Detroit River IWR - Refuge Gateway (Humbug Marsh)

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
WetlandRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Detroit River IWR - Refuge Gateway (Humbug Marsh) is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 223 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, and Wood Duck 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

Eastern Towhee

Pipilo erythrophthalmus

3/4/2026Windsor--Ojibway Park1 observed

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Aegolius acadicus

3/3/2026Windsor--Ojibway Park1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

3/2/2026Sterling SP25 observed

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

3/1/2026Belleville Lake--Belleville Rd. access1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

3/1/2026Home1 observed

Double-crested Cormorant

Nannopterum auritum

3/1/2026Belleville Lake--Belleville Rd. access1 observed

Rusty Blackbird

Euphagus carolinus

2/28/2026Lake Erie Metropark--Detroit River Hawk Watch1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

2/28/2026Lake Erie Metropark2 observed

American Woodcock

Scolopax minor

2/27/2026Windsor--Black Oak Heritage Park1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

2/27/2026Oakwoods Metropark

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

2/27/2026Oakwoods Metropark

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

963/4/2026

Tundra Swan

43/4/2026

Wood Duck

23/4/2026

Mallard

63/4/2026

Common Merganser

23/4/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

13/4/2026

Killdeer

23/4/2026

Ring-billed Gull

293/4/2026

American Herring Gull

33/4/2026

Lesser Black-backed Gull

13/4/2026

American Robin

53/4/2026

American Tree Sparrow

183/4/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

83/4/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/4/2026

Mourning Dove

13/4/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Northern Flicker

13/4/2026

European Starling

43/4/2026

Mute Swan

3/3/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/3/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  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 Detroit River IWR - Refuge Gateway (Humbug Marsh) for birding?
The best months to visit Detroit River IWR - Refuge Gateway (Humbug Marsh) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Detroit River IWR - Refuge Gateway (Humbug Marsh)?
Notable species at Detroit River IWR - Refuge Gateway (Humbug Marsh) include Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Wood Duck, Mallard, Common Merganser. The area supports wetland, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Detroit River IWR - Refuge Gateway (Humbug Marsh)?
Birding at Detroit River IWR - Refuge Gateway (Humbug Marsh) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Detroit River IWR - Refuge Gateway (Humbug Marsh)?
Detroit River IWR - Refuge Gateway (Humbug Marsh) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.