Fort Custer State Recreation Area

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Fort Custer State Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 213 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland 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

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

3/5/20264000–4594 McKibben Rd, Delton US-MI 42.58382, -85.446771 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

3/4/2026Orchard Lake1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

3/4/2026Fort Custer SRA1 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

3/3/2026Orchard Lake1 observed

Eastern Towhee

Pipilo erythrophthalmus

3/2/2026Cranes Pond neighborhood1 observed

American Woodcock

Scolopax minor

3/1/2026Fort Custer SRA1 observed

Eastern Towhee (Red-eyed)

Pipilo erythrophthalmus

2/28/2026Kleinstuck1 observed

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

2/27/2026W ave wetlands east of Portage1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

2/27/2026Gilkey Trails1 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

2/27/2026Millennium Trail wetlands1 observed

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

2/25/2026E Michigan Ave, Climax US-MI 42.27270, -85.304901 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

223/4/2026

Mute Swan

93/4/2026

Trumpeter Swan

53/4/2026

Mallard

243/4/2026

Common Goldeneye

33/4/2026

Mourning Dove

23/4/2026

Sandhill Crane

43/4/2026

Turkey Vulture

13/4/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

23/4/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

23/4/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

33/4/2026

Downy Woodpecker

43/4/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

33/4/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

23/4/2026

Northern Shrike

13/4/2026

Blue Jay

93/4/2026

American Crow

63/4/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

83/4/2026

Tufted Titmouse

63/4/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

43/4/2026

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