GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Spring bird migration is underway.
It's the time of year when birds that fly south for the winter come back up north to expand their families, helping ensure the survival of their species.
Species like red-winged blackbirds and sandhill cranes are already back in Michigan, but many more are coming.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology predicts that peak migration will happen in most of West Michigan between May 6 and May 9.
During this time, a wide variety of species will pass through the area, including many species of warblers.
Spring migration is perhaps the most exciting time of the year to enjoy birding, an age-old hobby that has gained popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
People who are new to birding may be wondering where the best place to go to find birds is.
The good news is this is a hobby you can do anywhere. Your backyard or your nearest community park are great places to start.
But, if you’re looking for some of the best places to see a good variety of birds, the spots on the following list do not disappoint.
To make this list, we used data from a website called eBird. The site is powered by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and organized by lists that everyday people with a passion for birding submit.
It's also important to note that this list only includes spots that are open to the public.
If you want to take your birding hobby a step further, you can apply for a permit to go birding at a hotspot like the Muskegon County Resource Recovery Center.
1. Holland State Park – 249 species reported all-time
The lighthouse known as “Big Red” may be the first thing you think of when you picture Holland State Park.
However, the next time you’re out at the park enjoying the sunshine, take a moment to appreciate the wildlife it offers.
"What makes it such a great birding destination is the diverse range of habitats that can be found within and adjacent to the park. If you venture out onto the pier amongst the large congregations of gulls, be sure to study the rocks closely as you walk by for you might spot a sandpiper or plover hunting for food amidst the crashing waves," said birder Joe Devine.
"Gazing out into Lake Michigan might reveal a flock of double-crested cormorants or red-breasted mergansers flying parallel to the shore, or long-tailed ducks occasionally diving deep below the water’s surface. If you walk along the channel towards Lake Macatawa, you’re likely to see large rafts of ducks containing a mix of scaups, buffleheads, goldeneyes, redheads and more. Grebes are a common sight and loons are occasionally spotted as well."
You can also find a good variety of birds away from the water.
"Take a stroll along the historic Ottawa Beach footpath in late spring and you’re bound to encounter a colorful cast of migratory warblers. Make the daunting climb to the top of Mt. Pisgah and take a walk through the mature hardwood forest behind the dunes and you’ll be rewarded with the drums and calls of red headed and pileated woodpeckers and the beautiful songs of wood thrushes and scarlet tanagers," Devine said.
"There’s no bad time to go birding at Holland State Park — it offers a unique birding experience every season of the year. From winter visitors on the waterways, the exhilarating explosion of activity during the spring and fall migrations, and the familiar mainstays of the summer months, it’s always a great place to break out the binoculars."
2. Saugatuck Dunes State Park – 238 species reported all-time
Just down I-196 from Holland is another great state park, and another great place to see birds.
Spencer High from the Grand Rapids Audubon Club describes Saugatuck Dunes as “a treat for the eyes and the soul.”
“The Great Lakes are home to the largest collection of freshwater coastal dunes in the world and these incredible ecosystems provide vital habitat for birds traveling through the Great Lakes Migratory Flyway,” he said.
“Near the water, you can observe waterfowl, shorebirds, loons, gulls and terns as they work their way to their northern breeding grounds. As you walk inland and climb up the dunes, you begin to see other collections of birds that prefer open habitats, like flycatchers, sparrows and blackbirds. But when you reach the top of these immense bluffs, you’re in for the real treat with incredible views and the beautiful chorus of migratory songbirds”
High said all those different ecosystems contain “immense amounts of biodiversity,” which helps create essential habitats for all types of species of life.
3. Muskegon State Park – 237 species reported all-time
Noticing a theme here? State parks are a great place to see wildlife.
Nestled between Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan, Muskegon State Park is the next hot spot on the list.
Birder Tori Martel said she’s able to see something different every time she visits.
“The park has two miles of sandy beaches along Lake Michigan, which make it a great place to spot shorebirds, some of my favorite birds. Another great feature of the park is the miles of hiking trails that wind through the forested dunes, providing plenty of opportunities to spot an incredible array of birds including woodpeckers, warblers, flycatchers and sparrows,” she said.
“Snug Harbor is a quiet cove within the park on Muskegon Lake and is always a great area to stop and bird at. In the colder months, a walk along the Muskegon Channel will provide likely sightings of various ducks, grebes, scoters and gulls.”
Martel said Muskegon State Park is a great spot for advanced birders and beginners alike. She said she loves bringing her 5-year-old son on birding trips.
4. Reeds Lake, East Grand Rapids – 230 species reported all-time
On the eastern end of Gaslight Village sits a body of water that’s perhaps the best place in the Grand Rapids metro area to go birding.
Steve Jessmore is a photographer who has gotten acquainted with the wildlife there after being commissioned to capture photos of wildlife to put in the East Grand Rapids branch of the Kent District Library.
“I’ve found the Waterfront Park boardwalks and trails along the northwest corner of the lake a wonderfully accessible area for bird photography, walking and enjoying nature,” he said.
“No matter the season it never seems to disappoint. Spring and fall bring waves of birds on migration. It is a favorite destination to see many species of warblers and ducks. I rarely leave without seeing at least one bald eagle on most of my early morning visits. I also enjoy putting in my kayak at the boat launch next to John Collins Park on Lakeside Drive. It’s a short paddle north to the marsh area.”
5. Harbor Island, Grand Haven – 225 species reported all-time
As you cross the Grand Haven drawbridge, you may see some impressive birds flying across the Grand River from your car.
However, if you turn onto Coho Drive once you reach the south side of the bridge, you’re bound to see even more at Harbor Island.
According to Visit Grand Haven, “It’s not uncommon to see 50 or more species of birds and waterfowl, especially on an early spring morning near Harbor Island including the majestic bald eagle. Watch as horned grebes do their courtship dance over Lake Michigan. Catch swans warring for territory. Be lucky enough to see a red-throated loon in flight or a peregrine falcon on the hunt.”
6. Millennium Park, Walker – 221 species reported all-time
Drive just west of Grand Rapids and you’ll find one of the nation’s largest urban parks.
Millennium Park offers 15 to 20 miles of paved and unpaved trails going through several different habitats including rivers, meadows and wooded swamps.
Katie Bolt from the Grand Rapids Audubon Club leads weekly two to three-mile hikes at the park. Those walks generally happen from 9 to 10 a.m. on Thursdays with guests meeting at the dead-end section of Veterans Memorial Drive.
“In several years of regular walks, we have seen 200 species of birds, multiple species of turtles as well as beaver, otter, mink, muskrat and deer,” Bolt said.
7. Upper Macatawa Natural Area, Holland – 216 species reported all-time
Along 84th Avenue, just south of I-196, Ottawa County is home to the Upper Macatawa Natural Area. Grand Rapids Audubon Club president Tricia Boot described it as a “varied habitat” with woods, grassland, wetland and the Macatawa River.
“You get a good variety of species — shorebirds, ducks, swallows, sparrows, woodpeckers, raptors, rails — in one easy-to-navigate area. The spring gets a nice influx of colorful warblers and other migratory species, especially along the river and in the shrubby border areas,” she said.
“The hiking is fairly easy. Many trails are paved or relatively flat, making it a good choice for birders of all skill levels and mobility needs.”
8. Oval Beach, Saugatuck – 212 species recorded all-time
Oval Beach is another spot on the list that’s known more as a place to unwind in the sun than it is for watching wildlife. But, you can still see quite a bit of bird action along the Lake Michigan shore at this popular spot.
According to the Saugatuck Douglas Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau, “Oval Beach is recognized for its beautiful sugar sand strip of shoreline and sandy dunes, but the lesser-known treasure is what flies above this hotspot. Red-breasted mergansers, red-throated loons, horned grebes, redheads, buffleheads, cedar waxwings, Nashville warblers and evening grosbeaks have all been spotted here.”
9. Ionia State Recreation Area – 210 species recorded all-time
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources calls the Ionia State Recreation Area an excellent birding spot.
According to the DNR’s website, you can expect, “Rolling hills, babbling brooks, open meadows, forested ridges, a lake nestled in the hills and a river winding its way through woods and fields — that's Ionia Recreation Area. The 4,500 acres of flat to rolling terrain is a mixture of open fields, mature hardwood forest and pine plantations. Four miles of Grand River floodplain follow the river course on the north border of the park. Dammed waterfowl floodings and other wetlands dot the park.”
10. Stu Visser Trails, Holland – 208 species recorded all-time
Just north of Lake Macatawa, along Ottawa Beach Road, you’ll find Stu Visser Trails. The 1.5-mile accessible trail follows Pine Creek, passing ponds along the way.
Cynthia Maas from the Grand Rapids Club said it’s a beginner-friendly spot to go birding.
“With plenty of overlook spots, photography and birdwatching is convenient. This wetland habitat supports a wide variety of wildlife and birds, with mornings full of activity. Wood ducks, mallards and blue-winged teal dominate the water and herons hide on the banks. The treetops are noisy with many different sparrows, red-winged blackbirds and the usual cast of woodpeckers. Golden-crowned kinglets delicately bounce about. Keep ears open to hear the pretty, lengthy song of the winter wren. Look to the skies for juvenile eagles and hawks, and to the water for a glimpse of a sora or rail. Other Spring visitors include warblers, vireos and orioles,” Maas said.
Honorable mentions
- Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, Kalamazoo – 208 species
- Kleinstuck Preserve, Kalamazoo – 208 species
- Van Buren State Park, South Haven – 207 species
- Roselle Park, Ada – 206 species
- Fort Custer State Recreation Area, Augusta – 206 species
- Ottawa Sands County Park, Ferrysburg – 205 species
- Silver Lake State Park, Mears – 204 species
- Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve, Muskegon – 204 species
- Window on the Waterfront, Holland – 203 species
- Paul Henry Thornapple Trail, Middleville – 200 species
- Black Lake Park, Norton Shores – 199 species
- Dune Harbor Park, Norton Shores – 199 species
- Huff Park, Grand Rapids – 189 species
- Lake Harbor Park, Norton Shores – 186 species
- Calvin University Ecosystem Preserve, Grand Rapids – 179 species
- Pickerel Lake Nature Preserve, Rockford – 177 species
- Ball Perkins Park, Grand Rapids – 169 species
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