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

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

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

4/17/2026WFP Observation Deck1 observed

Sharp-tailed Grouse

Tympanuchus phasianellus

4/16/2026Whitefish Point—Helstrom Addition1 observed

Western Meadowlark

Sturnella neglecta

4/16/2026Whitefish Point1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (cismontanus)

Junco hyemalis

4/16/2026Whitefish Point1 observed

Spruce Grouse

Canachites canadensis

4/14/2026W Vermillion Rd, Paradise US-MI 46.71053, -85.045941 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

4/12/2026Whitefish Point1 observed

Lapland Longspur

Calcarius lapponicus

4/12/2026Whitefish Point35 observed

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Aegolius acadicus

4/10/2026Whitefish Point1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

4/10/2026Whitefish Point2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-capped Chickadee

34/17/2026

Brown Creeper

14/17/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

4/17/2026

Song Sparrow

24/17/2026

Rock Pigeon

14/17/2026

Rough-legged Hawk

14/17/2026

Common Merganser

84/17/2026

Mourning Dove

24/17/2026

American Herring Gull

24/17/2026

Sharp-shinned Hawk

24/17/2026

Northern Flicker

224/17/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/17/2026

Blue Jay

14/17/2026

American Crow

34/17/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

14/17/2026

European Starling

54/17/2026

Eastern Bluebird

14/17/2026

American Robin

24/17/2026

White-throated Sparrow

14/17/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

34/17/2026

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.