Dabbling ducks, trumpeter and tundra swans, osprey, bald eagles ... don't miss the chance to spot them all!



Share or view as webpage [ [link removed] ]  |  Update preferences [ [link removed] ]




DNR banner [ [link removed] ]

About a dozen white trumpeter swans fly over the water and brown and russet-colored reedy plants at Fish Point State Wildlife Area

Signs of spring: Enjoy guided birding tours at Michigan’s Wetland Wonders

As birds return to Michigan’s wetlands this spring, wildlife lovers are invited to experience the season’s beauty through guided birding tours at several Wetland Wonders locations across the state.

These tours offer a unique opportunity to observe a variety of bird species, including diving and dabbling ducks in full breeding plumage, trumpeter and tundra swans, osprey, bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and more. Led by Michigan Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologists, technicians and volunteers from local Audubon chapters, the tours will take you to premier bird viewing locations.

Birding tour dates and locations

* *Saturday, March 22 [ [link removed] ]* – Shiawassee River State Game Area (St. Charles).
* *Saturday, March 29 [ [link removed] ]* – Fish Point State Wildlife Area (Unionville).
* *Saturday, April 5 [ [link removed] ]* – Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area (Pinconning).
* *Saturday, May 17 [ [link removed] ]* – Portage Marsh State Wildlife Area (Escanaba).

Each tour will meet at designated areas before heading out to explore key birding locations. The Portage Marsh birding tour will be on foot, while the other tours' visitors will drive their own cars throughout roads and dikes overlooking the wetlands. There will be opportunities for short walks to reach optimal viewing spots on all tours. Everyone should dress for the weather, wear boots to navigate muddy terrain, and bring binoculars or spotting scopes for the best viewing experience.

Michigan’s wetlands are essential for migratory waterfowl, providing critical food, shelter, and breeding habitat along the Mississippi and Atlantic Flyways. They serve as key stopover sites where migratory birds rest and refuel, offering nutrient-rich food sources and safe roosting areas. Many species rely on these habitats for nesting and raising their young. Additionally, wetlands support biodiversity, improve water quality and help manage flooding, benefiting both wildlife and local communities.



Wetland Wonders ► [ [link removed] ]

These areas were created to provide exceptional waterfowl hunting and are managed to provide waterfowl habitat for nesting and migration and for the benefit of other wetland wildlife. Discover all they offer [ [link removed] ]!




More birding fun ► [ [link removed] ]

Follow the Audubon Great Lakes events page [ [link removed] ] for more info on tours, as well as upcoming lunchtime webinars that take a deeper dive into the Wetland Wonders, demystifying these special birding destinations.






*Questions about the tours?* For more information, contact DNR wildlife outreach coordinator Rachel Lincoln <[email protected]> at 517-243-5813.



These birding tours are presented in partnership with MI Birds [ [link removed] ], a public outreach and education program by Audubon Great Lakes and Michigan Department of Natural Resources. MI Birds engages Michiganders in caring for public lands vital to birds and communities.

facebook icon circle [ [link removed] ]twitter icon circle [ [link removed] ]YouTube icon circle [ [link removed] ]instagram icon [ [link removed] ]pinterest icon circle [ [link removed] ]email icon circle [ [link removed] ]




If you wish to no longer receive emails from the DNR,
please update your preferences here:
Manage Preferences [ [link removed]? ]  |  Unsubscribe All [ [link removed] ]  |  Help [ [link removed] ]

Need further assistance?
Contact Us [ [link removed] ]  |  Provide Feedback <[email protected]>

Visit us on our website: Michigan.gov/DNR [ [link removed] ]

________________________________________________________________________

Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics at Michigan.gov/Vote [ [link removed] ].

________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Michigan Department of Natural Resources · Constitution Hall, 525 W. Allegan St., PO Box 30028 Lansing MI 48909 · 1-800-439-1420