Grassland birding habitat

Mackinaw Straits Hawk Watch site

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Bay-breasted Warbler

Setophaga castanea

7/1/2026Mackinac Island1 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

7/1/2026Cheboygan Marsh/Gordon Turner Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

27/8/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/8/2026

Ring-billed Gull

307/8/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

17/8/2026

Barn Swallow

37/8/2026

American Robin

47/8/2026

House Sparrow

27/8/2026

House Finch

17/8/2026

Song Sparrow

27/8/2026

Common Grackle

67/8/2026

Rock Pigeon

17/8/2026

Green Heron

17/8/2026

Downy Woodpecker

27/8/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

17/8/2026

Northern Flicker

17/8/2026

Eastern Phoebe

37/8/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/8/2026

Blue Jay

47/8/2026

American Crow

37/8/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

17/8/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  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 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.