Urban Park birding habitat

Matthaei Botanical Gardens

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
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-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

7/19/2026Island Lake SRA1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

7/13/2026Bird Hills Nature Area1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

7/12/2026Kensington Metropark--general (Oakland Co. only)1 observed

King Rail

Rallus elegans

7/12/2026Chelsea SGA--Four Mile Lake1 observed

Clay-colored Sparrow

Spizella pallida

7/11/2026Crystal Waters SGA1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

7/10/2026Gallup Park1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

7/7/2026Newburg lake1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

87/19/2026

Mallard

37/19/2026

Mourning Dove

7/19/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

17/19/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

27/19/2026

Killdeer

27/19/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

27/19/2026

Green Heron

17/19/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/19/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/19/2026

Tree Swallow

7/19/2026

Barn Swallow

7/19/2026

Gray Catbird

7/19/2026

Eastern Bluebird

27/19/2026

American Robin

17/19/2026

Cedar Waxwing

17/19/2026

American Goldfinch

7/19/2026

Song Sparrow

7/19/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

7/19/2026

Common Grackle

7/19/2026

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.