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

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

26/2/2026

Common Gallinule

46/2/2026

Sandhill Crane

26/2/2026

Killdeer

16/2/2026

Black Tern

26/2/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

76/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

6/2/2026

American Bittern

16/2/2026

Great Egret

6/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

6/2/2026

American White Pelican

26/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/2/2026

Bald Eagle

26/2/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

26/2/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

26/2/2026

Tree Swallow

6/2/2026

Barn Swallow

6/2/2026

Song Sparrow

16/2/2026

Trumpeter Swan

36/2/2026

Wood Duck

76/2/2026

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.