Birding

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a birders’ paradise

The U.P. is on the migratory bird path, making it an exciting place to see nearly 400 different species including such rarities as boreal owls, jaegers and Kirtland’s warblers. Peak bird watching (and listening) seasons are spring and fall when thousands of birds wing across migratory routes. Favorite spots are Whitefish Point, Seney National Wildlife Refuge, Au Train Lake, Copper Harbor, Drummond Island, Grand Island, Hessel and Isle Royale.

Premier birding migration hot-spot in Michigan - Whitefish Point Bird Observatory

Located 11 miles north of Paradise, Whitefish Point Bird Observatory is the premier migration hot-spot in Michigan. Jutting out in Lake Superior, Whitefish Point acts as a natural migration corridor, bringing thousands of birds through this flyway every spring and fall. 

Keweenaw Birding

The boreal forests, wetlands, shoreline and harbors and backyard habitats of the Keweenaw make bird watching a year round activity. Over 300 species have been counted by the Audubon Society with at least 85 species found in the Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary alone.

Migrating birds by the thousands pass over the Keweenaw on their spring flight to northern nesting areas. Over 15 different kinds of hawks, falcons, turkey vultures, owls and eagles have been identified by ornithologists who have traveled from as far away as Florida.

North Huron Birding Trail

Drummond Island is proud to be part of the newly formed North Huron Birding Trail and highlights seven spectacular locations for birdwatching. 

Seney National Wildlife Refuge

Seney National Wildlife Refuge is located in the east-central portion of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, halfway between Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. The 95,238 acre refuge encompasses the 25,150 acre Seney Wilderness Area, which contains the Strangmoor Bog National Natural Landmark.