Grassland birding habitat

Wilderness State Park

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Wilderness State Park is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 233 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

6/2/2026Trails End Bay marshes1 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (Krider's)

Buteo jamaicensis

5/31/2026Straits State Harbor1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

5/31/2026Mackinac Straits-Mackinaw City-spring1 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

5/27/2026Pointe LaBarbe1 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola)

Buteo jamaicensis

5/25/2026MSRW1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/24/2026Graham Point1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

5/24/2026Mackinac Island1 observed

Black-crowned Night Heron

Nycticorax nycticorax

5/22/2026Mackinaw City Sewage Ponds1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Merganser

25/31/2026

Mourning Dove

15/31/2026

Ring-billed Gull

5/31/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

15/31/2026

Northern Flicker

15/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/31/2026

Eastern Phoebe

25/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Blue-headed Vireo

15/31/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/31/2026

Blue Jay

25/31/2026

Common Raven

15/31/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

15/31/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

15/31/2026

Brown Thrasher

15/31/2026

Eastern Bluebird

15/31/2026

American Robin

35/31/2026

Chipping Sparrow

25/31/2026

Song Sparrow

15/31/2026

Common Grackle

65/31/2026

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 Wilderness State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Wilderness State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Wilderness State Park?
Notable species at Wilderness State Park include Eastern Meadowlark, Dickcissel, Grasshopper Sparrow, Northern Harrier, Bobolink. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Wilderness State Park?
Birding at Wilderness State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Wilderness State Park?
Wilderness State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.