Coastal birding habitat

Island Lake State Recreation Area

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
CoastalLake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Island Lake State Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 202 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and lake habitat attracts Red-bellied Woodpecker, American Crow, and White-breasted Nuthatch 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

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

6/2/2026Zeeb Road Grasslands Area2 observed

King Rail

Rallus elegans

6/2/2026Chelsea SGA--Four Mile Lake1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/2/2026County Farm Park1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

6/1/2026Robert H. Long Park1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

6/1/2026Bird Hills Nature Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

206/1/2026

Mute Swan

36/1/2026

Mallard

26/1/2026

Mourning Dove

26/1/2026

Black-billed Cuckoo

36/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

16/1/2026

Green Heron

16/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

26/1/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

16/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

26/1/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

66/1/2026

Eastern Phoebe

16/1/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

56/1/2026

Blue Jay

16/1/2026

American Crow

26/1/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

26/1/2026

Tufted Titmouse

46/1/2026

Tree Swallow

66/1/2026

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 Island Lake State Recreation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Island Lake State Recreation Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Island Lake State Recreation Area?
Notable species at Island Lake State Recreation Area include Red-bellied Woodpecker, American Crow, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Horned Lark. The area supports coastal, lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Island Lake State Recreation Area?
Birding at Island Lake State Recreation Area is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Island Lake State Recreation Area?
Island Lake State Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.