Sleepy Hollow State Park (Lake Ovid)

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Sleepy Hollow State Park (Lake Ovid) is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mute Swan, and Trumpeter 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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

3/6/202616789 Chandler Rd, East Lansing US-MI 42.77375, -84.480431 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

3/5/2026Indian Lakes Neighborhood1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/3/2026Maple River SGA (Gratiot Co.)3 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

3/3/2026Fenner Nature Center1 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

3/2/2026Airport Rd & Centerline Rd1 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

2/28/2026Town Square Home 24/251 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

2/28/2026Lovejoy Sanctuary (private residence)1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

2/28/2026Maple River SGA (Gratiot Co.)3 observed

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

2/27/2026Corey Marsh Ecological Research Center2 observed

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

2/27/2026Keegan Nature Park (goldeneye roost)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

3/3/2026

Mute Swan

23/3/2026

Mourning Dove

33/3/2026

Sandhill Crane

43/3/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

23/3/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

33/3/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

33/3/2026

Blue Jay

23/3/2026

American Crow

133/3/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

33/3/2026

Tufted Titmouse

33/3/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

43/3/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

13/3/2026

Eastern Bluebird

23/3/2026

American Robin

53/3/2026

House Finch

43/3/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

73/3/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

53/3/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

13/3/2026

Common Grackle

33/3/2026

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 Sleepy Hollow State Park (Lake Ovid) for birding?
The best months to visit Sleepy Hollow State Park (Lake Ovid) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Sleepy Hollow State Park (Lake Ovid)?
Notable species at Sleepy Hollow State Park (Lake Ovid) include Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Trumpeter Swan, Mourning Dove, Sandhill Crane. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sleepy Hollow State Park (Lake Ovid)?
Birding at Sleepy Hollow State Park (Lake Ovid) is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Sleepy Hollow State Park (Lake Ovid)?
Sleepy Hollow State Park (Lake Ovid) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.