Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 277 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mute Swan, and Mallard 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

402/21/2026

Mute Swan

42/21/2026

Mallard

22/21/2026

Common Merganser

102/21/2026

Sandhill Crane

302/21/2026

Ring-billed Gull

32/21/2026

Northern Harrier

12/21/2026

Bald Eagle

72/21/2026

Downy Woodpecker

12/21/2026

American Kestrel

12/21/2026

American Crow

92/21/2026

European Starling

52/21/2026

House Sparrow

202/21/2026

American Tree Sparrow

82/21/2026

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 - Wildlife Drive for birding?
The best months to visit Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive?
Notable species at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive include Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Mallard, Common Merganser, Sandhill Crane. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive?
Birding at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive?
Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.