Nichols Arboretum
Michigan · Midwest
Moderate
April-May, September-October
Free
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
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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
Red-breasted Merganser
Mergus serrator
Northern Mockingbird
Mimus polyglottos
Yellow-breasted Chat
Icteria virens
Summer Tanager
Piranga rubra
Least Bittern
Botaurus exilis
King Rail
Rallus elegans
Clay-colored Sparrow
Spizella pallida
Common Merganser
Mergus merganser
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Canada Goose
Mallard
Osprey
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Great Crested Flycatcher
Blue Jay
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
Gray Catbird
American Robin
House Sparrow
House Finch
American Goldfinch
Song Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Birding Tips
- 1
Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.
- 2
Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.
- 3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.
- 4
This urban green space acts as a migrant trap — birds concentrate here during migration, especially after overnight flights.
- 5
Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- University of Michigan campus
- Huron River
- Matthaei Botanical Gardens
More in Michigan
Michigan Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Michigan →