River/Riparian birding habitat

Sturgeon River Sloughs WA (South Unit)

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Sturgeon River Sloughs WA (South Unit) is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 227 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

American Kestrel (Northern)

Falco sparverius

7/11/2026Nara Nature Park--Pilgrim River mouth1 observed

Marsh Wren

Cistothorus palustris

7/11/2026Nara Nature Park1 observed

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

7/8/2026Nara Nature Park1 observed

White-winged Crossbill

Loxia leucoptera

7/4/2026Grosse point shores2 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

7/3/2026Point mills1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cliff Swallow

47/14/2026

Song Sparrow

17/14/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

17/14/2026

Indigo Bunting

97/14/2026

Common Grackle

17/14/2026

Canada Goose

167/12/2026

Mallard

27/12/2026

Wild Turkey

17/12/2026

Mourning Dove

47/12/2026

Sandhill Crane

37/12/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

17/12/2026

Northern Flicker

17/12/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/12/2026

Eastern Phoebe

27/12/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

17/12/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

37/12/2026

Common Raven

27/12/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

27/12/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/12/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

17/12/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  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 Sturgeon River Sloughs WA (South Unit) for birding?
The best months to visit Sturgeon River Sloughs WA (South Unit) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Sturgeon River Sloughs WA (South Unit)?
Notable species at Sturgeon River Sloughs WA (South Unit) include Belted Kingfisher, Yellow Warbler, Song Sparrow, Great Blue Heron, Cedar Waxwing. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sturgeon River Sloughs WA (South Unit)?
Birding at Sturgeon River Sloughs WA (South Unit) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Sturgeon River Sloughs WA (South Unit)?
Sturgeon River Sloughs WA (South Unit) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.