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

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

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

7/15/20263849–4499 2 Mile Rd, East Leroy US-MI 42.13027, -85.255761 observed

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

7/13/2026Harper Village Shopping Center, Battle Creek US-MI 42.26323, -85.176681 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/13/2026W Main over 1311 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

7/12/2026Thrall lake3 observed

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

7/12/2026Fort Custer Training Center(restricted access), US (42.32, -85.314)1 observed

Downy Woodpecker (Eastern)

Dryobates pubescens

7/11/2026Little Long Lake House1 observed

Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged)

Agelaius phoeniceus

7/11/2026Little Long Lake House6 observed

Barn Swallow (American)

Hirundo rustica

7/11/2026Little Long Lake House6 observed

Eastern Whip-poor-will

Antrostomus vociferus

7/6/2026Fort Custer SRA1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

7/6/2026Fort Custer SRA1 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

7/5/2026Eagle Lake area, Fort Custer SRA8 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

547/14/2026

Trumpeter Swan

27/14/2026

Mourning Dove

167/14/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

17/14/2026

Sandhill Crane

47/14/2026

Killdeer

47/14/2026

Ring-billed Gull

87/14/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/14/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/14/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

47/14/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

27/14/2026

Downy Woodpecker

47/14/2026

Northern Flicker

37/14/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

77/14/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

57/14/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

27/14/2026

Eastern Kingbird

47/14/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

37/14/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

47/14/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

27/14/2026

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.