Lake Hudson State Recreation Area

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Lake Hudson State Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 213 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Sandhill Crane, and American Crow 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

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

3/1/202610140 Canandaigua Road, Clayton, Michigan, US (41.803, -84.218)3 observed

Rusty Blackbird

Euphagus carolinus

3/1/20266238 Meridian Highway, Addison, Michigan, US (42.013, -84.363)5 observed

Northern Shoveler

Spatula clypeata

2/28/2026Morenci Sewage Ponds4 observed

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

2/28/2026Morenci Sewage Ponds5 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

2/28/20269001–9623 Camden Rd, Waldron US-MI 41.75315, -84.469821 observed

Townsend's Solitaire

Myadestes townsendi

2/28/2026Home1 observed

Brown-headed Cowbird

Molothrus ater

2/27/2026Home2 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

2/27/202611275–11729 Grass Lake Rd, Hillsdale US-MI 41.75926, -84.592501 observed

Common Grackle

Quiscalus quiscula

2/26/2026Hawkins home3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

23/6/2026

Mute Swan

13/6/2026

Killdeer

13/6/2026

Ring-billed Gull

23/6/2026

Blue Jay

43/6/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/6/2026

European Starling

203/6/2026

American Robin

133/6/2026

House Sparrow

13/6/2026

American Tree Sparrow

53/6/2026

Northern Cardinal

43/6/2026

Sandhill Crane

23/1/2026

American Crow

13/1/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

23/1/2026

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 Lake Hudson State Recreation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Hudson State Recreation Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Lake Hudson State Recreation Area?
Notable species at Lake Hudson State Recreation Area include Canada Goose, Sandhill Crane, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, American Tree Sparrow. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Hudson State Recreation Area?
Birding at Lake Hudson State Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Hudson State Recreation Area?
Lake Hudson State Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.