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

Loading map...

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

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/17/2026Wampler's Lake (Lenawee Co.)1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

7/13/2026Bird Hills Nature Area1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

7/12/20264150–4514 Hyde Rd, Clarklake US-MI 42.14726, -84.341361 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

7/12/2026Plains Rd. ponds1 observed

King Rail

Rallus elegans

7/12/2026Chelsea SGA--Four Mile Lake1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/10/2026Clark Lake Spirit Trail SE.1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

7/4/2026Prospect Hill Dr.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

27/15/2026

Chimney Swift

37/15/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/15/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/15/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/15/2026

Blue Jay

17/15/2026

Barn Swallow

17/15/2026

Northern House Wren

17/15/2026

Wood Thrush

17/15/2026

American Robin

47/15/2026

House Sparrow

17/15/2026

American Goldfinch

37/15/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/15/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

17/15/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/14/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

17/14/2026

Northern Flicker

17/14/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/14/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/14/2026

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.