Spring Birding Tours at Michigan’s Wetland Wonders

Nothing says spring like the conk-a-ree call of a red-winged blackbird. They are some of spring’s first arrivals in Michigan. Dress for the weather, bring binoculars and celebrate spring by exploring Michigan’s wetlands with a birding tour at one of the Wetland Wonders around the state.

Michigan's Wetland Wonders are seven premier managed waterfowl areas in the state: Fennville Farm Unit at the Allegan State Game Area (Allegan County), Fish Point State Wildlife Area (Tuscola County), St. Clair Flats State Wildlife Area on Harsens Island (St. Clair County), Muskegon County Wastewater Facility (Muskegon County), Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area (Bay County), Pointe Mouillee State Game Area (Monroe and Wayne Counties) and Shiawassee River State Game Area (Saginaw County). To learn more about Michigan’s Wetland Wonders, michigan.gov/wetlandwonders.
Highlights of birding tours can include not only red-winged blackbirds but diving and dabbling ducks in full breeding plumage, trumpeter and tundra swans, osprey, bald eagles, sandhill cranes and many others.
Birding tours will be held on the following dates:
March 31 at 9 AM – Fennville Farm Unit at the Allegan State Game Area (Allegan County).  269-673-2430.
April 7 at 9 AM – Maple River State Game Area (Clinton, Gratiot and Ionia Counties). 517-284-9453.
April 7 at 9 AM – Shiawassee River State Game Area (Saginaw County). 989-865-6211.
April 14 at 9 AM – Muskegon County Wastewater Facility (Muskegon County). 231-788-5055.
April 14 at 9 AM – Pointe Mouillee State Game Area (Monroe and Wayne Counties). 734-379-9692.
April 14 at 9 AM – Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area (Bay County). 989-697-5101.

For more information contact the appropriate office at the phone number listed above. Most tours meet at the area’s headquarters building. Spotting scopes are helpful for long-range viewing. The ground may be wet and muddy so plan to wear boots.