Mackinaw Straits Hawk Watch site

Michigan · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

GrasslandWetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Mackinaw Straits Hawk Watch site is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 205 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Rock Pigeon, American Herring Gull, 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

Rock Pigeon American Herring Gull Bald Eagle Red-shouldered Hawk Red-tailed Hawk

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

6/2/2026Trails End Bay marshes1 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (Krider's)

Buteo jamaicensis

5/31/2026Straits State Harbor1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

5/31/2026Mackinac Straits-Mackinaw City-spring1 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

5/27/2026Cheboygan SP1 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

5/27/2026Pointe LaBarbe1 observed

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

5/25/2026Cheboygan SP1 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola)

Buteo jamaicensis

5/25/2026MSRW1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Turkey Vulture

1026/2/2026

Sharp-shinned Hawk

16/2/2026

Cooper's Hawk

16/2/2026

Northern Harrier

16/2/2026

Bald Eagle

126/2/2026

Broad-winged Hawk

3586/2/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

166/2/2026

Canada Goose

365/31/2026

Mallard

35/31/2026

Rock Pigeon

45/31/2026

Mourning Dove

45/31/2026

Chimney Swift

65/31/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

25/31/2026

Sora

15/31/2026

Sandhill Crane

65/31/2026

Killdeer

15/31/2026

American Herring Gull

85/31/2026

Great Egret

15/31/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/31/2026

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 Mackinaw Straits Hawk Watch site for birding?▼

The best months to visit Mackinaw Straits Hawk Watch site for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Mackinaw Straits Hawk Watch site?▼

Notable species at Mackinaw Straits Hawk Watch site include Rock Pigeon, American Herring Gull, Bald Eagle, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Mackinaw Straits Hawk Watch site?▼

Birding at Mackinaw Straits Hawk Watch site is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Mackinaw Straits Hawk Watch site?▼

Mackinaw Straits Hawk Watch site offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.