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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

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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

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

4/18/2026Tawas Point SP1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

4/13/2026Surfside Heights, Oscoda, Michigan, US (44.468, -83.323)6 observed

Evening Grosbeak

Hesperiphona vespertina

4/6/2026637–915 Wilber Rd, Baldwin US-MI (44.3041,-83.5225)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/18/2026

Bufflehead

64/18/2026

Ring-billed Gull

104/18/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

454/18/2026

Great Egret

14/18/2026

Northern Harrier

24/18/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

24/18/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/18/2026

Northern Flicker

84/18/2026

Blue Jay

44/18/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

24/18/2026

Tree Swallow

24/18/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

44/18/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

24/18/2026

Brown Creeper

24/18/2026

European Starling

304/18/2026

Brown Thrasher

14/18/2026

American Robin

44/18/2026

Chipping Sparrow

24/18/2026

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.