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

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

4/14/2026Sharonville SGA--Pierce Road Unit2 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

4/14/2026Bemis Rd1 observed

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

4/14/2026Waterloo RA--Portage Lake Unit1 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

4/13/2026600–698 Technology Dr, Ann Arbor US-MI1 observed

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

4/13/2026BirdSong Nature Preserve/Vreeland Rd. fluddle, Washtenaw US-MI1 observed

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

4/13/2026Home1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/13/2026Waterloo RA--Portage Lake Unit1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/13/20263701 McKinley Rd, Chelsea US-MI 42.35001, -83.988461 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

44/14/2026

Mute Swan

24/14/2026

Bufflehead

144/14/2026

Hooded Merganser

34/14/2026

Common Merganser

34/14/2026

Killdeer

14/14/2026

Common Loon

14/14/2026

Great Egret

14/14/2026

Turkey Vulture

64/14/2026

Bald Eagle

14/14/2026

Northern Flicker

14/14/2026

Blue Jay

24/14/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

14/14/2026

Tree Swallow

24/14/2026

Barn Swallow

14/14/2026

American Robin

14/14/2026

House Sparrow

24/14/2026

House Finch

14/14/2026

American Goldfinch

34/14/2026

Song Sparrow

14/14/2026

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.