Waterloo RA - Crooked Lake

Michigan · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Waterloo RA - Crooked Lake is a productive birding destination in Michigan, with 201 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

3/6/2026Plains Rd. ponds2 observed

Double-crested Cormorant

Nannopterum auritum

3/5/2026West Delhi18 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/5/2026Plains Rd. ponds2 observed

Rusty Blackbird

Euphagus carolinus

3/5/202610475 Palmer Road, Brooklyn, Michigan, US (42.141, -84.21)4 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

3/5/2026Fitchburg Rd (between Meridian & Nims)1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/4/2026Palmer Rd. where it runs next to River Raisin1 observed

Cackling Goose (Richardson's)

Branta hutchinsii

3/4/2026Palmer Rd. where it runs next to River Raisin2 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

3/3/2026Waterloo RA--Hoffman Trail1 observed

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 Waterloo RA - Crooked Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Waterloo RA - Crooked Lake for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Waterloo RA - Crooked Lake?
Notable species at Waterloo RA - Crooked Lake include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Waterloo RA - Crooked Lake?
Birding at Waterloo RA - Crooked Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Waterloo RA - Crooked Lake?
Waterloo RA - Crooked Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.