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

Bohemian Waxwing

Bombycilla garrulus

4/13/2026Red Cedar River Trail1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/11/2026Fairvew Park/Tollgate Wetlands1 observed

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

4/11/2026Sleepy Hollow SP (Lake Ovid)1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

4/11/2026Maple River SGA (Gratiot Co.)2 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

4/9/2026Lake Lansing1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

4/9/20262600–2998 E Ranger Rd, Ashley US-MI (43.1539,-84.5456)1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

4/9/2026Lovejoy Sanctuary (private residence)6 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

4/8/2026Lake Lansing1 observed

Great Black-backed Gull

Larus marinus

4/8/2026Lake Lansing1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

14/14/2026

Mallard

24/14/2026

Mourning Dove

34/14/2026

Sandhill Crane

24/14/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

304/14/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/14/2026

Blue Jay

14/14/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

14/14/2026

Eastern Bluebird

24/14/2026

American Robin

244/14/2026

Chipping Sparrow

14/14/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

54/14/2026

White-throated Sparrow

24/14/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

54/14/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

14/14/2026

Common Grackle

14/14/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

14/14/2026

Mute Swan

24/14/2026

Trumpeter Swan

24/14/2026

Wood Duck

14/14/2026

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.