The Birding Hub
The Birding Hub
Coastal birding habitat

Tawas Bay

Michigan · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions
Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Tawas Bay is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 202 species recorded on eBird. This coastal 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

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Notable Species

SanderlingBrown PelicanOspreyRoyal TernWillet

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

King Rail

Rallus elegans

6/3/2026Tuttle Marsh Wildlife Area1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

6/2/2026Tawas Point SP1 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

6/2/2026East Tawas State Dock1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

5/28/2026Tawas Point SP1 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

5/26/2026Tawas Point SP1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

5/26/2026Tawas Point SP2 observed

Chuck-will's-widow

Antrostomus carolinensis

5/25/2026Tawas Point SP1 observed

Cerulean Warbler

Setophaga cerulea

5/25/2026Tawas Point SP1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Purple Martin

15/31/2026

European Starling

15/24/2026

Horned Grebe

15/24/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Amenities

Parking
Trails

More in Michigan

Whitefish Point Bird Observatory

Lake Superior peninsula and premier Great Lakes raptor migration corridor.

Algonac State Park

Grassland birding hotspot in Michigan with 217 recorded species.

Allegan State Game Area

Grassland birding hotspot in Michigan with 240 recorded species.

Michigan Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Michigan →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Tawas Bay for birding?▼
The best months to visit Tawas Bay for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Tawas Bay?▼
Notable species at Tawas Bay include Sanderling, Brown Pelican, Osprey, Royal Tern, Willet. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Tawas Bay?▼
Birding at Tawas Bay is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Tawas Bay?▼
Tawas Bay offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.