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

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

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

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

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

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

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

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

7/19/2026Saginaw, MI1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/18/2026Shiawassee NWR--Wildlife Drive1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

527/20/2026

Mute Swan

77/20/2026

Trumpeter Swan

57/20/2026

Wood Duck

1327/20/2026

Mourning Dove

97/20/2026

Common Gallinule

257/20/2026

American Coot

177/20/2026

Sandhill Crane

147/20/2026

Killdeer

17/20/2026

Ring-billed Gull

147/20/2026

Caspian Tern

47/20/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

297/20/2026

Great Egret

497/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

197/20/2026

Bald Eagle

17/20/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/20/2026

Northern Flicker

37/20/2026

Eastern Kingbird

37/20/2026

Tree Swallow

87/20/2026

Barn Swallow

157/20/2026

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 - 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.