Grassland birding habitat

Three Oaks Sewage Ponds

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Three Oaks Sewage Ponds is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 241 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Green-winged Teal, and Redhead 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

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

7/21/202617365–17503 S Schwark Rd, Three Oaks US-MI (41.8028,-86.6294) Three Oaks Sewage Ponds2 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

7/21/2026New Buffalo beach and marina2 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

7/21/202619538–19698 S Basswood Rd, Three Oaks US-MI (41.7645,-86.6496)2 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

7/21/202619538–19698 S Basswood Rd, Three Oaks US-MI (41.7645,-86.6496)1 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

7/19/2026New Buffalo beach and marina1 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

7/19/2026New Buffalo beach and marina1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

7/19/2026New Buffalo Marsh2 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

7/19/2026New Buffalo beach and marina1 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

7/18/2026MI Berrien, Snyder Rd1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

7/19/2026

Trumpeter Swan

27/19/2026

Wood Duck

147/19/2026

Mallard

137/19/2026

Mourning Dove

17/19/2026

Chimney Swift

7/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/19/2026

Bank Swallow

37/19/2026

Purple Martin

27/19/2026

Barn Swallow

57/19/2026

Cliff Swallow

17/19/2026

Eastern Bluebird

17/19/2026

Cedar Waxwing

27/19/2026

Song Sparrow

17/19/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

77/19/2026

Killdeer

67/19/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

27/19/2026

Willow Flycatcher

37/19/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/19/2026

American Crow

17/18/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Three Oaks Sewage Ponds for birding?
The best months to visit Three Oaks Sewage Ponds for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Three Oaks Sewage Ponds?
Notable species at Three Oaks Sewage Ponds include Canada Goose, Green-winged Teal, Redhead, Ring-necked Duck, Greater Scaup. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Three Oaks Sewage Ponds?
Birding at Three Oaks Sewage Ponds is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Three Oaks Sewage Ponds?
Three Oaks Sewage Ponds offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.