Grassland birding habitat

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

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

6/2/20262654 Gem Ave, Windsor CA-ON 42.29738, -82.971891 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

6/1/2026Detroit Zoo, Huntington Woods US-MI 42.47720, -83.155501 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/31/2026Große Pointe Park Neighborhood1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

5/31/2026Essex Sewage Lagoons (eastern)10 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/28/2026River Rouge Park1 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

5/28/2026Front Rd N, Amherstburg CA-ON (42.1686,-83.0973)1 observed

Iceland Gull (Thayer's)

Larus glaucoides

5/27/2026Essex--Windsor Solid Waste Authority Regional Landfill1 observed

Iceland Gull (kumlieni)

Larus glaucoides

5/27/2026Essex--Windsor Solid Waste Authority Regional Landfill1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

5/27/2026LaSalle--Fighting Island1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

5/26/2026Windsor--Malden Park1 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

5/25/2026Windmill Pointe Park, Grosse Pointe Park US-MI 42.35983, -82.928611 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

5/24/2026Belle Isle1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

5/24/2026Elizabeth Park (Trenton)250 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Eastern Warbling Vireo

16/2/2026

Cliff Swallow

16/2/2026

European Starling

56/2/2026

American Robin

26/2/2026

Song Sparrow

26/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

46/2/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

16/2/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Canada Goose

356/1/2026

Mute Swan

26/1/2026

Mallard

26/1/2026

Rock Pigeon

46/1/2026

Chimney Swift

156/1/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

16/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

756/1/2026

Caspian Tern

16/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

26/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

26/1/2026

Northern Flicker

36/1/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/1/2026

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.