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

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

4/15/2026Crow Island SGA--West Units1 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

4/15/2026Crow Island SGA--West Units2 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/15/2026Crow Island SGA--West Units1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

4/15/2026Crow Island SGA--West Units1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

4/15/2026Fish Point SWA6 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

4/15/2026Fish Point SWA1 observed

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Polioptila caerulea

4/13/2026Joseph M. Soehnel Nature Trail/Hampton Twp. Nature Trail1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

4/12/2026Fish Point SWA3 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

4/11/2026669 N Elevator Rd, Linwood US-MI 43.75769, -83.958251 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

4/11/2026Fish Point SWA1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/9/2026Frank Andersen Nature Trail1 observed

Black-crowned Night Heron

Nycticorax nycticorax

4/7/2026Nayanquing Point SWA1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/15/2026

Wood Duck

24/15/2026

Mallard

24/15/2026

Mourning Dove

24/15/2026

Sora

14/15/2026

Wilson's Snipe

14/15/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

14/15/2026

Ring-billed Gull

94/15/2026

Great Egret

14/15/2026

Bald Eagle

14/15/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

14/15/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

34/15/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/15/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

14/15/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/15/2026

Northern Flicker

64/15/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/15/2026

Blue Jay

14/15/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

14/15/2026

Tree Swallow

54/15/2026

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.