Grassland birding habitat

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Sleeping Bear Point

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Sleeping Bear Point is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 247 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts White-winged Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, and American Herring Gull 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

Glaucous Gull

Larus hyperboreus

6/2/2026Leland harbor1 observed

Bay-breasted Warbler

Setophaga castanea

5/31/2026Leland harbor1 observed

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

5/26/2026Auto selected 44.76427, -86.075611 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

5/25/2026Little Glen Park1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

5/24/2026North Manitou Island--Dimmick's Point11 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

46/1/2026

Ruffed Grouse

16/1/2026

Mourning Dove

26/1/2026

Killdeer

26/1/2026

Semipalmated Plover

16/1/2026

Piping Plover

66/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

206/1/2026

American Herring Gull

16/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/1/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

26/1/2026

Northern Flicker

16/1/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/1/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

26/1/2026

Blue Jay

26/1/2026

American Crow

46/1/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

16/1/2026

Bank Swallow

26/1/2026

Northern House Wren

16/1/2026

American Robin

36/1/2026

Cedar Waxwing

46/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  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 Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Sleeping Bear Point for birding?
The best months to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Sleeping Bear Point for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Sleeping Bear Point?
Notable species at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Sleeping Bear Point include White-winged Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, American Herring Gull, Horned Grebe, Red-tailed Hawk. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Sleeping Bear Point?
Birding at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Sleeping Bear Point is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Sleeping Bear Point?
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Sleeping Bear Point offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.