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

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

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

4/14/2026Sharonville SGA--Pierce Road Unit2 observed

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

4/14/2026Waterloo RA--Portage Lake Unit1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/13/2026Waterloo RA--Portage Lake Unit1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/13/20263701 McKinley Rd, Chelsea US-MI 42.35001, -83.988461 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/11/2026Baker Woods Preserve1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

4/11/2026Plains Rd. ponds1 observed

Gadwall x Mallard (hybrid)

Mareca strepera x Anas platyrhynchos

4/9/2026Cutler Rd. and Dunn Rd. wetland1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

4/9/2026Waterloo RA--Portage Lake Unit1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

4/9/2026Plum Orchard Rd. fluddle1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

4/7/2026Waterloo RA--Riethmiller Rd. grasslands1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

84/12/2026

Lesser Scaup

14/12/2026

Wild Turkey

14/12/2026

Sandhill Crane

24/12/2026

Common Loon

14/12/2026

Turkey Vulture

54/12/2026

Northern Flicker

24/12/2026

Tree Swallow

354/12/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/12/2026

Brown Thrasher

14/12/2026

Eastern Bluebird

14/12/2026

American Robin

64/12/2026

Chipping Sparrow

34/12/2026

Field Sparrow

24/12/2026

White-throated Sparrow

24/12/2026

Song Sparrow

14/12/2026

Eastern Towhee

14/12/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

84/12/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

134/12/2026

Common Grackle

14/12/2026

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.