Lake birding habitat

Rose Lake State Wildlife Area

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Rose Lake State Wildlife Area is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 207 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Sandhill Crane, and Red-bellied Woodpecker among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

Loading map...

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

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

4/18/2026Linden St1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/18/2026Sleepy Hollow SP (Lake Ovid)3 observed

Sedge Wren

Cistothorus stellaris

4/18/2026Corey Marsh Ecological Research Center2 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/17/202660 Damon Rd, Haslett US-MI 42.73906, -84.36141home1 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

4/17/2026Fowlerville-Briggs pond1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/17/2026Rose Lake State Wildlife Research Area, Laingsburg US-MI 42.81652, -84.353501 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

4/16/2026Lake Lansing1 observed

Bohemian Waxwing

Bombycilla garrulus

4/13/2026Red Cedar River Trail1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/11/2026Fairvew Park/Tollgate Wetlands1 observed

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

4/11/2026Sleepy Hollow SP (Lake Ovid)1 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

4/9/2026Lake Lansing1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/15/2026

Wood Duck

14/15/2026

Wild Turkey

14/15/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/15/2026

Downy Woodpecker

34/15/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

14/15/2026

Tufted Titmouse

14/15/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

24/15/2026

American Robin

44/15/2026

White-throated Sparrow

34/15/2026

Song Sparrow

24/15/2026

Eastern Towhee

14/15/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

84/15/2026

Rusty Blackbird

34/15/2026

Northern Cardinal

34/15/2026

Pine Warbler

14/11/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/11/2026

Blue Jay

24/11/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

24/11/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

24/11/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  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 Rose Lake State Wildlife Area for birding?
The best months to visit Rose Lake State Wildlife Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Rose Lake State Wildlife Area?
Notable species at Rose Lake State Wildlife Area include Canada Goose, Sandhill Crane, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Rose Lake State Wildlife Area?
Birding at Rose Lake State Wildlife Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Rose Lake State Wildlife Area?
Rose Lake State Wildlife Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.