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 Pipit

Anthus rubescens

5/30/2026Atlantic Mine Sewage Ponds1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

5/30/2026Atlantic Mine Sewage Ponds1 observed

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

5/27/202653098–53244 Bootjack Rd, Lake Linden US-MI (47.1881,-88.3938)1 observed

Lapland Longspur

Calcarius lapponicus

5/27/2026Lake Linden Recreation Park4 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

5/27/2026Lake Linden Sewage Ponds1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

5/26/2026Grosse point shores1 observed

Red Knot

Calidris canutus

5/25/2026Otter River inlet to Otter Lake1 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

5/23/2026Boston Pond Nature Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

195/31/2026

Black-billed Cuckoo

15/31/2026

Sora

15/31/2026

Wilson's Snipe

15/31/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

15/31/2026

American Bittern

15/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/31/2026

Bald Eagle

15/31/2026

Broad-winged Hawk

15/31/2026

Great Horned Owl

15/31/2026

Alder Flycatcher

45/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/31/2026

Blue-headed Vireo

15/31/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

25/31/2026

Blue Jay

25/31/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

15/31/2026

Bank Swallow

25/31/2026

Tree Swallow

25/31/2026

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.