ocean waves under blue sky during daytime

Tawas Point State Park

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

$12 per vehicle (Recreation Passport)

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Tawas Point State Park is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 303 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Black-capped Chickadee, and White-breasted Nuthatch 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

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

6/2/2026Tawas Point SP1 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

6/2/2026East Tawas State Dock1 observed

King Rail

Rallus elegans

6/1/2026Tuttle Marsh Wildlife Area1 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

Canada Goose

36/2/2026

Mallard

86/2/2026

Black-bellied Plover

16/2/2026

Semipalmated Plover

26/2/2026

Piping Plover

26/2/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

26/2/2026

Ring-billed Gull

136/2/2026

American Herring Gull

36/2/2026

Caspian Tern

36/2/2026

Common Tern

26/2/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

26/2/2026

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

16/2/2026

Eastern Kingbird

46/2/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

26/2/2026

Blue Jay

66/2/2026

Tree Swallow

66/2/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

16/2/2026

Northern House Wren

26/2/2026

Gray Catbird

46/2/2026

Brown Thrasher

16/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    Consider purchasing an annual parks pass if you plan to visit multiple times.

  5. 5

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Tawas Point State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Tawas Point State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Tawas Point State Park?
Notable species at Tawas Point State Park include Mourning Dove, Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, House Sparrow, American Tree Sparrow, Rock Pigeon, American Herring Gull, Cooper's Hawk, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Northern Cardinal, Redhead. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Tawas Point State Park?
Birding at Tawas Point State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Tawas Point State Park?
The entrance fee at Tawas Point State Park is $12 per vehicle (Recreation Passport). Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Tawas Point State Park?
Tawas Point State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.