Grayling Uplands Birding Tour 2026

Birders of all levels are invited to explore the uplands of Grayling, Michigan, with Indiana Audubon guides Whitney and Jonathan Yoerger, in search of Kirtland’s Warblers and other Northwoods species.

Indiana Audubon will donate to the Kirtland's Warbler Alliance through the Mumford & Keller Grants and Scholarship Program, as part of our commitment to conservation in the areas we visit.

Whitney and Jonathan Yoerger are a birding duo based in Zionsville, Indiana, who bring curiosity, calm observation and a sense of wonder to the field. Whitney is the communications and outreach manager at Indiana Audubon, with a focus on mindful birding and deep listening, along with conservation storytelling. Jonathan combines his love of cycling with a keen eye for waterfowl and raptors, bringing an adventurous edge to his birding. Their guiding style is thoughtful and relaxed, offering space to slow down, listen closely and experience birds with intention.

The Grayling Uplands Birding Tour is a weekend focused on the north-central Michigan breeding range of the Kirtland's Warbler, with Grayling as our base of operations. On a typical trip, participants can enjoy extended looks and sing-filled encounters with multiple Kirtland's Warblers, often in close proximity. Jack Pine management areas also support species such as Ruffed Grouse, Upland Sandpiper, Hermit Thrush, and Clay-colored Sparrow.

Saturday morning will focus on exploring prime Kirtland's Warbler habitat. In the afternoon, we'll visit Houghton Lake Wildlife Recreation Area, where wetland trails may offer sightings of Virginia Rail, Sora, and Wilson's Snipe among other secretive marsh birds. We'll also bird the Houghton Lake Flats, a reliable spot for nesting Osprey, Black Terns, and other open wetland species observed from accessible viewing platforms.

Sunday's birding takes place entirely within Hartwick Pines State Park, where we'll explore mature forest habitat in search of species like Blue-headed Vireo, Blackburnian Warbler, Brown Creeper, Purple Finch, and possibly Evening Grosbeak. If time allows, we may walk part of the Au Sable River Trail before concluding the trip at 1 p.m. for the return home.

Optional birding on Friday and Saturday evenings may offer chances to observe or listen for species active at dusk and after dark, such as American Woodcock, Eastern Whip-poor-Will, and owls.

Birding Pace: 3-Moderate Multi-Day Trip. Saturday is the primary birding day, beginning at sunrise and continuing with visits to multiple sites, with a midday lunch break. Sunday morning includes a shoter outing before wrapping up by early afternoon. Most birding is done by car, with short walks at each location.

Physical Requirements: 3-Medium. Most birding is done by car, with short walks at each location. At Hartwick Pines State Park, the Old Growth Forest Trail is a 1.25-mile paved and accessible loop, while the Au Sable River Trail is a 3.1-mile natural-surface loop with uneven sections, though we may not complete the full distance. The trail at Houghton Lake Wildlife Recreation Area is a 0.65-mile out-and-back along a narrow boardwalk. Elevation changes are minimal, and most facilities are accessible.

Birding Skill Level: 2-Beginner. Our target list of species is smaller than other IAS trips, which is helpful for beginning birders. We will often have both beginners and more experienced birders targeting the Northwoods specialties. Birding focus involves extended views of species being seen. Having some knowledge of which species may be seen before attending the trip is helpful.

The trip limit is 10 participants. Prices listed below are based on double occupancy.

• IAS Member: $528.00
• Non-Member Cost: $628.00
• Single Supplement: $126.00

Trip costs cover guiding, two nights at Woodland Motor Lodge (Friday and Saturday), Friday dinner, Saturday meals, and Sunday breakfast. Participants cover snacks, drinks, travel expenses, and gas. Meet the Yoergers at the lodge at 5 p.m. on Friday for check-in, itinerary discussion, group dinner, and optional evening birding.

Carpooling to the destination can be arranged between participants but cannot be guaranteed. Once in Grayling, we may ask participants to carpool to birding sites each day to help limit the number of vehicles, as parking may be limited at some locations. Daily Michigan Recreation Passports will be required for access to certain sites, and some travel will be on sandy roads, particularly when visiting the jack pine stands.

All participants must read and agree to the IAS Field Trip Release to participate in IAS-led events and trips.

Photos: Kirtland's Warbler by Jason Jablonski

Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Grayling, Sports events in Grayling, Nonprofit events in Grayling.