Lake birding habitat

Independence Lake County Park

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
LakeUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Independence Lake County Park is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 207 species recorded on eBird. This lake and urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Mourning Dove 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

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

4/14/2026Bemis Rd1 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

4/13/2026600–698 Technology Dr, Ann Arbor US-MI1 observed

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

4/13/2026BirdSong Nature Preserve/Vreeland Rd. fluddle, Washtenaw US-MI1 observed

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

4/13/2026Home1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

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

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

4/12/2026Bridge and downed tree24 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

84/13/2026

Mute Swan

14/13/2026

Mallard

24/13/2026

Bufflehead

44/13/2026

Ruddy Duck

24/13/2026

Wild Turkey

24/13/2026

Mourning Dove

44/13/2026

American Coot

304/13/2026

Sandhill Crane

44/13/2026

Killdeer

14/13/2026

Horned Grebe

14/13/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/13/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/13/2026

Northern Flicker

14/13/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/13/2026

Blue Jay

14/13/2026

American Crow

24/13/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

24/13/2026

Tree Swallow

124/13/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

84/13/2026

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 Independence Lake County Park for birding?
The best months to visit Independence Lake County Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Independence Lake County Park?
Notable species at Independence Lake County Park include Canada Goose, Mallard, Mourning Dove, Sandhill Crane, Pileated Woodpecker. The area supports lake, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Independence Lake County Park?
Birding at Independence Lake County Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Independence Lake County Park?
Independence Lake County Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.