Grassland birding habitat

Dansville State Game Area

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Dansville State Game Area is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 202 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, and Great Horned Owl 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

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/15/2026Pleasant Lake1 observed

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

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

Bohemian Waxwing

Bombycilla garrulus

4/13/2026Red Cedar River Trail1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

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

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

4/11/2026Plains Rd. ponds1 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

4/9/2026Lake Lansing1 observed

Gadwall x Mallard (hybrid)

Mareca strepera x Anas platyrhynchos

4/9/2026Cutler Rd. and Dunn Rd. wetland1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

4/9/2026Waterloo RA--Portage Lake Unit1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

4/9/2026Lovejoy Sanctuary (private residence)6 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

4/9/2026Plum Orchard Rd. fluddle1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

4/8/2026Lake Lansing1 observed

Great Black-backed Gull

Larus marinus

4/8/2026Lake Lansing1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/11/2026

Wood Duck

14/11/2026

Mourning Dove

14/11/2026

Sandhill Crane

14/11/2026

Turkey Vulture

44/11/2026

Northern Harrier

14/11/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

14/11/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

34/11/2026

Downy Woodpecker

24/11/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

24/11/2026

Northern Flicker

14/11/2026

Blue Jay

14/11/2026

American Crow

24/11/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

44/11/2026

Tufted Titmouse

24/11/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/11/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

34/11/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

24/11/2026

Brown Creeper

14/11/2026

Brown Thrasher

14/11/2026

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 Dansville State Game Area for birding?
The best months to visit Dansville State Game Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Dansville State Game Area?
Notable species at Dansville State Game Area include Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, Great Horned Owl, Downy Woodpecker, American Crow. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Dansville State Game Area?
Birding at Dansville State Game Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Dansville State Game Area?
Dansville State Game Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.