Whitefish Point lighthouse with Lake Superior shoreline

Whitefish Point Bird Observatory

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
ForestCoastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May

Entrance Fee

Free (donations welcome)

Hours

Dawn to dusk daily; observatory open mid-April – mid-October

About This Location

Whitefish Point juts into Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, creating one of the Great Lakes' most important raptor and waterbird migration corridors. Spring hawk flights can be spectacular, and the point regularly produces rare owls and northern finch irruptions.

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

Spruce Grouse

Canachites canadensis

6/2/2026N. Preachers Rd.1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

6/2/2026Whitefish Point3 observed

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

6/1/2026Whitefish Point2 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

5/31/2026Whitefish Point2 observed

Pacific Loon

Gavia pacifica

5/31/2026Whitefish Point1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

5/31/2026Whitefish Point4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Merganser

26/2/2026

Common Nighthawk

16/2/2026

Killdeer

16/2/2026

Piping Plover

16/2/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

16/2/2026

Ring-billed Gull

216/2/2026

American Herring Gull

156/2/2026

Common Loon

36/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

26/2/2026

Blue Jay

16/2/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

36/2/2026

Barn Swallow

126/2/2026

American Robin

16/2/2026

American Goldfinch

16/2/2026

Pine Siskin

16/2/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

56/2/2026

Mourning Dove

46/2/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

16/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

46/2/2026

Sharp-shinned Hawk

16/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit in April for the best raptor flights

  2. 2

    Check the waterbird migration from the point in spring

  3. 3

    Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity

  4. 4

    Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons

  5. 5

    Check the tide schedule — shorebirds are most active during falling and low tides

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Whitefish Point Bird Observatory for birding?
The best months to visit Whitefish Point Bird Observatory for birding are April-May. The best seasons are Spring.
What birds can I see at Whitefish Point Bird Observatory?
Notable species at Whitefish Point Bird Observatory include Snowy Owl, Northern Goshawk, Red-necked Grebe, Parasitic Jaeger, Common Redpoll, Northern Shrike, Mourning Dove, American Herring Gull, Black-capped Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch. The area supports forest, coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Whitefish Point Bird Observatory?
Birding at Whitefish Point Bird Observatory is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Whitefish Point Bird Observatory?
The entrance fee at Whitefish Point Bird Observatory is Free (donations welcome). Hours: Dawn to dusk daily; observatory open mid-April – mid-October.
What amenities are available at Whitefish Point Bird Observatory?
Whitefish Point Bird Observatory offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Visitor Center, Gift Shop.