Grassland birding habitat

Upper Macatawa Natural Area - 84th Avenue access

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Upper Macatawa Natural Area - 84th Avenue access is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 222 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Mallard, Sandhill Crane, and Red-bellied Woodpecker 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

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

7/18/2026Kalamazoo River--63rd St./Hacklander boat launch1 observed

Northern Shoveler

Spatula clypeata

7/18/2026Millennium Park1 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

7/16/2026Oval Beach1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/15/2026Millennium Park1 observed

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorum

7/15/2026Allegan State Game Area Trail, Allegan US-MI 42.52932, -85.97970o1 observed

Prairie Warbler

Setophaga discolor

7/14/2026Mt. Baldhead Park1 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

7/14/202627 N Water St, Douglas US-MI 42.64544, -86.198931 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

7/9/2026Allegan SGA--Farm Unit1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

7/8/2026Window on the Waterfront10 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

7/7/2026Kalamazoo River mouth2 observed

Black-crowned Night Heron

Nycticorax nycticorax

7/6/2026302 Winter Oak West1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ring-billed Gull

27/17/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/17/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

27/17/2026

Blue Jay

27/17/2026

Gray Catbird

17/17/2026

American Robin

97/17/2026

Song Sparrow

27/17/2026

Northern Cardinal

37/17/2026

Northern House Wren

27/16/2026

House Sparrow

27/16/2026

American Goldfinch

17/16/2026

Swamp Sparrow

17/16/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

157/16/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

27/16/2026

Common Yellowthroat

27/16/2026

Mallard

27/15/2026

Mourning Dove

17/15/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/15/2026

Killdeer

17/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/15/2026

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 Upper Macatawa Natural Area - 84th Avenue access for birding?
The best months to visit Upper Macatawa Natural Area - 84th Avenue access for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Upper Macatawa Natural Area - 84th Avenue access?
Notable species at Upper Macatawa Natural Area - 84th Avenue access include Mallard, Sandhill Crane, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Upper Macatawa Natural Area - 84th Avenue access?
Birding at Upper Macatawa Natural Area - 84th Avenue access is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Upper Macatawa Natural Area - 84th Avenue access?
Upper Macatawa Natural Area - 84th Avenue access offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.