Joseph M. Soehnel Nature Trail/Hampton Township Nature Trail

Michigan · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

GrasslandWetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Joseph M. Soehnel Nature Trail/Hampton Township Nature Trail is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 229 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, and Red-bellied Woodpecker 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

Bald Eagle Red-tailed Hawk Red-bellied Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker American Crow

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

5/31/2026Fish Point SWA1 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

5/31/2026Fish Point SWA1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

5/29/2026Vassar Rd. lake access2 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

5/28/2026Bay City SP1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

5/27/2026201 John St, Saginaw US-MI 43.43616, -83.991092 observed

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

5/26/2026Fish Point SWA1 observed

Red Knot

Calidris canutus

5/24/2026Nayanquing Point SWA4 observed

Marbled Godwit

Limosa fedoa

5/22/2026Nayanquing Point SWA2 observed

Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

5/21/2026Bay City SP1 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

5/20/20261621 N Jones Rd, Essexville US-MI (43.6125,-83.8166)1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

5/20/2026Nayanquing Point SWA1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

15/31/2026

Mourning Dove

15/31/2026

Killdeer

15/31/2026

Ring-billed Gull

15/31/2026

Bald Eagle

15/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/31/2026

Alder Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Willow Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Eastern Phoebe

15/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/31/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

15/31/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/31/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/31/2026

Blue Jay

15/31/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

15/31/2026

Tree Swallow

15/31/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.
2
Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.
3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Michigan

Whitefish Point Bird Observatory

Lake Superior peninsula and premier Great Lakes raptor migration corridor.

Algonac State Park

Grassland birding hotspot in Michigan with 217 recorded species.

Allegan State Game Area

Grassland birding hotspot in Michigan with 240 recorded species.

Michigan Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Michigan →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Where to See Bald Eagles

11 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Joseph M. Soehnel Nature Trail/Hampton Township Nature Trail for birding?▼

The best months to visit Joseph M. Soehnel Nature Trail/Hampton Township Nature Trail for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Joseph M. Soehnel Nature Trail/Hampton Township Nature Trail?▼

Notable species at Joseph M. Soehnel Nature Trail/Hampton Township Nature Trail include Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, American Crow. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Joseph M. Soehnel Nature Trail/Hampton Township Nature Trail?▼

Birding at Joseph M. Soehnel Nature Trail/Hampton Township Nature Trail is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Joseph M. Soehnel Nature Trail/Hampton Township Nature Trail?▼

Joseph M. Soehnel Nature Trail/Hampton Township Nature Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.