The Birding Hub
The Birding Hub

Joseph M. Soehnel Nature Trail/Hampton Township Nature Trail

Michigan · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird
Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Joseph M. Soehnel Nature Trail/Hampton Township Nature Trail is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 229 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, and Red-bellied Woodpecker 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

Bald EagleRed-tailed HawkRed-bellied WoodpeckerHairy WoodpeckerAmerican Crow

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/2/2026Nayanquing Point SWA12 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

2/27/2026Bay Co. to Saginaw Co. River Rail Trail1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

2/27/2026Bay City--Middlegrounds4 observed

Song Sparrow

Melospiza melodia

2/24/2026Bay City--Middlegrounds1 observed

Brown-headed Cowbird

Molothrus ater

2/23/2026Home Tweet Home1 observed

Common Grackle

Quiscalus quiscula

2/23/2026Home Tweet Home2 observed

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

2/23/20261220–1498 N 9 Mile Rd, Linwood US-MI 43.77797, -84.066772 observed

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.

Amenities

Parking
Trails

More in Michigan

Whitefish Point Bird Observatory

Lake Superior peninsula and premier Great Lakes raptor migration corridor.

Algonac State Park

Grassland birding hotspot in Michigan with 217 recorded species.

Allegan State Game Area

Grassland birding hotspot in Michigan with 240 recorded species.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Where to See Bald Eagles in North America: A Seasonal Viewing Guide

11 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Joseph M. Soehnel Nature Trail/Hampton Township Nature Trail for birding?▼
The best months to visit Joseph M. Soehnel Nature Trail/Hampton Township Nature Trail for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Joseph M. Soehnel Nature Trail/Hampton Township Nature Trail?▼
Notable species at Joseph M. Soehnel Nature Trail/Hampton Township Nature Trail include Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, American Crow. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Joseph M. Soehnel Nature Trail/Hampton Township Nature Trail?▼
Birding at Joseph M. Soehnel Nature Trail/Hampton Township Nature Trail is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Joseph M. Soehnel Nature Trail/Hampton Township Nature Trail?▼
Joseph M. Soehnel Nature Trail/Hampton Township Nature Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.