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

7/19/2026Island Lake SRA1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

7/13/2026Bird Hills Nature Area1 observed

King Rail

Rallus elegans

7/12/2026Chelsea SGA--Four Mile Lake1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

7/10/2026Gallup Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

67/21/2026

Mourning Dove

27/21/2026

Chimney Swift

27/21/2026

Sandhill Crane

357/21/2026

Killdeer

177/21/2026

Solitary Sandpiper

17/21/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

17/21/2026

Least Sandpiper

17/21/2026

Ring-billed Gull

37/21/2026

Great Egret

37/21/2026

Turkey Vulture

237/21/2026

Osprey

17/21/2026

Bald Eagle

27/21/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/21/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/21/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/21/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/21/2026

American Crow

17/21/2026

Purple Martin

27/21/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

77/21/2026

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.