From swirling hawks over the Great Lakes to warblers resting along the shoreline, fall gives Michigan families a front-row seat to one of nature’s most remarkable journeys.

BY MICHIGAN AUDUBON STAFF

Fall migration is the perfect opportunity to get outdoors, connect with nature, feed your curiosity and create family memories. Michigan’s unique geography provides some of the most magical fall birding opportunities in the country.

With a unique confluence of the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways, a host of fall migrants pass through our pleasant peninsulas from early August through late October on their way to the southern states and as far as Central and South America.

The Great Lakes funnel birds toward shorelines and into bottlenecks at Whitefish Point, Mackinaw City and Detroit as birds seek the shortest possible distance to cross large expanses of open water.

Many raptors, including Turkey Vultures, hawks and falcons, form swirling rivers of movement, using warm air currents to float high in the sky as they pass through these unique areas and over miles of Michigan forest and farmland.

A Fall Birding Destination: Whitefish Point

Our Whitefish Point Bird Observatory in Paradise, Michigan, is truly a special place to go birding in the Upper Peninsula. From huge Red-necked Grebe flights in late August and fall warblers in mid-September to the chance of spotting a rare vagrant in October, there is good birding for everyone, no matter when you plan a visit.

The fall research season at WPBO starts August 15 and offers families a wonderful opportunity to experience the wonder of migration. Our Field Ornithologist is on staff until November 15 and can help answer birding questions.

We offer bird walks each weekend at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Walks are open to the public and welcome all birding experience levels.

FAMILY TRAVEL TIP: Fall weather can change quickly at Whitefish Point. Bring layers, wear comfortable waterproof hiking shoes or boots and pack insect protection.

Fall Birding Close to Home

If you would like to enjoy fall migration closer to home, Michigan Audubon has 20 sanctuaries across the state that provide valuable habitat and the native plants migrating birds depend on to survive.

Visiting one of our sanctuaries, or your favorite local or state park, can be a great way to observe migration and learn more about the birds around you.

Look for areas that provide food and shelter, especially habitat edges or places where one type of habitat transitions into another, such as woodland meeting wetland. You may even be surprised to see a few birds moving around near the parking area.

Go Birding With an Expert

If you would like to enhance your experience with a guided walk or educational event, Michigan Audubon and our chapters around the state offer walks, trips and talks to help you and your family learn more about Michigan birds, get started on your birding journey and discover local birding hotspots.

Special events include Sandhill Crane viewing, Swift Night Out roost watch parties, hikes, tours and more.

You can find local Michigan Audubon chapters through the Michigan Audubon website, along with a full calendar of upcoming events.

Make Migration Part of Your Fall

This fall, we invite you to visit one of our sanctuaries, participate in a fall tour, join your local chapter for a migration bird walk or simply head outside on your own and watch the seasons change through the diversity of migrating birds in Michigan.

Birding truly is for everyone, and Michigan Audubon welcomes families to join its mission of connecting birds and people for the benefit of both through conservation, education and research across Michigan.

LEARN MORE: Visit Michigan Audubon to find sanctuaries, upcoming events, local chapters and membership information.