Lake birding habitat

Chelsea State Game Area - Four Mile Lake

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Chelsea State Game Area - Four Mile Lake is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 238 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mute Swan, and Trumpeter Swan 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

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/2/2026Tophith rd Marsh1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

6/2/2026Zeeb Road Grasslands Area2 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

6/2/2026Portage Lake from Welch Lake Rd2 observed

King Rail

Rallus elegans

6/2/2026Chelsea SGA--Four Mile Lake1 observed

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

6/2/20265701–6199 Prospect Hill Rd, Manchester US-MI 42.17018, -84.133941 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

336/2/2026

Mallard

76/2/2026

Mourning Dove

36/2/2026

Chimney Swift

16/2/2026

Sandhill Crane

406/2/2026

Killdeer

66/2/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

26/2/2026

Green Heron

36/2/2026

Great Egret

36/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

26/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

46/2/2026

Osprey

16/2/2026

Northern Harrier

16/2/2026

Bald Eagle

26/2/2026

Barred Owl

16/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

26/2/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

26/2/2026

Willow Flycatcher

16/2/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  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 Chelsea State Game Area - Four Mile Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Chelsea State Game Area - Four Mile Lake for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Chelsea State Game Area - Four Mile Lake?
Notable species at Chelsea State Game Area - Four Mile Lake include Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Trumpeter Swan, Mallard, Bald Eagle. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Chelsea State Game Area - Four Mile Lake?
Birding at Chelsea State Game Area - Four Mile Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Chelsea State Game Area - Four Mile Lake?
Chelsea State Game Area - Four Mile Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.