Overcast sky above a grassy field with trees.

Nichols Arboretum

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
ForestUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Nichols Arboretum is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 220 species recorded on eBird. This forest and urban park habitat attracts Eastern Screech-Owl, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Blue Jay among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

Loading map...

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

Chimney Swift

Chaetura pelagica

4/18/2026Furstenberg Park5 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/18/2026Furstenberg Park1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/18/2026Hudson Mills Metropark1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

4/18/2026Dolph Nature Area1 observed

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

4/18/2026Mary Beth Doyle Park1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/17/2026Maybury SP1 observed

Henslow's Sparrow

Centronyx henslowii

4/17/2026Mills-Macon Highway fields1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

4/17/2026Mills-Macon Highway fields1 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

4/17/20263784 Plaza Dr, Ann Arbor US-MI (42.2308,-83.7461)1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

4/17/2026US-23 N, Whitmore Lake US-MI (42.3457,-83.7459)10 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

64/18/2026

Mallard

14/18/2026

Mourning Dove

34/18/2026

Killdeer

24/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/18/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/18/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

34/18/2026

Downy Woodpecker

24/18/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

14/18/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/18/2026

Northern Flicker

34/18/2026

Blue Jay

164/18/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

34/18/2026

Tufted Titmouse

14/18/2026

Tree Swallow

134/18/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

24/18/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/18/2026

Brown Creeper

24/18/2026

Carolina Wren

14/18/2026

European Starling

14/18/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

  4. 4

    This urban green space acts as a migrant trap — birds concentrate here during migration, especially after overnight flights.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Nichols Arboretum for birding?
The best months to visit Nichols Arboretum for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Nichols Arboretum?
Notable species at Nichols Arboretum include Eastern Screech-Owl, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Blue Jay, White-breasted Nuthatch, Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, American Robin, Red-winged Blackbird, Northern Cardinal, Great Horned Owl, Pileated Woodpecker, American Crow. The area supports forest, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Nichols Arboretum?
Birding at Nichols Arboretum is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Nichols Arboretum?
There is no entrance fee at Nichols Arboretum. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Nichols Arboretum?
Nichols Arboretum offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.