Detroit River IWR - Refuge Gateway (Humbug Marsh)

Michigan · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

WetlandRiver/Riparian

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Detroit River IWR - Refuge Gateway (Humbug Marsh) is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 223 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, and Wood Duck among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

Loading map...

Notable Species

Canada Goose Tundra Swan Wood Duck Mallard Common Merganser

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/2/2026Oakwoods Metropark2 observed

King Rail

Rallus elegans

6/2/2026Pte. Mouillee SGA (permit required Sep 1-Dec 31)3 observed

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

6/2/2026Pte. Mouillee SGA (permit required Sep 1-Dec 31)1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

6/2/2026Pte. Mouillee SGA (permit required Sep 1-Dec 31)8 observed

Red Knot

Calidris canutus

6/2/2026Pte. Mouillee SGA (permit required Sep 1-Dec 31)1 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

6/2/2026Holiday Beach CA--Hawk Tower1 observed

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

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

Blackpoll Warbler

Setophaga striata

6/2/2026Lake Erie Metropark1 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

6/2/2026Pte. Mouillee SGA (permit required Sep 1-Dec 31)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

75/30/2026

Mallard

15/30/2026

Sandhill Crane

25/30/2026

Killdeer

15/30/2026

American Robin

25/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

25/30/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

15/28/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/28/2026

Tree Swallow

55/28/2026

European Starling

75/28/2026

American Goldfinch

15/28/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

15/28/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/25/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

25/25/2026

Northern Flicker

25/25/2026

Song Sparrow

15/25/2026

Baltimore Oriole

15/25/2026

American Redstart

25/25/2026

Northern Cardinal

25/25/2026

Mute Swan

25/24/2026

Birding Tips

1
Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.
2
Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.
3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Michigan

Whitefish Point Bird Observatory

Lake Superior peninsula and premier Great Lakes raptor migration corridor.

Algonac State Park

Grassland birding hotspot in Michigan with 217 recorded species.

Allegan State Game Area

Grassland birding hotspot in Michigan with 240 recorded species.

Michigan Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Michigan →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Detroit River IWR - Refuge Gateway (Humbug Marsh) for birding?▼

The best months to visit Detroit River IWR - Refuge Gateway (Humbug Marsh) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Detroit River IWR - Refuge Gateway (Humbug Marsh)?▼

Notable species at Detroit River IWR - Refuge Gateway (Humbug Marsh) include Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Wood Duck, Mallard, Common Merganser. The area supports wetland, river/riparian habitats.

How difficult is birding at Detroit River IWR - Refuge Gateway (Humbug Marsh)?▼

Birding at Detroit River IWR - Refuge Gateway (Humbug Marsh) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Detroit River IWR - Refuge Gateway (Humbug Marsh)?▼

Detroit River IWR - Refuge Gateway (Humbug Marsh) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.