North Bay Park/Ford Lake Boardwalk

Michigan · Midwest

EasyView on eBird

Habitat

CoastalLakeUrban Park

Best Seasons

SpringFall

Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

North Bay Park/Ford Lake Boardwalk is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 212 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and lake habitat attracts Graylag Goose, Canada Goose, and Mute 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

Graylag Goose Canada Goose Mute Swan Gadwall Mallard

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

3/6/20262955 Lakehurst Ct, Ann Arbor US-MI 42.31519, -83.713211 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

3/6/2026392 Welch Rd, Northville US-MI 42.44415, -83.479702 observed

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

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

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

3/5/2026

Mute Swan

3/5/2026

Mallard

3/5/2026

Common Merganser

3/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

243/5/2026

American Herring Gull

13/5/2026

Wood Duck

33/5/2026

Gadwall

503/5/2026

Canvasback

63/5/2026

Redhead

303/5/2026

Lesser Scaup

83/5/2026

Hooded Merganser

83/5/2026

Mourning Dove

63/5/2026

Bald Eagle

13/5/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

23/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

33/5/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Northern Flicker

13/5/2026

Blue Jay

83/5/2026

Birding Tips

1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

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

How to Identify Birds Like an Expert: The Four Keys to Field Identification

11 min read

The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Birdwatching: Gear, Identification, and Etiquette

8 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit North Bay Park/Ford Lake Boardwalk for birding?▼

The best months to visit North Bay Park/Ford Lake Boardwalk for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at North Bay Park/Ford Lake Boardwalk?▼

Notable species at North Bay Park/Ford Lake Boardwalk include Graylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Mallard. The area supports coastal, lake, urban park habitats.

How difficult is birding at North Bay Park/Ford Lake Boardwalk?▼

Birding at North Bay Park/Ford Lake Boardwalk is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.

What amenities are available at North Bay Park/Ford Lake Boardwalk?▼

North Bay Park/Ford Lake Boardwalk offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.