Chelsea State Game Area - Four Mile Lake

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Chelsea State Game Area - Four Mile Lake is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 238 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mute Swan, and Trumpeter Swan 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

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

3/6/20262955 Lakehurst Ct, Ann Arbor US-MI 42.31519, -83.713211 observed

Double-crested Cormorant

Nannopterum auritum

3/5/2026West Delhi18 observed

Rusty Blackbird

Euphagus carolinus

3/5/202610475 Palmer Road, Brooklyn, Michigan, US (42.141, -84.21)4 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/4/2026Palmer Rd. where it runs next to River Raisin1 observed

Cackling Goose (Richardson's)

Branta hutchinsii

3/4/2026Palmer Rd. where it runs next to River Raisin2 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

3/3/2026Gallup Park1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

3/3/2026Waterloo RA--Hoffman Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

1002/23/2026

Mute Swan

92/23/2026

Trumpeter Swan

62/23/2026

Mallard

202/23/2026

Bald Eagle

12/23/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

32/23/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  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 Chelsea State Game Area - Four Mile Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Chelsea State Game Area - Four Mile Lake for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Chelsea State Game Area - Four Mile Lake?
Notable species at Chelsea State Game Area - Four Mile Lake include Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Trumpeter Swan, Mallard, Bald Eagle. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Chelsea State Game Area - Four Mile Lake?
Birding at Chelsea State Game Area - Four Mile Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Chelsea State Game Area - Four Mile Lake?
Chelsea State Game Area - Four Mile Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.