Nichols Arboretum

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
ForestUrban Park
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Nichols Arboretum is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 220 species recorded on eBird. This forest and urban park habitat attracts Eastern Screech-Owl, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Blue Jay 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

Double-crested Cormorant

Nannopterum auritum

3/5/2026West Delhi18 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

3/5/2026North Bay Park/Ford Lake Boardwalk1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

3/3/2026Gallup Park1 observed

Fox Sparrow

Passerella iliaca

3/3/2026Kensington Metropark--general (Oakland Co. only)1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/2/2026Phoenix Lake2 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/2/2026BirdSong Nature Preserve/Vreeland Rd. fluddle, Washtenaw US-MI2 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

3/2/2026Loyola Drive1 observed

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

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

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

3/1/2026392 Welch Rd, Northville US-MI 42.44415, -83.479702 observed

Northern Bobwhite

Colinus virginianus

3/1/2026392 Welch Rd, Northville US-MI 42.44415, -83.479702 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Eastern Screech-Owl

13/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

23/5/2026

Blue Jay

13/5/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/5/2026

Canada Goose

13/4/2026

Mallard

13/4/2026

Mourning Dove

13/4/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/4/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/4/2026

American Crow

13/4/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

13/4/2026

Tufted Titmouse

13/4/2026

Eastern Bluebird

13/4/2026

American Robin

13/4/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

13/4/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

13/4/2026

Northern Flicker

13/4/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

23/2/2026

Brown Creeper

13/2/2026

American Goldfinch

13/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

  4. 4

    This urban green space acts as a migrant trap — birds concentrate here during migration, especially after overnight flights.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Nichols Arboretum for birding?
The best months to visit Nichols Arboretum for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Nichols Arboretum?
Notable species at Nichols Arboretum include Eastern Screech-Owl, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Blue Jay, White-breasted Nuthatch, Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, American Robin, Red-winged Blackbird, Northern Cardinal, Great Horned Owl, Pileated Woodpecker, American Crow. The area supports forest, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Nichols Arboretum?
Birding at Nichols Arboretum is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Nichols Arboretum?
There is no entrance fee at Nichols Arboretum. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Nichols Arboretum?
Nichols Arboretum offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.