Coastal birding habitat

North Bay Park/Ford Lake Boardwalk

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
CoastalLakeUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

North Bay Park/Ford Lake Boardwalk is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 212 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and lake habitat attracts Graylag Goose, Canada Goose, and Mute Swan 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

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

7/12/2026Barton Nature Area1 observed

Clay-colored Sparrow

Spizella pallida

7/11/2026Crystal Waters SGA1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

7/10/2026Gallup Park1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

7/9/2026Oakwoods Metropark1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

7/7/2026Newburg lake1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

6/29/2026392 Welch Rd, Northville US-MI 42.44415, -83.479703 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

557/12/2026

Mute Swan

127/12/2026

Wood Duck

47/12/2026

Mallard

97/12/2026

Mourning Dove

57/12/2026

Ring-billed Gull

107/12/2026

American Herring Gull

27/12/2026

Caspian Tern

27/12/2026

Green Heron

27/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/12/2026

Belted Kingfisher

27/12/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/12/2026

Eastern Kingbird

27/12/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

47/12/2026

Blue Jay

27/12/2026

Tree Swallow

7/12/2026

Barn Swallow

7/12/2026

European Starling

47/12/2026

Gray Catbird

17/12/2026

American Robin

77/12/2026

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 North Bay Park/Ford Lake Boardwalk for birding?
The best months to visit North Bay Park/Ford Lake Boardwalk for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at North Bay Park/Ford Lake Boardwalk?
Notable species at North Bay Park/Ford Lake Boardwalk include Graylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Mallard. The area supports coastal, lake, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at North Bay Park/Ford Lake Boardwalk?
Birding at North Bay Park/Ford Lake Boardwalk is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at North Bay Park/Ford Lake Boardwalk?
North Bay Park/Ford Lake Boardwalk offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.