Grassland birding habitat

Wetzel State Park

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Wetzel State Park is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 224 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Ring-necked Pheasant, and Sandhill Crane 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

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

6/2/2026Ruedisale Point Park1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

6/2/2026Wetzel SP6 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

5/31/2026Lake St. Clair Metropark (Metro Beach Metropark)2 observed

Crested Caracara

Caracara plancus

5/30/2026King Road Park, Marine City US-MI 42.71467, -82.510101 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

5/29/2026Harley Ensign Memorial Boating Access Site7 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

5/29/2026Lake St. Clair Metropark (Metro Beach Metropark)1 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

5/29/2026St. Johns Marsh1 observed

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus forficatus

5/27/2026I-94 W, Casco US-MI (42.7876,-82.6642)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

346/2/2026

Wood Duck

56/2/2026

Mallard

76/2/2026

Mourning Dove

26/2/2026

Black-billed Cuckoo

16/2/2026

Virginia Rail

16/2/2026

Common Gallinule

36/2/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

66/2/2026

Least Bittern

16/2/2026

Green Heron

36/2/2026

Great Egret

26/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

46/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

26/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Northern Flicker

26/2/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/2/2026

Alder Flycatcher

26/2/2026

Willow Flycatcher

56/2/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

26/2/2026

Eastern Kingbird

36/2/2026

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 Wetzel State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Wetzel State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Wetzel State Park?
Notable species at Wetzel State Park include Canada Goose, Ring-necked Pheasant, Sandhill Crane, American Herring Gull, Red-bellied Woodpecker. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Wetzel State Park?
Birding at Wetzel State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Wetzel State Park?
Wetzel State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.