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

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

5/31/2026Island Park1 observed

Clay-colored Sparrow

Spizella pallida

5/31/2026Ives Road Fen Preserve1 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

5/30/2026Ives Road Fen Preserve1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

5/26/2026Morenci Sewage Ponds1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

5/25/20265741 Gilbert Rd, Pittsford US-MI 41.84602, -84.495411 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Trumpeter Swan

15/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/31/2026

Willow Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Sedge Wren

25/31/2026

Carolina Wren

25/31/2026

Song Sparrow

25/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

45/31/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/31/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

15/31/2026

Northern Cardinal

15/31/2026

Canada Goose

245/31/2026

Mute Swan

175/31/2026

Mourning Dove

35/31/2026

Chimney Swift

25/31/2026

Sandhill Crane

25/31/2026

Killdeer

25/31/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/31/2026

Green Heron

15/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/31/2026

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.