Grassland birding habitat

Fort Custer State Recreation Area

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Fort Custer State Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 213 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mute Swan, and Trumpeter 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

Clay-colored Sparrow

Spizella pallida

6/2/2026AUFL-M21 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

6/1/2026Ott Preserve2 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk (lineatus Group)

Buteo lineatus

5/31/2026Bishop's Bog Preserve1 observed

Western Meadowlark

Sturnella neglecta

5/31/202647th st

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

5/31/2026Thrall lake

Merlin

Falco columbarius

5/30/2026Greenleaf Blvd1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/29/2026Chipman Preserve1 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

5/29/2026Bosserd Farm, Verona Rd, Marshall US-MI (42.2823,-85.0063)1 observed

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

5/27/2026Fort Custer Training Center(restricted access), US (42.32, -85.314)1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

5/26/2026Bernard W. Baker Sanctuary--Meadow and Marshland Trail1 observed

Connecticut Warbler

Oporornis agilis

5/25/2026Woodland Park and Nature Preserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

326/2/2026

Mute Swan

56/2/2026

Trumpeter Swan

36/2/2026

Wood Duck

26/2/2026

Mallard

16/2/2026

Wild Turkey

16/2/2026

Mourning Dove

36/2/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

16/2/2026

Black-billed Cuckoo

16/2/2026

Killdeer

66/2/2026

Green Heron

16/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

46/2/2026

Broad-winged Hawk

26/2/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

36/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

46/2/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Northern Flicker

36/2/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

66/2/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

56/2/2026

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