Grassland birding habitat

Joseph M. Soehnel Nature Trail/Hampton Township Nature Trail

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

7/10/2026Nayanquing Point SWA1 observed

King Rail

Rallus elegans

7/7/2026Nayanquing Point SWA1 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

7/5/2026Nayanquing Point SWA4 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

7/5/2026Fish Point SWA2 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

7/5/2026Fish Point SWA1 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

7/4/2026Redtail Nature Preserve4 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

7/2/2026Nayanquing Point SWA1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

7/2/2026Nayanquing Point SWA1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

27/8/2026

Killdeer

17/8/2026

Ring-billed Gull

37/8/2026

Great Egret

57/8/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/8/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/8/2026

Northern Flicker

17/8/2026

Willow Flycatcher

17/8/2026

Eastern Kingbird

37/8/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

37/8/2026

Tree Swallow

17/8/2026

Barn Swallow

247/8/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/8/2026

Northern House Wren

67/8/2026

Gray Catbird

37/8/2026

American Robin

147/8/2026

Cedar Waxwing

67/8/2026

American Goldfinch

27/8/2026

Song Sparrow

57/8/2026

Swamp Sparrow

27/8/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  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 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.