Grassland birding habitat

Paul Henry-Thornapple Trail - Middleville

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Paul Henry-Thornapple Trail - Middleville is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 207 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mute Swan, and Wood Duck 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

Brewer's Blackbird

Euphagus cyanocephalus

6/1/202684th and Wilson (celery flats)1 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

6/1/2026Gun River Aggregates gravel pit lake (restricted access)1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

5/31/2026Gerald R. Ford Airport (s. Kraft Ave. access)1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

5/30/2026Dolan Nature Sanctuary (Baker Ave. Coldwater River Sanctuary)1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/29/2026Calvin University Ecosystem Preserve1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

5/29/2026Reeds Lake1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

5/29/2026Otis Sanctuary1 observed

Marbled Godwit

Limosa fedoa

5/26/2026Patterson Rd. Cattle Ponds (Barry Co.)1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

5/26/2026Calvin University, Kentwood US-MI (42.9354,-85.5738)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mute Swan

26/1/2026

Wood Duck

26/1/2026

Mallard

76/1/2026

Rock Pigeon

66/1/2026

Mourning Dove

36/1/2026

Sandhill Crane

46/1/2026

Killdeer

16/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

26/1/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

36/1/2026

Willow Flycatcher

16/1/2026

Eastern Phoebe

26/1/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

26/1/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

26/1/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

66/1/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

16/1/2026

Blue Jay

26/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  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 Paul Henry-Thornapple Trail - Middleville for birding?
The best months to visit Paul Henry-Thornapple Trail - Middleville for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Paul Henry-Thornapple Trail - Middleville?
Notable species at Paul Henry-Thornapple Trail - Middleville include Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Wood Duck, Mallard, Hooded Merganser. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Paul Henry-Thornapple Trail - Middleville?
Birding at Paul Henry-Thornapple Trail - Middleville is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Paul Henry-Thornapple Trail - Middleville?
Paul Henry-Thornapple Trail - Middleville offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.