Coastal birding habitat

Bay City State Park

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Bay City State Park is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 257 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and American Herring Gull among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

4/15/2026Crow Island SGA--West Units1 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

4/15/2026Crow Island SGA--West Units2 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/15/2026Crow Island SGA--West Units1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

4/15/2026Crow Island SGA--West Units1 observed

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Polioptila caerulea

4/13/2026Joseph M. Soehnel Nature Trail/Hampton Twp. Nature Trail1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

4/12/2026Vassar Rd. lake access1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

4/11/2026669 N Elevator Rd, Linwood US-MI 43.75769, -83.958251 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/9/2026Frank Andersen Nature Trail1 observed

Black-crowned Night Heron

Nycticorax nycticorax

4/7/2026Nayanquing Point SWA1 observed

Savannah Sparrow

Passerculus sandwichensis

4/7/2026Nayanquing Point SWA2 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

4/7/2026Nayanquing Point SWA1 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

4/6/2026Quanicassee SWA--Finn Rd. terminus1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

34/15/2026

Mute Swan

24/15/2026

Wood Duck

24/15/2026

Mallard

24/15/2026

Bufflehead

64/15/2026

Mourning Dove

44/15/2026

Killdeer

14/15/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

14/15/2026

Ring-billed Gull

54/15/2026

American Herring Gull

14/15/2026

Caspian Tern

34/15/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

24/15/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/15/2026

Great Egret

54/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/15/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/15/2026

Downy Woodpecker

34/15/2026

Northern Flicker

24/15/2026

Blue Jay

24/15/2026

Tufted Titmouse

14/15/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Bay City State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Bay City State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Bay City State Park?
Notable species at Bay City State Park include Canada Goose, Mallard, American Herring Gull, Bald Eagle, Red-bellied Woodpecker. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bay City State Park?
Birding at Bay City State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Bay City State Park?
Bay City State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.