Lake birding habitat

Houghton Lake Sewage Ponds (limited access; M-F 8-4 only)

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Houghton Lake Sewage Ponds (limited access; M-F 8-4 only) is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 223 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and American Crow 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

Kirtland's Warbler

Setophaga kirtlandii

7/15/2026Jackson Ave, Harrison US-MI 44.14208, -84.928954 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

7/7/2026Houghton Lake Sewage Ponds (limited access; M-F 8-4 only)4 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

7/7/2026Cottage1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

7/7/2026

Trumpeter Swan

107/7/2026

American Wigeon

27/7/2026

Mallard

7/7/2026

American Black Duck

27/7/2026

Redhead

37/7/2026

Hooded Merganser

27/7/2026

Killdeer

47/7/2026

Ring-billed Gull

67/7/2026

Black Tern

47/7/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

37/7/2026

Bald Eagle

17/7/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

17/7/2026

American Crow

27/7/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

27/7/2026

Tree Swallow

37/7/2026

American Robin

27/7/2026

Field Sparrow

17/7/2026

Savannah Sparrow

27/7/2026

Song Sparrow

17/7/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  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 Houghton Lake Sewage Ponds (limited access; M-F 8-4 only) for birding?
The best months to visit Houghton Lake Sewage Ponds (limited access; M-F 8-4 only) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Houghton Lake Sewage Ponds (limited access; M-F 8-4 only)?
Notable species at Houghton Lake Sewage Ponds (limited access; M-F 8-4 only) include Canada Goose, Mallard, American Crow, European Starling, Trumpeter Swan. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Houghton Lake Sewage Ponds (limited access; M-F 8-4 only)?
Birding at Houghton Lake Sewage Ponds (limited access; M-F 8-4 only) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Houghton Lake Sewage Ponds (limited access; M-F 8-4 only)?
Houghton Lake Sewage Ponds (limited access; M-F 8-4 only) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.