Birding on the peninsula with Kirk Waterstripe

Spring migration on the Leelanau Peninsula is happening and happening fast.

“A lot of birds are back, and it seems to be right on schedule, even though it’s been cool out here,” local biologist and birder Kirk Waterstripe said. “We have rose-breasted grosbeaks and orioles at the feeder. I’m looking at a purple finch too, and the sparrows that usually migrate through are here, and things are happening.”

Waterstripe admits that everybody’s favorite is the warbler, which is small, neurotic, and fast-moving.