Grassland birding habitat

Haehnle Sanctuary

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Haehnle Sanctuary is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 218 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Eastern Screech-Owl, White-breasted Nuthatch, and Sandhill Crane 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

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/2/2026Tophith rd Marsh1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

6/2/2026Waterloo RA--Green Rd.1 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

6/2/2026Portage Lake from Welch Lake Rd2 observed

King Rail

Rallus elegans

6/2/2026Chelsea SGA--Four Mile Lake1 observed

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

6/2/20265701–6199 Prospect Hill Rd, Manchester US-MI 42.17018, -84.133941 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

16/2/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

16/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Eastern Phoebe

36/2/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/2/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

16/2/2026

Tree Swallow

106/2/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

16/2/2026

Sedge Wren

16/2/2026

American Robin

26/2/2026

Chipping Sparrow

26/2/2026

Song Sparrow

26/2/2026

Swamp Sparrow

16/2/2026

Baltimore Oriole

16/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

116/2/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

26/2/2026

Common Yellowthroat

26/2/2026

Mallard

25/23/2026

Sandhill Crane

25/23/2026

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 Haehnle Sanctuary for birding?
The best months to visit Haehnle Sanctuary for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Haehnle Sanctuary?
Notable species at Haehnle Sanctuary include Eastern Screech-Owl, White-breasted Nuthatch, Sandhill Crane, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Haehnle Sanctuary?
Birding at Haehnle Sanctuary is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Haehnle Sanctuary?
Haehnle Sanctuary offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.