Birds of Coastal Michigan

More than 140 species of birds depend on Michigan’s coastal habitat during their life cycle. Coastal wetlands, beaches, sand dunes and remote islands provide food and shelter for both resident and migratory species. Waterfowl such as Canvasback and Scaup are among the many species that use coastal wetlands as stopover sites to rest and refuel. Shorebirds including the endangered piping plover fly thousands of miles to nest on undisturbed beaches and remote Great Lakes islands.

Within Michigan and throughout the Great Lakes, there are thousands of great locations to see both resident and migratory bird species. State parks, national parks, wildlife refuges and sanctuaries throughout the state all provide good bird-watching opportunities. Some sites along Michigan’s Great Lakes shoreline are even considered birding “hotspots” due to the number of species that pass through each spring and fall. Explore this website to learn more about coastal bird species in Michigan and the unique coastal ecosystems that support them.

See: Credits and Acknowledgements

MICHU 09-600

2010 State of the Birds report
See: Details

Byways to Flyways
The Byways to Flyways map highlights 27 exceptional birding sites in Southeast Michigan and Southwest Ontario, Canada. See: Details