Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Ferguson Bayou Trail

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Ferguson Bayou Trail is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 258 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, and Short-eared Owl 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

Lapland Longspur

Calcarius lapponicus

3/5/20263000–3498 S Badour Rd, Merrill US-MI 43.51353, -84.290864 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/4/2026Shiawassee River SGA--north section5 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

3/4/2026Shiawassee River SGA--north section2 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

3/1/2026Shiawassee NWR--Ferguson Bayou Trail2 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

2/28/2026Flushing Twp. Nature Park8 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

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

Song Sparrow

Melospiza melodia

2/24/2026Bay City--Middlegrounds1 observed

Common Grackle

Quiscalus quiscula

2/22/20263001–3499 S Badour Rd, Merrill US-MI 43.51233, -84.290808 observed

Red-winged Blackbird

Agelaius phoeniceus

2/20/20266395 West Lake Road, Clio, Michigan, US (43.206, -83.809)14 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

23/4/2026

Mourning Dove

13/4/2026

Eastern Bluebird

13/4/2026

American Robin

13/4/2026

Trumpeter Swan

13/4/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

13/4/2026

Killdeer

13/4/2026

Northern Harrier

13/4/2026

Bald Eagle

83/4/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/4/2026

American Tree Sparrow

153/4/2026

Tundra Swan

183/1/2026

Common Goldeneye

13/1/2026

Common Merganser

43/1/2026

Sandhill Crane

313/1/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/1/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/1/2026

American Crow

113/1/2026

Horned Lark

13/1/2026

Mallard

252/27/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  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 Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Ferguson Bayou Trail for birding?
The best months to visit Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Ferguson Bayou Trail for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Ferguson Bayou Trail?
Notable species at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Ferguson Bayou Trail include Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, Short-eared Owl, Eastern Bluebird, American Robin. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Ferguson Bayou Trail?
Birding at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Ferguson Bayou Trail is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Ferguson Bayou Trail?
Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Ferguson Bayou Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.