Plus, Winged Wednesday text messages start up again in February! Make sure you're signed up.



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DNR banner with link to website [ [link removed] ]more than two dozen black and white common goldeneye ducks, with bright orange feet, take flight off a calm, gray lake



A flock of common goldeneye ducks takes flight. (Credit Audubon APA, Chitradeep Das)



Discover Michigan’s weird and wonderful winter ducks

Winter brings a fascinating cast of characters to Michigan’s waterways—ducks! As colder temperatures and icy winds freeze Arctic and boreal waters, an array of waterfowl (over 30 species!) migrate south to find their winter haven in Michigan.

Here are just a few reasons to love these winter ducks:


* *They are beautiful.* From the elegant northern pintail [ [link removed] ], with its dapper three-piece-suit plumage, to the playful surf scoter [ [link removed] ], which sports a striking orange bill, many winter ducks catch the eye of bird-watchers.
* *They have unique adaptations and behaviors, which are a delight to watch.* Surf scoters can dive deep for food amid cresting waves, while the common goldeneye [ [link removed] ] occasionally shows off its quirky mating displays in the winter.
* *They gather in awe-inspiring congregations.* Up to tens of thousands of waterfowl can be seen on Great Lakes open waters! One species, the ruddy duck [ [link removed] ] can often be found in large flocks, rarely mixing with other ducks, as they strut a punky tail and vibrant blue beak.

Whether you're a seasoned birder or brand new to the hobby, winter is the perfect time to explore Michigan’s waterways. Grab your binoculars and see how many of these fascinating species you can spot!

Learn more about the different winter waterfowl you can expect across Michigan. Read Audubon Great Lakes’ “Weird and Wonderful Winter Waterfowl [ [link removed] ]” and “It’s Time for Weird Ducks [ [link removed] ]” and watch the "Winter Waterfowl ID [ [link removed] ]" webinar, presented by MI Birds in partnership with Ducks Unlimited, the River Raisin Institute and the Detroit Bird Alliance.

Questions? Contact Erin Ford <[email protected]> at 313-820-0809.

Winged Wednesday is back in 2025

With every new season, there's something to see in the birding world! In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the DNR introduced Winged Wednesday text updates on birds being spotted in state parks across Michigan. The Winged Wednesday weekly messages are starting up again in February, so make sure you're registered to receive these updates!

Sign up for text messages ► [ [link removed] ]

According to All About Birds [ [link removed] ], more than one-third of the nation's population age 16 and older in 2022 closely observed, fed or photographed birds, visited public parks to view birds, or maintained plantings and natural areas around the home for the benefit of birds. That's some big birding business!

Visit the DNR's birding webpage [ [link removed] ] to learn more about Winged Wednesday, birding trails, season-specific guidance and other information that can help birders of all experience levels make a more meaningful connection to this rewarding outdoor pursuit. 

Questions? Contact Maia Turek <[email protected]> at 989-225-8573.




"This story is brought to you by MI Birds [ [link removed] ], a public outreach and education program created by Audubon Great Lakes and the DNR. MI Birds aims to deepen all Michiganders’ engagement in the understanding, care and stewardship of public lands that are important for birds and local communities."

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