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

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

6/2/2026Zeeb Road Grasslands Area2 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/2/2026Oakwoods Metropark2 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

6/1/2026Bird Hills Nature Area1 observed

Barred Owl

Strix varia

5/31/2026Oakwoods Metropark1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

5/30/2026Gallup Park1 observed

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

5/30/2026My Best Home1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

5/30/2026My Best Home1 observed

King Rail

Rallus elegans

5/27/2026Ann Arbor1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

516/2/2026

Mute Swan

176/2/2026

Mallard

516/2/2026

Killdeer

26/2/2026

Caspian Tern

36/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

16/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

56/2/2026

Tree Swallow

96/2/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

26/2/2026

Barn Swallow

226/2/2026

Cliff Swallow

16/2/2026

American Robin

56/2/2026

Cedar Waxwing

156/2/2026

House Sparrow

16/2/2026

Baltimore Oriole

16/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

126/2/2026

Common Grackle

46/2/2026

Common Yellowthroat

16/2/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

46/2/2026

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.