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

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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

Redhead

Aythya americana

6/1/2026Lake Lansing1 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

6/1/2026Lake Lansing1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

6/1/2026Woldumar Nature Center1 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

6/1/2026Woldumar Nature Center1 observed

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

5/29/20261273 Sweetwood Drive, Meridian charter Township, Michigan, US (42.71, -84.395)2 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

5/24/2026Bell Oak Rd Pond1 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

5/24/2026Home 6150 W Mich Av Ramblewood1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

5/23/2026MSU Music Building1 observed

Cerulean Warbler

Setophaga cerulea

5/23/2026Rose Lake SWA (Clinton Co.)1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

5/21/2026Riverbend Natural Area1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

5/20/2026Legg Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Turkey Vulture

25/31/2026

Broad-winged Hawk

15/31/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

15/31/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/31/2026

Veery

15/31/2026

Wood Thrush

15/31/2026

American Robin

15/31/2026

Cedar Waxwing

15/31/2026

House Finch

15/31/2026

American Goldfinch

15/31/2026

Chipping Sparrow

15/31/2026

Baltimore Oriole

15/31/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

15/31/2026

American Redstart

15/31/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/31/2026

American Crow

25/31/2026

Gray Catbird

15/31/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

25/31/2026

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

25/31/2026

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.