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Whitefish Point

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

$5 suggested donation

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Whitefish Point is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 347 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Northern Shrike, Mourning Dove, and American Herring Gull 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

Spruce Grouse

Canachites canadensis

7/9/2026N. Preachers Rd.4 observed

Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

7/7/2026Vermillion Point Nature Preserve4 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

7/7/2026Whitefish Point1 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

7/1/2026Whitefish Point1 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

6/29/2026Whitefish Point1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

6/28/2026Pancake Point, Ontario, CA40 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

6/27/2026Tahquamenon Falls SP (Chippewa Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Piping Plover

27/9/2026

American Herring Gull

97/9/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/9/2026

American Crow

17/9/2026

Cedar Waxwing

57/9/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/9/2026

Ring-billed Gull

157/9/2026

Barn Swallow

87/9/2026

Bald Eagle

17/9/2026

Broad-winged Hawk

47/9/2026

Blue Jay

107/9/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

27/9/2026

American Goldfinch

17/9/2026

Chipping Sparrow

27/9/2026

Nashville Warbler

27/9/2026

Common Merganser

27/9/2026

Merlin

17/9/2026

Common Loon

107/8/2026

Tree Swallow

57/8/2026

Northern House Wren

17/8/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Waterproof boots are recommended as trails near marshes can be muddy, especially after rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Whitefish Point for birding?
The best months to visit Whitefish Point for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Whitefish Point?
Notable species at Whitefish Point include Northern Shrike, Mourning Dove, American Herring Gull, Black-capped Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Blue Jay, Pine Grosbeak, Redpoll, Red-winged Blackbird, American Crow, Common Raven, Evening Grosbeak. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Whitefish Point?
Birding at Whitefish Point is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Whitefish Point?
The entrance fee at Whitefish Point is $5 suggested donation. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Whitefish Point?
Whitefish Point offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.