Grassland birding habitat

Fenner Nature Center

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Fenner Nature Center is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 214 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Downy Woodpecker among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

Loading map...

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

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

7/14/2026Woldumar Nature Center1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

7/13/2026Fenner Nature Center1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

7/12/2026Plains Rd. ponds1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

7/11/2026Mills Hwy (private property)1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/10/2026Michigan State University, East Lansing US-MI 42.73087, -84.477532 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

7/9/2026Lake Lansing1 observed

Redhead

Aythya americana

7/9/2026Lake Lansing1 observed

Cerulean Warbler

Setophaga cerulea

7/6/2026Rose Lake SWA (Clinton Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Indigo Bunting

17/15/2026

Northern Flicker

17/13/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/13/2026

Blue Jay

17/13/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

107/13/2026

Tufted Titmouse

27/13/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/13/2026

Eastern Bluebird

27/13/2026

American Robin

77/13/2026

Song Sparrow

17/13/2026

Swamp Sparrow

17/13/2026

Baltimore Oriole

17/13/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

27/13/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/13/2026

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

17/13/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/13/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/13/2026

Northern House Wren

37/13/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

27/13/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

17/13/2026

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 Fenner Nature Center for birding?
The best months to visit Fenner Nature Center for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Fenner Nature Center?
Notable species at Fenner Nature Center include Canada Goose, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Blue Jay. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Fenner Nature Center?
Birding at Fenner Nature Center is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Fenner Nature Center?
Fenner Nature Center offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.