Mentor Township in Milo in Oscoda County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Kirtland's Warblers Monument
The James L. Swiderski Memorial
Photographed by J. J. Prats, August 1, 2024
1. The Kirktland’s Warbler Plaque
This plaque is on the left of the monument.
The Kirtland's Warbler, one of the world’s rare birds. It is estimated that less than one thousand exist. They nest only in this portion of Michigan and winter in the Bahama Islands.
In Oscoda County, the U.S. Forest Service, Michigan Department of Conservation, Michigan Audubon Society, conservation clubs, forest industries and citizens are cooperating in efforts to preserve this warbler by improving the nesting range.
In Memory of James L. Swiderski, November 8, 1950 - May 5, 1980, Wildlife Biologist, who died while trying to help control the Mack Lake Fire, started by the U.S. Forest Service as a prescribed burn. The burn was to create an area of nesting habitat for the Kirtland's warbler. The fire then ravaged 25,000 acres of the Huron National Forest.
James was a wildlife enthusiast who was personally involved with and dedicated to the Kirtland's warbler management and recovery effort.
Erected 1963 by Citizens of Oscoda County.
Topics. This historical marker and monument is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Environment • Horticulture & Forestry. A significant historical date for this entry is May 5, 1980.
Location. 44° 38.949′ N, 84° 7.789′ W. Marker is in Milo, Michigan, in
this page online
Regionally, this marker and monument is in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Great North Woods, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 3 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Oscoda County Honor Roll (within shouting distance of this marker); Mio Hydro (approx. 0.9 miles away); Mio Hydroelectric Plant / Hydroelectric Power (approx. 0.9 miles away).
Regarding Kirtland's Warblers Monument. The population of Kirtland's Warblers reached a low of less than 200 breeding pairs in about 1970. Cowbird trapping stabilized the species but it wasn't until the extreme burn event and further management that their population recovered enough to be removed from the federal endangered species list. There has also been range expansion to Wisconsin. In 2025, the population is estimated to be around 2500 pairs.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Also see . . . Staff Ride to the Mack Lake Fire. Excerpt:
Due to a series of events, ignition of the prescribed burn was started later than planned. This, in combination with a frontal passage(Submitted on September 23, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan.)and increased winds, led to frequent spot fires. Eventually the fire spotted on the east side of Highway M-33.Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, September 21, 20212. James L. Swiderski PlaqueThis plaque is on the right of the monument.
Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, September 21, 2021
3. The Kirktland’s Warbler Monument
1963 sculpture by Leo Nelson of Kalkaska, Michigan; photographed by J.J. Prats, August 1, 2024
4. Kirktland’s Warbler Sculpture
Joel Trick of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters (Public Domain), January 23, 2012
5. Kirtland's warbler
Photographed by J. J. Prats, August 1, 2024
6. The Kirktland’s Warbler Monument
View from the sidewalk.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 23, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 1,058 times since then and 53 times this year. Last updated on April 9, 2025, by Matthew J Williams of Heber City, Utah. Photos: 1. submitted on August 10, 2024, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 2, 3. submitted on September 23, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 4. submitted on August 10, 2024, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 5. submitted on September 23, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 6. submitted on August 10, 2024, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
