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

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

7/14/2026Woldumar Nature Center1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

7/13/2026Fenner Nature Center1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/10/2026Michigan State University, East Lansing US-MI 42.73087, -84.477532 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

7/9/2026Lake Lansing1 observed

Redhead

Aythya americana

7/9/2026Lake Lansing1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/20/2026

Northern Flicker

17/20/2026

Blue Jay

27/20/2026

American Crow

17/20/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

27/20/2026

Tufted Titmouse

17/20/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/20/2026

American Robin

97/20/2026

House Finch

37/20/2026

American Goldfinch

17/20/2026

Northern Cardinal

57/20/2026

Canada Goose

117/20/2026

Mallard

57/20/2026

Mourning Dove

17/20/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/20/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

17/20/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/20/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/20/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

27/20/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

17/20/2026

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.