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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

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

    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.