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

Fork-tailed Flycatcher (savana)

Tyrannus savana

7/13/2026Haehnle Sanctuary1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

7/12/2026Plains Rd. ponds1 observed

King Rail

Rallus elegans

7/12/2026Chelsea SGA--Four Mile Lake1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/10/2026Clark Lake Spirit Trail SE.1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

7/4/2026Prospect Hill Dr.1 observed

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

7/4/2026Waterloo RA--Portage Lake Unit1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

7/3/2026Sharon Mills Co. Park--north1 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

6/30/2026Grass Lake1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

27/13/2026

Sandhill Crane

17/13/2026

Turkey Vulture

37/13/2026

Blue Jay

17/13/2026

Tree Swallow

17/13/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/13/2026

Northern House Wren

17/13/2026

Wood Thrush

17/13/2026

American Goldfinch

27/13/2026

Field Sparrow

27/13/2026

Song Sparrow

17/13/2026

Swamp Sparrow

27/13/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

57/13/2026

Common Yellowthroat

27/13/2026

Indigo Bunting

17/13/2026

Wood Duck

17/13/2026

Wilson's Snipe

17/13/2026

Green Heron

27/13/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/13/2026

Northern Flicker

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 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.