Lake birding habitat

Lake Hudson State Recreation Area

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Lake Hudson State Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 213 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Sandhill Crane, and American Crow 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

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

4/13/2026Bird Lake6 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/12/2026Lake Hudson SRA1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

4/10/2026Flooded muck field1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

4/10/2026Lake Hudson SRA1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

74/13/2026

Mute Swan

64/13/2026

Trumpeter Swan

34/13/2026

Wood Duck

124/13/2026

Blue-winged Teal

24/13/2026

Mallard

24/13/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

14/13/2026

Ruddy Duck

44/13/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

14/13/2026

Mourning Dove

24/13/2026

American Coot

394/13/2026

Sandhill Crane

14/13/2026

Killdeer

14/13/2026

Common Loon

14/13/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

224/13/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/13/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/13/2026

Downy Woodpecker

24/13/2026

Northern Flicker

14/13/2026

Eastern Phoebe

24/13/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  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 Lake Hudson State Recreation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Hudson State Recreation Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Lake Hudson State Recreation Area?
Notable species at Lake Hudson State Recreation Area include Canada Goose, Sandhill Crane, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, American Tree Sparrow. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Hudson State Recreation Area?
Birding at Lake Hudson State Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Hudson State Recreation Area?
Lake Hudson State Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.