April 7, 2017

Contact: Holly Vaughn, 313-396-6863 

Experience the excitement of spring birding in Michigan with events, trails around the state 

Michigan is home to a variety of important bird habitats and an exciting array of public birding events and birding trails. Now is the time to start making plans to get out and enjoy the spectacular diversity of birds in Michigan. 

“Michigan has so many great opportunities for birders and wildlife watchers, with more events popping up all the time,” said Holly Vaughn, Department of Natural Resources wildlife communications coordinator. “There is no better place to begin birding than Michigan, and there are opportunities to observe birds anywhere you may be in the state.”

In addition to the many festivals listed below, Michigan is home to a growing number of birding trails, with six already existing and more planned. Michigan’s birding trails are open to the public and provide great opportunities for family recreation.  

Spring birding events in Michigan include:

APRIL

• Mackinaw Raptor Fest in Mackinaw City, April 7-9
• Spring Fling at Whitefish Point Bird Observatory in Paradise, April 29-30
• Thornapple Woodpecker Festival in Middleville, April 29
• Brockway Mountain Hawk Watch in Copper Harbor, now through June 15

MAY

• Keweenaw Migratory Bird Festival in Copper Harbor, May 20
• Ziibiwing Annual Bird Celebration in Mt. Pleasant, May 13
• Tawas Point Birding Festival in East Tawas, May 18-20
• Warblers on the Water on Beaver Island, May 27-28
• Kirtland's Warbler Tours at Hartwick Pines State Park in Grayling, May 14 through July 4 

JUNE

• Kirtland's Warbler Festival in Roscommon, June 2-3
• Cerulean Warbler Weekend in Hastings, June 10-11
• Keweenaw Migratory Bird Festival in Copper Harbor, June 3, 10 and 11

“These birding events contribute significantly to the local economies, and attract attention to the value of local birds and habitats,” said Caleb Putnam, Michigan bird conservation coordinator for Audubon Great Lakes and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “As birders from across the country converge on Michigan’s diverse habitats, the energy continues to grow for conservation in Michigan.”

Birding is a great way to enjoy the diversity of Michigan’s wildlife and their habitats and to build a true appreciation for the uniqueness of the state’s natural resources. Birding events and trails are made possible through the efforts of Audubon chapters, government agencies, land conservancies, private industries and many dedicated individuals working together to create opportunities for people to experience the outdoors and visit local communities.

/Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. A suggested caption follows.

Common yellowthroats and scarlet tanagers are among the many bird species that can be found on Michigan’s birding trails and that will be celebrated with birding events around the state this spring./

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• Scarlet+Tanager.jpg

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.