In this little post, I will give you an overview of my favorite birding spots in the spring. I will curate this list over time and keep it current as the season progresses. As a little extra there is also an overview about the migration timing.
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Spring is in the air! Red-winged Blackbirds are back at Metrobeach. See the latest on nesting Great Horned Owls, Wood Ducks, and my favorite birding trails. 🥨🦉
Spring Migration Hotspots in Southeast Michigan
Red Oaks Park
The Red Oaks Park and Nature Center is a little gem for suburban birding. Located in Madison Heights, it is a convenient stop on my morning commute. During May, I like to head there for 60 to 90 minutes before going to my day job. You can find all kinds of Warblers, Sparrows, Thrushes, Scarlet Tanagers, and Indigo Buntings there. The best time to go is in the morning.
Stay tuned for my long guide for this well known secret.
30300 Hales St, Madison Heights, MI 48071 – oakgov.com
Robert H. Long Park
Located in Commerce Township, the Robert H. Long Park is a small park with some trails and a marsh area. During the peak migration, you can find the most common Warblers, some shorebirds, as well as waterfowl there. Furthermore, the park houses Barn Swallows and Tree Swallows, and in 2025, even a breeding pair of Least Bitterns.
40900 W 14 Mile Rd, Commerce Township, MI 48390 – commercetwp.com
Lake St. Clair Metropark
The nature trail area offers all kinds of birdwatching opportunities. In early spring, a lot of shorebirds and ducks will make a pitstop in this park, and later, all varieties of Warblers. Yellow Warblers, Common Yellowthroats, and American Redstarts use this park as their breeding grounds. LSC MP is also known for its variety of breeding raptors, including Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, and Great Horned Owls (I could not confirm them breeding in the 2026 season due to construction at the trails).
Since LSC MP is one of my favorite parks, there will be two spring guides: One for the early arrivals, and one for the rest of the migration season.
31300 Metro Pkwy, Harrison Township, MI 48045 – metroparks.com
Belle Isle
Belle Isle offers all kinds of different landscapes. You will find everything from gulls, raptors, Warblers, breeding Ospreys, and Thrushes here. My favorite thing is to go there early, watch the sunrise from the southeast tip, and then walk through the little forested area to hear the birds wake up.
Stay tuned for my Belle Isle Spring Guide!
Detroit, MI 48207 (Follow signs for Sunset Point or Scott Fountain) – michigan.dnr
Pte. Mouillee SGA
A bit of a hike from my suburban home, Pte. Mouillee SGA is probably a top spot for spring migration and can even compete with places like Magee Marsh in Ohio. The only downside of Pte. Mouillee is its size. I definitely recommend bringing a bike or the endurance for long treks. Whatever bird migrates through Michigan, you’ll find them here!
While I am still working a spring guide for Pte. Mouillee, you can find my Shorebird guide here.
Newport, MI 48166 – michigan.dnr
Explore more: Recipe of the month
The Schnitzel Trifecta: Schnitzel with Spätzle and creamy mushroom gravy!
Kensington Metropark
While you can also find all kinds of migrating waterfowl here, Kensington offers a big network of trails through open woodland. Just see where the Chickadees are; the Warblers will follow. Kensington is also home to an impressive Great Blue Heron rookery.
Highridge Dr, Milford, MI 48380 – metroparks.com
My Backyard – and yours of course!
At the end of April, there are several birds you can lure into your backyard. This includes Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and Baltimore Orioles. All you need is to lure them in with either the right flowers or some nectar and fruits. All of our Southeast Michigan regulars also behave differently: the Blue Jays get even louder, Cardinals want more attention, and the Robins will wake you up again in the morning.
Migration Timing Southeast Michigan
| Late February | Arrival of Sandhill Cranes, Red-winged Blackbirds, and early waterfowl (Canvasbacks, Scaup). |
| March | Peak Waterfowl migration (Tundra Swans, Wood Ducks); American Woodcock “sky dances” begin. |
| Early April | Arrival of Kinglets, Hermit Thrushes, Fox Sparrows, and Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers. |
| Mid-Late April | First wave of Warblers (Yellow-rumped, Pine), plus Osprey and Broad-winged Hawk migration. |
| Early May: | Peak “Warbler Wave” begins; arrival of Baltimore Orioles, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. |
| Mid-May | Peak diversity and numbers for most Warblers, Vireos, and Scarlet Tanagers. |
| Late May | Late migrants like Blackpoll Warblers, Connecticut Warblers, and Yellow-billed Cuckoos. |
| June | Late flycatchers (Willow, Alder) and transition to local breeding and nesting activity. |
It is very tempting to be out in the field for the whole day. For that it is always good to be prepared and bring your own snacks. I have compiled a list of some German Snacks you’ve probably never even heard of (including their recipes).
What are your favorite spots in the wider Detroit Metro? Let me know in the comments and don’t forget to subscribe to get my monthly update! 🥨🦉
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