Coastal birding habitat

New Buffalo beach and marina

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

New Buffalo beach and marina is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 237 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, 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

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

7/19/2026Three Oaks Sewage Ponds2 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

7/19/2026New Buffalo beach and marina1 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

7/19/2026New Buffalo beach and marina1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

7/19/2026New Buffalo Marsh2 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

7/19/2026New Buffalo beach and marina1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

7/18/2026Forest Lawn Landfill (restricted access)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

237/20/2026

Killdeer

27/20/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/20/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

17/20/2026

Ring-billed Gull

427/20/2026

Caspian Tern

57/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/20/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

17/20/2026

American Crow

57/20/2026

Barn Swallow

27/20/2026

European Starling

97/20/2026

Canada Goose

347/20/2026

Forster's Tern

17/20/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

47/20/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/20/2026

Song Sparrow

17/20/2026

Mourning Dove

27/20/2026

American Herring Gull

37/20/2026

Bald Eagle

27/20/2026

Purple Martin

27/20/2026

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 New Buffalo beach and marina for birding?
The best months to visit New Buffalo beach and marina for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at New Buffalo beach and marina?
Notable species at New Buffalo beach and marina include Canada Goose, Long-tailed Duck, Red-breasted Merganser, Ring-billed Gull, Common Goldeneye. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at New Buffalo beach and marina?
Birding at New Buffalo beach and marina is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at New Buffalo beach and marina?
New Buffalo beach and marina offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.