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

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/15/2026Pleasant Lake1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/15/2026Sharonville SGA--Pierce Road Unit1 observed

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

4/14/2026Sharonville SGA--Pierce Road Unit2 observed

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

4/14/2026Waterloo RA--Portage Lake Unit1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/13/20263701 McKinley Rd, Chelsea US-MI 42.35001, -83.988461 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

4/11/2026Plains Rd. ponds1 observed

Gadwall x Mallard (hybrid)

Mareca strepera x Anas platyrhynchos

4/9/2026Cutler Rd. and Dunn Rd. wetland1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

4/9/2026Waterloo RA--Portage Lake Unit1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

4/9/202610255 West Ellsworth Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan, US (42.225, -83.1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

4/9/2026Plum Orchard Rd. fluddle1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

4/7/2026Waterloo RA--Riethmiller Rd. grasslands1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Turkey Vulture

44/15/2026

American Robin

24/15/2026

Chipping Sparrow

14/15/2026

Savannah Sparrow

24/15/2026

Rock Pigeon

64/15/2026

Canada Goose

84/15/2026

Mallard

24/15/2026

Bufflehead

84/15/2026

Common Merganser

14/15/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

24/15/2026

Horned Grebe

14/15/2026

Common Loon

24/15/2026

Tufted Titmouse

14/15/2026

European Starling

34/15/2026

Song Sparrow

14/15/2026

Swamp Sparrow

14/15/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

84/15/2026

Common Grackle

14/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/15/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/15/2026

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.