Belle Isle

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Belle Isle is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 262 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mute Swan, and Mallard 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

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

3/5/2026Home- 24335 Greydale St, Clinton Township US-MI 42.57620, -82.866641 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/4/2026Lake St Clair, Neff Park, Grosse Pointe, Michigan4 observed

Eastern Towhee

Pipilo erythrophthalmus

3/4/2026Windsor--Ojibway Park1 observed

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Aegolius acadicus

3/3/2026Windsor--Ojibway Park1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

2/28/2026Dodge Park2 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

2/27/2026Vester Park1 observed

American Woodcock

Scolopax minor

2/27/2026Windsor--Black Oak Heritage Park1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

2/27/2026The Lee House1 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

2/27/2026The Lee House2 observed

Double-crested Cormorant

Nannopterum auritum

2/26/2026Rouge Plant (Dearborn)24 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

103/6/2026

Wood Duck

23/6/2026

Mallard

23/6/2026

Common Merganser

143/6/2026

Bald Eagle

13/6/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/6/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

133/6/2026

Mute Swan

33/6/2026

Ring-necked Duck

13/6/2026

Hooded Merganser

23/6/2026

Mourning Dove

213/6/2026

European Starling

23/6/2026

House Sparrow

153/6/2026

Common Grackle

53/6/2026

Northern Cardinal

53/6/2026

Rock Pigeon

53/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

353/5/2026

Lesser Scaup

23/4/2026

Bufflehead

203/4/2026

Common Goldeneye

43/4/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  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 Belle Isle for birding?
The best months to visit Belle Isle for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Belle Isle?
Notable species at Belle Isle include Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Mallard, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Belle Isle?
Birding at Belle Isle is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Belle Isle?
Belle Isle offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.