Coastal birding habitat

Harsens Island

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Harsens Island is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 232 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, and Mallard 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

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

7/17/2026Sombra--Sewage Lagoons8 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus griseus

7/17/2026Sombra--Sewage Lagoons1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/14/2026Wallaceburg-Glasstown Yardwatch2 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

7/14/2026Algonac SP1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

7/12/2026Lake St. Clair Metropark (Metro Beach Metropark)2 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

7/11/2026McKeough CA1 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

7/11/2026Courtright--Willow Park2 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

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

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

7/7/2026North Shore St Clair Lake5 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

7/7/2026Sombra--Sewage Lagoons1 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

7/7/2026Sombra--Sewage Lagoons1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

1207/6/2026

Mute Swan

47/6/2026

Wood Duck

187/6/2026

Mallard

117/6/2026

Mourning Dove

307/6/2026

Sandhill Crane

27/6/2026

Killdeer

307/6/2026

Ring-billed Gull

227/6/2026

Caspian Tern

27/6/2026

Black Tern

57/6/2026

Forster's Tern

137/6/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

77/6/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

187/6/2026

Green Heron

17/6/2026

Great Egret

57/6/2026

Great Blue Heron

47/6/2026

Osprey

27/6/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/6/2026

Downy Woodpecker

37/6/2026

Northern Flicker

27/6/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  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 Harsens Island for birding?
The best months to visit Harsens Island for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Harsens Island?
Notable species at Harsens Island include Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Mallard, Long-tailed Duck, Bufflehead. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Harsens Island?
Birding at Harsens Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Harsens Island?
Harsens Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.