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

Redhead

Aythya americana

6/1/2026Lake Lansing1 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

6/1/2026Lake Lansing1 observed

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

5/29/20261273 Sweetwood Drive, Meridian charter Township, Michigan, US (42.71, -84.395)2 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

5/24/2026Bell Oak Rd Pond1 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

5/24/2026Home 6150 W Mich Av Ramblewood1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

5/23/2026MSU Music Building1 observed

Cerulean Warbler

Setophaga cerulea

5/23/2026Rose Lake SWA (Clinton Co.)1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

5/21/2026Clinton Lakes County Park1 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

5/20/2026Maple River SGA (Gratiot Co.)1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

5/20/2026Legg Park1 observed

Clay-colored Sparrow

Spizella pallida

5/20/2026MSU--Inland Lakes Research and Study Area (restricted access)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

6/1/2026

Mute Swan

26/1/2026

Mallard

16/1/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

16/1/2026

Mourning Dove

56/1/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

16/1/2026

Chimney Swift

16/1/2026

Sandhill Crane

26/1/2026

Killdeer

16/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

26/1/2026

Broad-winged Hawk

16/1/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

16/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

46/1/2026

Downy Woodpecker

36/1/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

26/1/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Northern Flicker

16/1/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

36/1/2026

Willow Flycatcher

26/1/2026

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.