Elberta Marsh

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Elberta Marsh is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 218 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Sandhill Crane, and Bald Eagle 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

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/5/2026Portage Lake Wetlands2 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

3/3/2026Home1 observed

Winter Wren

Troglodytes hiemalis

3/2/2026South Bar Lake1 observed

Song Sparrow

Melospiza melodia

2/27/2026Camp Delight Road, Manistee, Michigan, US (44.352, -86.222)1 observed

Common Grackle

Quiscalus quiscula

2/27/2026South Bar Lake1 observed

Evening Grosbeak

Hesperiphona vespertina

2/24/2026Ninebark Condo, Onekama, MI1 observed

Red-winged Blackbird

Agelaius phoeniceus

2/24/2026Ninebark Condo, Onekama, MI2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

33/4/2026

Bald Eagle

23/4/2026

House Finch

13/4/2026

Canada Goose

633/4/2026

Mute Swan

43/4/2026

Common Goldeneye

123/4/2026

Common Merganser

33/4/2026

Ring-billed Gull

1003/4/2026

American Herring Gull

1253/4/2026

American Crow

383/4/2026

Trumpeter Swan

23/3/2026

Mallard

553/3/2026

European Starling

23/3/2026

American Tree Sparrow

13/3/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  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 Elberta Marsh for birding?
The best months to visit Elberta Marsh for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Elberta Marsh?
Notable species at Elberta Marsh include Mourning Dove, Sandhill Crane, Bald Eagle, House Finch, Red-winged Blackbird. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Elberta Marsh?
Birding at Elberta Marsh is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Elberta Marsh?
Elberta Marsh offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.