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

Loading map...

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

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

7/17/2026Sleeping Bear Dunes NL--Sleeping Bear Point1 observed

Glaucous Gull

Larus hyperboreus

7/8/2026Leland harbor1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Piping Plover

37/20/2026

Ring-billed Gull

17/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/20/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

17/20/2026

Cedar Waxwing

67/20/2026

Canada Goose

57/19/2026

Mourning Dove

17/19/2026

Sanderling

17/19/2026

Baird's Sandpiper

17/19/2026

Caspian Tern

17/19/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/19/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

37/19/2026

Northern House Wren

17/19/2026

Gray Catbird

17/19/2026

Chipping Sparrow

47/19/2026

Song Sparrow

17/19/2026

Eastern Towhee

17/19/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

17/19/2026

American Redstart

17/19/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

17/18/2026

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.