Wetland birding habitat

Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Ferguson Bayou Trail

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Ferguson Bayou Trail is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 258 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, and Short-eared Owl 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

Chimney Swift

Chaetura pelagica

4/18/2026Flushing Twp. Nature Park1 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

4/15/2026Crow Island SGA--West Units2 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

4/15/2026Crow Island SGA--West Units1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/15/2026Crow Island SGA--West Units1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

4/15/2026Crow Island SGA--West Units1 observed

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

4/14/2026Shiawassee NWR--Miller Rd.1 observed

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

4/13/2026Shiawassee NWR--Ferguson Bayou Trail1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

4/11/2026home1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/11/2026Shiawassee NWR--Ferguson Bayou Trail1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

4/11/2026Shiawassee NWR--Ferguson Bayou Trail1 observed

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

4/11/2026Shiawassee NWR--Ferguson Bayou Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

164/18/2026

Blue-winged Teal

144/18/2026

Northern Shoveler

64/18/2026

Gadwall

104/18/2026

Mallard

54/18/2026

Green-winged Teal

24/18/2026

Ring-necked Duck

24/18/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

24/18/2026

Common Gallinule

64/18/2026

American Coot

244/18/2026

Sandhill Crane

34/18/2026

Killdeer

84/18/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

334/18/2026

Ring-billed Gull

24/18/2026

Caspian Tern

14/18/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

64/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

44/18/2026

Great Egret

24/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/18/2026

Bald Eagle

14/18/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  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 Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Ferguson Bayou Trail for birding?
The best months to visit Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Ferguson Bayou Trail for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Ferguson Bayou Trail?
Notable species at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Ferguson Bayou Trail include Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, Short-eared Owl, Eastern Bluebird, American Robin. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Ferguson Bayou Trail?
Birding at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Ferguson Bayou Trail is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Ferguson Bayou Trail?
Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Ferguson Bayou Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.