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

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

4/14/2026MSRW1 observed

Great Egret

Ardea alba

4/13/2026Graham Point1 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola)

Buteo jamaicensis

4/11/2026Mackinaw Straits Hawk Watch site6 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

4/11/2026Mackinaw Straits Hawk Watch site1 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (calurus/abieticola)

Buteo jamaicensis

4/11/2026Mackinaw Straits Hawk Watch site3 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

4/11/2026McGulpin Point3 observed

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

4/10/2026McGulpin Point1 observed

Iceland Gull (kumlieni)

Larus glaucoides

4/8/2026Cheboygan Marsh/Gordon Turner Park1 observed

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

4/6/2026Graham Point1 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

4/3/2026McGulpin Point1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

1784/13/2026

Wood Duck

44/13/2026

Mallard

34/13/2026

Hooded Merganser

24/13/2026

Common Merganser

14/13/2026

Rock Pigeon

44/13/2026

Mourning Dove

24/13/2026

Sandhill Crane

24/13/2026

Killdeer

44/13/2026

Ring-billed Gull

324/13/2026

American Herring Gull

84/13/2026

Common Loon

84/13/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

304/13/2026

Turkey Vulture

3434/13/2026

Golden Eagle

14/13/2026

Sharp-shinned Hawk

544/13/2026

Northern Harrier

74/13/2026

Bald Eagle

34/13/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

34/13/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

3564/13/2026

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.