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

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

4/14/2026Oak Grove SGA--south2 observed

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

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

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

4/13/2026Costco and environs1 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

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

4/12/2026Matthaei Botanical Gardens2 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/11/2026Menchie's Canton1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/11/2026Baker Woods Preserve1 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola)

Buteo jamaicensis

4/10/2026Bates DRIVE Music Building North Campus University Of Michigan, Ann Arbor1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

4/10/2026Wilcox Lake2 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

4/9/2026Robert H. Long Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

224/12/2026

Mute Swan

14/12/2026

Mallard

24/12/2026

Mourning Dove

34/12/2026

Killdeer

124/12/2026

Common Loon

14/12/2026

Turkey Vulture

44/12/2026

Osprey

24/12/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/12/2026

Belted Kingfisher

24/12/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

74/12/2026

Downy Woodpecker

44/12/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

14/12/2026

Northern Flicker

54/12/2026

Eastern Phoebe

24/12/2026

Blue Jay

44/12/2026

American Crow

24/12/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

34/12/2026

Tufted Titmouse

54/12/2026

Horned Lark

14/12/2026

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.