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

Black-bellied Plover

Pluvialis squatarola

6/2/2026Shiawassee NWR--Wildlife Drive1 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

6/2/2026Shiawassee NWR--Wildlife Drive1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

6/1/2026Shiawassee NWR--Ferguson Bayou Trail1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

6/1/2026Shiawassee NWR--Wildlife Drive1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

5/31/2026Shiawassee NWR--Ferguson Bayou Trail1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

5/28/2026Flushing Twp. Nature Park1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/28/2026Shiawassee NWR--Ferguson Bayou Trail2 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/28/2026Shiawassee NWR--Ferguson Bayou Trail2 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

5/27/2026201 John St, Saginaw US-MI 43.43616, -83.991092 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

5/27/2026Shiawassee NWR--Miller Rd.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

3446/1/2026

Trumpeter Swan

46/1/2026

Wood Duck

316/1/2026

Blue-winged Teal

26/1/2026

Gadwall

26/1/2026

Mallard

246/1/2026

Hooded Merganser

16/1/2026

Wild Turkey

16/1/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

56/1/2026

Mourning Dove

86/1/2026

Chimney Swift

16/1/2026

Virginia Rail

16/1/2026

Sora

26/1/2026

Common Gallinule

66/1/2026

American Coot

136/1/2026

Sandhill Crane

66/1/2026

Killdeer

156/1/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

26/1/2026

Solitary Sandpiper

16/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

26/1/2026

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.