a duck and a duckling on a grassy hill by a body of water

Lake Saint Clair Metropark (Metro Beach Metropark)

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
CoastalLake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

$10 per vehicle (annual pass available)

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Lake Saint Clair Metropark (Metro Beach Metropark) is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 293 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Sandhill Crane, and Bald Eagle 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

Snow x Ross's Goose (hybrid)

Anser caerulescens x rossii

4/21/2026De La Salle Collegiate1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

4/20/2026Abandoned Woods1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

4/20/2026Red Oaks Nature Center (Friendship Woods)1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/20/2026St. Johns Marsh1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

4/19/2026Stony Creek Metropark1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/19/2026Red Oaks Nature Center (Friendship Woods)1 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

4/19/2026Red Oaks Nature Center (Friendship Woods)1 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

4/19/2026Lake St. Clair Metropark (Metro Beach Metropark)2 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

4/19/2026Lake St. Clair Metropark (Metro Beach Metropark)1 observed

Chimney Swift

Chaetura pelagica

4/19/2026Lake St. Clair Metropark (Metro Beach Metropark)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

84/21/2026

Mute Swan

54/21/2026

Mallard

34/21/2026

Mourning Dove

34/21/2026

Sandhill Crane

14/21/2026

Killdeer

14/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

44/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

24/21/2026

Bald Eagle

14/21/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

44/21/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/21/2026

Northern Flicker

14/21/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

54/21/2026

Tree Swallow

84/21/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/21/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

34/21/2026

European Starling

54/21/2026

American Robin

84/21/2026

House Sparrow

64/21/2026

American Goldfinch

24/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

  4. 4

    Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Lake Saint Clair Metropark (Metro Beach Metropark) for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Saint Clair Metropark (Metro Beach Metropark) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Lake Saint Clair Metropark (Metro Beach Metropark)?
Notable species at Lake Saint Clair Metropark (Metro Beach Metropark) include Canada Goose, Sandhill Crane, Bald Eagle, Black-capped Chickadee, European Starling, Cooper's Hawk, Mallard, Rock Pigeon, Ring-billed Gull, Mourning Dove, Blue Jay, Red-winged Blackbird. The area supports coastal, lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Saint Clair Metropark (Metro Beach Metropark)?
Birding at Lake Saint Clair Metropark (Metro Beach Metropark) is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Lake Saint Clair Metropark (Metro Beach Metropark)?
The entrance fee at Lake Saint Clair Metropark (Metro Beach Metropark) is $10 per vehicle (annual pass available). Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Lake Saint Clair Metropark (Metro Beach Metropark)?
Lake Saint Clair Metropark (Metro Beach Metropark) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.