net (available at Walmart) works well to keep them away and your vision is still clear, and you can look through the camera viewfinder well – make sure you have this item or something similar.
– hat with small brim – it helps to keep the sky out of your vision – to limit eye strain on this trip. Too wide a brim can bump your camera when you put your eye behind it.
– waterproof boots (rubber 12″ boots recommended for certain areas such as bogs, shorelines)
– gloves to protect you from mosquitoes and/or black flies while you shoot. Test them to make sure you can manipulate camera controls while using them. In case black flies are present (usually a few) bring some rubber bands to make sure they cannot crawl into your wrist area. Long pants should be tucked into your boots.
– good-sized water bottle for hydration during outings. Appropriate snacks to eat quickly.
Note that if bugs are very bad in a certain location we will move to another location. There are usually opportunities in less buggy areas.
Ticks are possible, so you should bring a hand mirror to help see yourself at the end of the day before going to bed.
This workshop is for photographers with knowledge of how to use their equipment, but Paul will offer tips to make sure you maximize your success.
EQUIPMENT:
Digital SLR with matching lens. You should have an effective focal length of 600mm or greater when combining the digital crop factor of your camera with your tele-extenders (1.4x or 2x). Autofocus must be maintained when the tele-extender is used.
Note: An extension tube may be necessary to make sure you can focus close enough so the bird is big enough in the frame. Usually, a 12mm extension tube is sufficient – the longer extension tubes can hinder auto-focusing speed. Almost all of the recent digital cameras do not require an extension tube to photograph small songbirds.
Tripod sufficient for your equipment.
A gimbal-type head – for smooth mobility, stability, and balance.
Extra memory cards – note that participants often taken 20,000+ images at this workshop.
Laptop computer to download and view images
Memory card reader for laptop (plus an extra back-up one)
Hard drive(s) to back up images daily – again, note that participants often taken 20,000+ images at this workshop.
Extra camera batteries and charger
Rain gear in case it rains.
WHY CHOOSE TO ATTEND THIS WORKSHOP?
I am experienced and passionate about teaching the skills of bird photography because I have made them a part of my daily life in Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula. I have lived there year-round for 16 years and photographed there for over 23 years. I know all of the songs of all of the birds, all of the habitats they utilize, and where they will be found. I have excellent hearing and identify all birds instantly by song and sight. I work hard and smart to put birds in front of you.
I daily check a variety of habitats and the progression of spring – with respect to birds. I prepare for workshops by finding very cooperative individual birds beforehand. Special bonus opportunities such as local Common Loon, American Bittern, Osprey, Ruffed grouse, Pied-billed Grebe, Common Merganser, etc are always a possibility. You will be the beneficiary of this opportunity and knowledge. And receive personalized attention and instruction. I have a bachelor’s degree in biology (with an emphasis on animal physiology). I am aware of the well-being of all subjects and their environment and proceed accordingly.
For an in-depth article on the warblers surrounding Cedarville (the town of lodging for this workshop), and the importance of the cedar tree to these birds see: Cedarville, Warbler Capital of North America
Likely Species on this workshop:
1) Species followed by the # 1 are likely May 19-23; likely at this date range are migrant flocks with potential for Bay-breasted Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, and Philadelphia Vireo, which are all migrants that nest further north. There is potential for females and second-year birds of all 27 species of warblers that pass through and/or breed in the area within the flocks. Females of the following 7 warbler species, that nest on the peninsula, are likely: American Redstart, Black-throated green, Blackburnian, Black and white, Northern Parula, Yellow-rumped, Yellow.
2) Species followed by the # 2 are likely May 25-29. Migrant flocks are not as likely, but can be present, especially on years with a cold spring. Most of the females of the 7 warbler species above are likely.
3) Species followed by the # 3 are likely May 31 – June 4. Females are not likely. Migrant birds are unlikely but males setting up territories are likely to be very cooperative and set ups are most effective at this time.
Species without a specific number after them are not as likely, but a good number of them are usually cooperative. For example, during the 3rd date range (May 31 – June 4) a good number of any of the species not followed by the number 3 are usually cooperative.
FEMALES: The first 2 date ranges have the potential for photographing many female warblers. Here is a photo-rich article on those females (photographed on the peninsula): https://paulrossibirds.com/spring-migration-of-female-warblers-in-michigans-eastern-upper-peninsula/
Note that during the first date range (May 19-23), males of certain species typically have not yet made it to their nesting territories in sufficient numbers and are not often found in the migrating flocks, so if you are seeking the best potential to photograph males of those species the first date range is not the best one. Those species are: Canada Warbler, Mourning Warbler, Golden-winged Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Connecticut Warbler.
Cape May Warbler 1,2,3
Blackburnian Warbler 1,2,3
Magnolia Warbler 1,2,3
Black-throated Green Warbler 1,2,3
Palm Warbler 1,2,3
Northern Parula 1,2,3
Chestnut-sided Warbler 1,2,3
American Redstart 1,2,3
Black-and-white Warbler 1,2,3
Northern Waterthrush 1,2
Pine Warbler 1,2
Nashville Warbler 1,2
Ovenbird 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1,2
Canada Warbler 2,3
Kirtland’s Warbler 2,3
Golden-winged Warbler 2,3
Tennessee Warbler
Mourning Warbler 3
Common Yellowthroat 3
Black-throated Blue Warbler 2,3
Connecticut Warbler
Wilson’s Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Scarlet Tanager 2,3
Indigo Bunting 2,3
Red-eyed Vireo 1,2,3
Blue-headed Vireo 1
Warbling Vireo 3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Brown Creeper
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1,2,3
Evening Grosbeak
Baltimore Oriole
Song Sparrow
Clay-colored Sparrow
Lincoln’s Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow 1
LeConte’s Sparrow 3
Swamp Sparrow
Pine Siskin
Purple Finch 1
Gold Finch 1
Red-Breasted Nuthatch 1
Winter Wren
Sedge Wren
Hermit Thrush
Swainson’s Thrush
Veery 3
Wood Thrush
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
Pileated Woodpecker
Black-backed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Winter Wren 1
Bobolink 3
Least Flycatcher
Alder Flycatcher 3
Eastern Wood Peewee
Great-crested Flycatcher
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Pied-billed grebe 1
Virginia Rail
Common Loon 1
Sandhill Crane 1,2,3
American Bittern
Upland Sandpiper
Broad-winged Hawk
Bald Eagle
Osprey
Barred Owl
Below are more of my favorite bird images from mid-May to Early June in the area of the workshop, the same dates the workshops run.
Male Cape May Warbler
Male Kirtland’s Warbler
Male Magnolia Warbler
Female Black-throated Green Warbler
Male Nashville Warbler
Male Blackburnian Warbler
Male Golden-winged Warbler
Male Northern Parula
Male Canada Warbler
Male Black-throated blue Warbler
Male American Redstart
Male Magnolia Warbler
American Bittern
Northern Waterthrush
Male Blackburnian Warbler
Female Black-throated Blue Warbler
Upland Sandpiper
Male Black and White Warbler
Male Scarlet Tanager
Male Black-throated Green Warbler
Male Mourning Warbler
Male Bobolink
Female Northern Parula
Male Red-eyed Vireo
Common Loon Pair
Philadelphia Vireo
Male Bay-breasted Warbler
Male Magnolia Warbler
Male Wilson’s Warbler
Female Canada Warbler
Male Blackburnian Warbler
Male Chestnut-sided Warbler
Blue-headed Vireo
Male Golden-winged Warbler
Male Tennessee Warbler
Male Pine Warbler
Male Mourning Warbler
Male Cape May Warbler
Male Indigo Bunting
Female Black-throated Blue Warbler – first spring
Osprey
Male Canada Warbler
Male Nashville Warbler
Male Bay-breasted Warbler – first spring
Wood Thrush
Male Magnolia Warbler
Male Scarlet Tanager
Male Black-throated Green Warbler
Male Connecticut Warbler
American Bittern
Male Tennessee Warbler
Male Black-throated Blue Warbler
Female Bay-breasted Warbler
Male Chestnut-sided Warbler
Male Cape May Warbler
Winter Wren
Male Brewster’s Warbler
Male Blackpoll Warbler
Upland Sandpiper
Female Black and White Warbler
Male Blackburnian warbler
Male Northern Parula
Male Canada Warbler – first spring
Male Magnolia Warbler
Male Kirtland’s Warbler
Virginia Rail
Male Wilson’s Warbler
Male Mourning Warbler
Male Cape May Warbler
Male Black-throated Blue Warbler
Female Chestnut-sided Warbler
Male Yellow Warbler
Male Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Male Palm Warbler
Female Blackburnian Warbler
LeConte’s Sparrow
Male Northern Parula
Male Nashville Warbler
Male Black-throated Green Warbler
Pied-billed Grebe
Male Magnolia Warbler
Male Black and White Warbler
Male Black-throated Green Warbler
Female Cape May Warbler
Northern Waterthrush
Male Golden-winged Warbler
Male Blackburnian Warbler
Female Black-throated Green Warbler
Male Scarlet Tanager
Philadelphia Vireo
Male Cape May Warbler
Male Yellow-rumped Warbler
Male Canada Warbler
Male Mourning Warbler
Female Northern Parula
Male Magnolia Warbler
Male Chestnut-sided Warbler
Common Loon
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Male Black-throated Green Warbler
Male Blackburnian Warbler
Winter Wren
Male Wilson’s Warbler
Female Magnolia Warbler
Philadelphia Vireo
Tennessee Warbler
Male Black-throated Blue Warbler
Male Black-throated Green Warbler
Female American Redstart – first spring
Great-crested Flycatcher
Male Cape May Warbler
Male Scarlet Tanager
Male Northern Parula
Male Blackburnian Warbler
Male Connecticut Warbler
Male Black and White Warbler
Male Mourning Warbler
Male Indigo Bunting
Male Chestnut-sided Warbler
Male Canada Warbler
Upland Sandpiper
Male Tennessee Warbler
Male Blackburnian Warbler
Male American Bittern
Male Swamp Sparrow
Male Magnolia Warbler
Male Black-throated Green Warbler
Male Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Male Cape May Warbler
Male Golden-crowned Kinglet
Male Palm Warbler
Male Scarlet Tanager
Male Northern Parula
Male Cape May Warbler
Female Chestnut-sided Warbler
Male Canada Warbler
Barred Owl
Male Magnolia Warbler
Male Black-throated Green Warbler
Male Black and White Warbler
Northern Waterthrush
Blue-headed Vireo
Male Cape May Warbler
There is a bog with some orchids less than 5 miles from Cedarville and other wildflowers in the area at the times of the workshops and after.
See some of the flowers here: Flowers