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

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

7/20/202611218 West Stanley Road, Flushing, Michigan, US (43.104, -83.901)1 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

7/20/2026Shiawassee NWR--Wildlife Drive1 observed

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

7/20/20269264 W Saginaw Rd, Vassar US-MI 43.40703, -83.670791 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

7/19/2026Shiawassee NWR--Wildlife Drive1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

7/20/2026

Mute Swan

47/20/2026

Trumpeter Swan

57/20/2026

Wood Duck

7/20/2026

Mallard

7/20/2026

Mourning Dove

97/20/2026

Common Gallinule

7/20/2026

American Coot

7/20/2026

Sandhill Crane

67/20/2026

Killdeer

27/20/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

17/20/2026

Ring-billed Gull

7/20/2026

Caspian Tern

17/20/2026

Black Tern

37/20/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

7/20/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

137/20/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

87/20/2026

Green Heron

17/20/2026

Great Egret

7/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

77/20/2026

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.