Coastal birding habitat

Maple Bay Natural Area

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Maple Bay Natural Area is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 203 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, and Mallard 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 Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

6/2/2026Boardman Lake--Logans Landing2 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

6/1/2026Boardman Lake--Logans Landing1 observed

Brewster's Warbler (hybrid)

Vermivora chrysoptera x cyanoptera (F1 hybrid)

5/31/2026Shumsky Rd.1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

5/26/2026Boardman Lake--Logans Landing1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

5/24/2026Torch Bay Beach25 observed

Barn Swallow (American)

Hirundo rustica

5/24/2026Petobego Pond2 observed

Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

5/22/2026Petobego Pond3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

25/31/2026

Sandhill Crane

25/31/2026

Green Heron

25/31/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Northern Flicker

25/31/2026

Willow Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/31/2026

American Crow

25/31/2026

Barn Swallow

65/31/2026

American Robin

65/31/2026

Song Sparrow

25/31/2026

Bobolink

25/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

55/31/2026

Common Grackle

25/31/2026

Common Yellowthroat

35/31/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

45/31/2026

Common Merganser

35/25/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

85/25/2026

Killdeer

15/25/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Maple Bay Natural Area for birding?
The best months to visit Maple Bay Natural Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Maple Bay Natural Area?
Notable species at Maple Bay Natural Area include Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Mallard, American Black Duck, Cooper's Hawk. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Maple Bay Natural Area?
Birding at Maple Bay Natural Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Maple Bay Natural Area?
Maple Bay Natural Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.