Michigan’s birds are some of the most beautiful and fascinating creatures to observe outdoors. It's a popular past time for residents and visitors alike, who can find more than 450 bird species on Michigan's many birding trails, state parks and recreation areas, state wildlife and game areas, national wildlife refuges, Great Lakes coastline and more.
It hardly seems possible, but for some species of birds Michigan is downright balmy. Winter can provide a unique opportunity to see some of our state's northern visitors.
Winter birding is starting now since a lot of our summer migrants have gone and our winter residents have shifted southward. It’s a perfect time to get to know some of these new neighbors.
The Sunset Coast Birding Trail runs through Antrim, Charlevoix and Emmet counties, benefiting the local communities by promoting economic development and environmental stewardship. This trail hosts a wide variety of protected areas and habitats that attract a large number of Michigan’s 400-plus bird species.
With over 22,000 acres of state game area, many parks, and over 250 lakes, Barry County hosts a wide variety of bird-filled habitats. Stop by for the ducks and Common Loons, or search out the thirteen species of warblers that nest in Barry County.
The AuSable Birding Trail highlights remarkable bird habitat throughout the Houghton Lake, Higgins Lake, St. Helen, Grayling and AuSable River area. The trail takes you through the woods and into the wetlands where you can spot birds such as Kirtland’s Warblers and Bald Eagles.
The Sunrise Coast Birding Trail incorporates 145 miles along U.S. 23. The trail takes flight at the mouth of the famed AuSable River in Oscoda and wings its way north all along the Lake Huron coast to Mackinaw City. Birders will delight in observing the common, threatened , or endangered birds of our coastal and inland locations.
World class birding in the wilds of Michigan’s eastern Upper Peninsula. Anchored by Whitefish Point in the north and the Seney National Wildlife Refuge in the south, the 150- mile Superior Birding Trail guides visitors through the rugged and rare ecosystems of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
The trail covers the entire 123 miles of M-22, running from Manistee on the southern end to Traverse City at the north. The trail is anchored by Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and is home to the Piping Plover, an endangered shorebird that needs vast stretches of undisturbed beach.
The north shoreline of Lake Huron in the Upper Peninsula is known as one of the most beautiful and pristine areas of wilderness in all of the Midwest. This birding trail has five zones inlcuding St. Ignace, Les Cheneax area, DeTour, Drummond Island and Pickford Grasslands area.
This trail covers 142 miles, running from Port Crescent State Park on the eastern end to Tawas Point State Park on the western end, and largely follows the shoreline of the entire Saginaw Bay. Diverse habitats, sprawling miles of shoreline, over 200 species of birds and extensive natural areas with public access make this trail a bider's paradise.
As the largest island in Lake Michigan, Beaver Island is a critical stopover site for migratory birds flying up the lake on their way north to breeding grounds. Many stay to nest. This trail includes more than 12,000 acres of state and township lands and four Little Traverse Conservancy preserves.
Equipped with walking trails and parking lots, Michigan’s premiere bird hunting locations called GEMS make excellent birding locations in the spring and summer during the off-season
Check out eBird to see Michigan’s top hotspots for bird sightings, including which species were seen at each location along with photos and information about each bird.
Michigan is home to so many interesting birds and we want to share some feathery facts with you.
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