Wetland birding habitat

Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 277 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mute Swan, and Mallard 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

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

Greater Scaup

34/15/2026

Ruddy Duck

24/15/2026

Horned Grebe

124/15/2026

Canada Goose

204/15/2026

Wood Duck

124/15/2026

Blue-winged Teal

304/15/2026

Mallard

104/15/2026

American Black Duck

64/15/2026

Green-winged Teal

24/15/2026

Canvasback

104/15/2026

Redhead

204/15/2026

Lesser Scaup

1004/15/2026

Bufflehead

304/15/2026

Hooded Merganser

44/15/2026

Common Merganser

24/15/2026

Rock Pigeon

44/15/2026

Mourning Dove

24/15/2026

Sandhill Crane

304/15/2026

Killdeer

24/15/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

24/15/2026

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 - Wildlife Drive for birding?
The best months to visit Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive?
Notable species at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive include Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Mallard, Common Merganser, Sandhill Crane. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive?
Birding at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive?
Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.