Lake birding habitat

Sleepy Hollow State Park (Lake Ovid)

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Sleepy Hollow State Park (Lake Ovid) is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mute Swan, and Trumpeter Swan 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

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

7/13/2026Fenner Nature Center1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/10/2026Michigan State University, East Lansing US-MI 42.73087, -84.477532 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

7/9/2026Lake Lansing1 observed

Redhead

Aythya americana

7/9/2026Lake Lansing1 observed

Cerulean Warbler

Setophaga cerulea

7/6/2026Rose Lake SWA (Clinton Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

17/4/2026

Killdeer

17/4/2026

Ring-billed Gull

47/4/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/4/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

17/4/2026

American Crow

17/4/2026

Cliff Swallow

97/4/2026

Gray Catbird

17/4/2026

Eastern Bluebird

77/4/2026

American Robin

37/4/2026

Cedar Waxwing

37/4/2026

House Sparrow

17/4/2026

American Goldfinch

27/4/2026

Chipping Sparrow

17/4/2026

Field Sparrow

27/4/2026

Baltimore Oriole

27/4/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

47/4/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

27/4/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/4/2026

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

17/4/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  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 Sleepy Hollow State Park (Lake Ovid) for birding?
The best months to visit Sleepy Hollow State Park (Lake Ovid) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Sleepy Hollow State Park (Lake Ovid)?
Notable species at Sleepy Hollow State Park (Lake Ovid) include Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Trumpeter Swan, Mourning Dove, Sandhill Crane. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sleepy Hollow State Park (Lake Ovid)?
Birding at Sleepy Hollow State Park (Lake Ovid) is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Sleepy Hollow State Park (Lake Ovid)?
Sleepy Hollow State Park (Lake Ovid) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.