Birdwatching in Huron County

In the upper Thumb region of Michigan we are blessed with many things, fresh air, productive farms, innovative manufacturing and an abundant shoreline. Sometimes these things blend together for unique opportunities to experience our bit of heaven in a very different way. 

During the spring we get to participate in something that many people are not even aware of, spring bird migrations. But maybe we should step back and look at an even bigger picture, the entire east shore of Saginaw Bay.  

This rich ecosystem is teaming with incredible life and we can witness its incredible pageantry every spring. Thousands upon thousands of geese and swans come thundering through the area, bellowing their return to our corner of the world. Their V-shaped formations a wonder of the natural world are a sign that spring is here. 

But it would be short sighted just to come up to view the swans and geese. The Saginaw Bay area is an unbelievable area to see birds of all types. Ducks, woodpeckers, gulls, kestrels, turkeys, are all in the area, waiting to be watched. But, the most impressive are our raptors; Retail Hawks, Cooper's Hawks, Northern Harrier and Bald Eagles. 

The best locations to observe the wild life are at Wildfowl Bay and Fish Point State Wildlife Areas and the Sand Point Nature Preserve. And since you are up in the area, keep heading north along the shore and stop at Port Crescent State Park to visit the only Dark Sky Preserve in the Thumb region. 

Leave only footprints, take only memories, (and maybe a few pictures, video, and streaming live feeds).