Coastal birding habitat

Oval Beach

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Oval Beach is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 217 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Long-tailed Duck, and Common Goldeneye 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

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

6/2/2026HomeUS-MI (42.8034,-86.1510)1 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

6/2/2026South Haven--South Beach1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/2/2026Huyser Farm Nature Preserve1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

6/1/2026Douglas Beach Park1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)

Setophaga coronata

6/1/2026Amaze! (Private)1 observed

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

5/30/2026Vriesland County Store2 observed

Western Meadowlark

Sturnella neglecta

5/30/2026Allegan SGA--Farm Unit1 observed

Winter Wren

Troglodytes hiemalis

5/29/2026Hemlock Crossing Park1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

5/28/2026Allegan SGA--Swan Creek Pond1 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

5/28/202612701–12745 New Holland St, Holland US-MI 42.85626, -86.096361 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mute Swan

76/2/2026

Mourning Dove

26/2/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

16/2/2026

Killdeer

26/2/2026

Ring-billed Gull

506/2/2026

American Herring Gull

106/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

26/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

26/2/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

16/2/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/2/2026

Eastern Kingbird

36/2/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

46/2/2026

American Crow

26/2/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

26/2/2026

Tufted Titmouse

16/2/2026

Tree Swallow

16/2/2026

Barn Swallow

56/2/2026

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