Grassland birding habitat

Ford House

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Ford House is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 210 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Graylag x Canada Goose (hybrid), and Mute 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

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

7/17/2026Lake St. Clair Metropark (Metro Beach Metropark)2 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

7/15/2026Detroit Zoo1 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

7/15/2026Windsor--South Cameron Woodlot1 observed

Brown Creeper

Certhia americana

7/13/2026Windsor--Spring Garden Natural Area1 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

7/12/2026Windsor--Herb Gray Parkway Trail at Howard/Talbot roundabout1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/12/2026Home1 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

7/10/2026443 St Clair Ave, Grosse Pointe US-MI 42.38515, -82.913131 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

7/10/2026Belle River Marina2 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

7/10/2026Lake St. Clair Metropark (Metro Beach Metropark)1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

7/8/2026Belle Isle1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

27/20/2026

European Starling

67/20/2026

House Sparrow

37/20/2026

Common Grackle

127/20/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/20/2026

Northern Flicker

17/20/2026

American Crow

27/20/2026

American Robin

37/20/2026

American Goldfinch

17/20/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

37/20/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

27/20/2026

Rock Pigeon

37/19/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/19/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/19/2026

Blue Jay

17/19/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/19/2026

Killdeer

547/17/2026

Canada Goose

17/11/2026

Chimney Swift

17/11/2026

Ring-billed Gull

17/11/2026

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 Ford House for birding?
The best months to visit Ford House for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Ford House?
Notable species at Ford House include Canada Goose, Graylag x Canada Goose (hybrid), Mute Swan, Mallard, Common Goldeneye. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ford House?
Birding at Ford House is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Ford House?
Ford House offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.