Harsens Island

Michigan · Midwest

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFall
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

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

3/5/2026Home- 24335 Greydale St, Clinton Township US-MI 42.57620, -82.866641 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/4/2026*HOME base, Burman Line, Wilkesport, Ontario2 observed

Redhead x Ring-necked Duck (hybrid)

Aythya americana x collaris

3/3/2026Home , Sombra1 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

3/3/2026Harsens Island1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/3/2026Ruedisale Point Park1 observed

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

3/3/2026Walter and Mary Burke Park1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/3/2026Brandenburg Park4 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

3/3/2026stakeout Common Ravens, St. Clair (2025)2 observed

Rusty Blackbird

Euphagus carolinus

3/2/2026Harsens Island2 observed

Eastern Towhee

Pipilo erythrophthalmus

3/2/2026Algonac SP1 observed

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

3/2/2026Sombra-McKeough Outlet1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

3/1/2026Algonac SP1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

423/3/2026

Tundra Swan

253/3/2026

Mallard

443/3/2026

Northern Pintail

43/3/2026

Long-tailed Duck

53/3/2026

Bufflehead

43/3/2026

Common Goldeneye

13/3/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

63/3/2026

Mourning Dove

93/3/2026

Killdeer

13/3/2026

Ring-billed Gull

23/3/2026

Bald Eagle

13/3/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

43/3/2026

Downy Woodpecker

23/3/2026

Blue Jay

13/3/2026

European Starling

603/3/2026

American Robin

13/3/2026

House Sparrow

33/3/2026

American Tree Sparrow

33/3/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

1803/3/2026

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.