Grassland birding habitat

Muskegon State Park

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Muskegon State Park is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 245 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Greater Scaup, Long-tailed Duck, and Red-breasted Merganser 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-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

6/2/2026Lost Lake Trail1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

6/2/2026Grand River Boating4 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

6/2/2026Muskegon Wastewater System2 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

6/1/2026Muskegon Wastewater System1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

5/31/2026Muskegon Wastewater System1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

5/31/2026Muskegon Wastewater System1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

5/31/2026Muskegon Wastewater System4 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

5/30/2026Muskegon Wastewater System1 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

5/29/2026Muskegon Wastewater System1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mute Swan

36/3/2026

Killdeer

16/3/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/3/2026

Eastern Phoebe

16/3/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

16/3/2026

American Crow

16/3/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

16/3/2026

American Robin

16/3/2026

Cedar Waxwing

16/3/2026

Chipping Sparrow

16/3/2026

Song Sparrow

36/3/2026

Baltimore Oriole

16/3/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

66/3/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

16/3/2026

Northern Cardinal

26/3/2026

Canada Goose

176/3/2026

Mallard

26/3/2026

Mourning Dove

26/3/2026

Ring-billed Gull

16/3/2026

American Herring Gull

36/3/2026

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 Muskegon State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Muskegon State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Muskegon State Park?
Notable species at Muskegon State Park include Greater Scaup, Long-tailed Duck, Red-breasted Merganser, Ring-billed Gull, American Herring Gull. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Muskegon State Park?
Birding at Muskegon State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Muskegon State Park?
Muskegon State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.