Matthaei Botanical Gardens

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Matthaei Botanical Gardens is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 207 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and American Black Duck 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

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

3/6/20262955 Lakehurst Ct, Ann Arbor US-MI 42.31519, -83.713211 observed

Double-crested Cormorant

Nannopterum auritum

3/6/2026Kensington Metropark--general (Oakland Co. only)2 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

3/6/2026392 Welch Rd, Northville US-MI 42.44415, -83.479702 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

3/5/2026North Bay Park/Ford Lake Boardwalk1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

3/3/2026Gallup Park1 observed

Fox Sparrow

Passerella iliaca

3/3/2026Kensington Metropark--general (Oakland Co. only)1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/2/2026Phoenix Lake2 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/2/2026BirdSong Nature Preserve/Vreeland Rd. fluddle, Washtenaw US-MI2 observed

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

3/1/2026Belleville Lake--Belleville Rd. access1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

83/5/2026

Mallard

153/5/2026

American Black Duck

13/5/2026

Sandhill Crane

13/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/5/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Blue Jay

23/5/2026

American Crow

23/5/2026

Carolina Wren

13/5/2026

Eastern Bluebird

13/5/2026

American Robin

33/5/2026

House Finch

23/5/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

23/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

103/5/2026

Common Grackle

13/5/2026

Northern Cardinal

43/5/2026

Northern Flicker

22/28/2026

Mourning Dove

22/27/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

22/27/2026

Downy Woodpecker

22/27/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.

  2. 2

    Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.

  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 Matthaei Botanical Gardens for birding?
The best months to visit Matthaei Botanical Gardens for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Matthaei Botanical Gardens?
Notable species at Matthaei Botanical Gardens include Canada Goose, Mallard, American Black Duck, Sandhill Crane, Great Blue Heron. The area supports urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Matthaei Botanical Gardens?
Birding at Matthaei Botanical Gardens is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Matthaei Botanical Gardens?
Matthaei Botanical Gardens offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.