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

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

6/2/2026HomeUS-MI (42.8034,-86.1510)1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

6/2/2026Grand River Boating4 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/2/2026Huyser Farm Nature Preserve1 observed

Brewer's Blackbird

Euphagus cyanocephalus

6/1/202684th and Wilson (celery flats)1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

6/1/2026Douglas Beach Park1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)

Setophaga coronata

6/1/2026Amaze! (Private)1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

5/31/2026The Bend Area1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/31/2026Millennium Park1 observed

Cerulean Warbler

Setophaga cerulea

5/30/2026Aman Park2 observed

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

5/30/2026Vriesland County Store2 observed

Western Meadowlark

Sturnella neglecta

5/30/2026Allegan SGA--Farm Unit1 observed

Winter Wren

Troglodytes hiemalis

5/29/2026Hemlock Crossing Park1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

5/28/2026Allegan SGA--Swan Creek Pond1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

336/2/2026

Mourning Dove

16/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/2/2026

Bald Eagle

26/2/2026

Tree Swallow

46/2/2026

Northern House Wren

16/2/2026

American Robin

96/2/2026

Song Sparrow

66/2/2026

Swamp Sparrow

26/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

86/2/2026

Common Grackle

46/2/2026

Common Yellowthroat

36/2/2026

Northern Cardinal

16/2/2026

European Starling

156/2/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/2/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/2/2026

Blue Jay

26/2/2026

Tufted Titmouse

16/2/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

26/2/2026

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.

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.