Lake Saint Clair Metropark (Metro Beach Metropark)

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
CoastalLake
Best Seasons
SpringFall
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

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

3/5/2026Home- 24335 Greydale St, Clinton Township US-MI 42.57620, -82.866641 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/4/2026Lake St Clair, Neff Park, Grosse Pointe, Michigan4 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

3/3/2026Harsens Island1 observed

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

3/3/2026Walter and Mary Burke Park1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/3/2026Brandenburg Park4 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

3/3/2026Wolcott Mill Metropark2 observed

Rusty Blackbird

Euphagus carolinus

3/2/2026Harsens Island2 observed

Eastern Towhee

Pipilo erythrophthalmus

3/2/2026Algonac SP1 observed

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

3/2/2026Sombra-McKeough Outlet1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

53/4/2026

Sandhill Crane

23/4/2026

Bald Eagle

13/4/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

53/4/2026

European Starling

203/4/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

503/4/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

13/4/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

23/4/2026

Eastern Screech-Owl

13/4/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

23/4/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/4/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/4/2026

House Sparrow

3/4/2026

House Finch

3/4/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

13/4/2026

Northern Cardinal

43/4/2026

Mute Swan

23/3/2026

Mallard

63/3/2026

Common Merganser

13/3/2026

Mourning Dove

53/3/2026

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.