Lake birding habitat

Waterloo RA - Crooked Lake

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Waterloo RA - Crooked Lake is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 201 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/2/2026Tophith rd Marsh1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

6/2/2026Zeeb Road Grasslands Area2 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

6/2/2026Portage Lake from Welch Lake Rd2 observed

King Rail

Rallus elegans

6/2/2026Chelsea SGA--Four Mile Lake1 observed

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

6/2/20265701–6199 Prospect Hill Rd, Manchester US-MI 42.17018, -84.133941 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

16/2/2026

Mourning Dove

26/2/2026

Least Bittern

16/2/2026

Green Heron

16/2/2026

Tree Swallow

16/2/2026

Barn Swallow

16/2/2026

Marsh Wren

66/2/2026

Gray Catbird

16/2/2026

Veery

26/2/2026

Cedar Waxwing

26/2/2026

American Goldfinch

36/2/2026

Swamp Sparrow

26/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

56/2/2026

Common Yellowthroat

26/2/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

46/2/2026

Canada Goose

26/2/2026

Chimney Swift

36/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

26/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Northern Flicker

16/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  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 Waterloo RA - Crooked Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Waterloo RA - Crooked Lake for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Waterloo RA - Crooked Lake?
Notable species at Waterloo RA - Crooked Lake include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Waterloo RA - Crooked Lake?
Birding at Waterloo RA - Crooked Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Waterloo RA - Crooked Lake?
Waterloo RA - Crooked Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.