Grassland birding habitat

Harley Ensign Memorial Boating Access Site

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Harley Ensign Memorial Boating Access Site is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 210 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mute Swan, and Tundra 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

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

7/10/2026443 St Clair Ave, Grosse Pointe US-MI 42.38515, -82.913131 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

7/10/2026Lake St. Clair Metropark (Metro Beach Metropark)1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

7/9/2026Lake St. Clair Metropark (Metro Beach Metropark)1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

7/7/2026North Shore St Clair Lake5 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

7/7/2026Sombra--Sewage Lagoons1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

7/7/2026Sombra--Sewage Lagoons1 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus griseus

7/7/2026Sombra--Sewage Lagoons1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

6/30/2026Wetzel SP9 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat (virens)

Icteria virens

6/30/2026Wetzel SP1 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

6/29/2026Sombra -- Solar Farm1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

6/28/2026Algonac SP1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

127/11/2026

Mourning Dove

27/11/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/11/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/11/2026

Northern Flicker

17/11/2026

Blue Jay

37/11/2026

Tree Swallow

87/11/2026

Barn Swallow

217/11/2026

Marsh Wren

87/11/2026

European Starling

37/11/2026

House Finch

17/11/2026

American Goldfinch

57/11/2026

Song Sparrow

67/11/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

87/11/2026

Common Grackle

27/11/2026

Mute Swan

27/11/2026

Killdeer

17/11/2026

Forster's Tern

27/11/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

3007/11/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/11/2026

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 Harley Ensign Memorial Boating Access Site for birding?
The best months to visit Harley Ensign Memorial Boating Access Site for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Harley Ensign Memorial Boating Access Site?
Notable species at Harley Ensign Memorial Boating Access Site include Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Tundra Swan, American Wigeon, Mallard. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Harley Ensign Memorial Boating Access Site?
Birding at Harley Ensign Memorial Boating Access Site is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Harley Ensign Memorial Boating Access Site?
Harley Ensign Memorial Boating Access Site offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.