Lake St. Clair Metropark through the seasons: Winter birding guide.

Lake St. Clair Metropark is probably one of the smallest in the Metropark system. It has a lot to offer regardless, especially when the temperatures drop. During the winter months, the park transforms into a hub for cold-weather activities like ice fishing, they build up a hockey field when it is cold enough, and of course, there is the nature trail area. As of January 2026, there is construction and the nature trails are not a loop.

Pro Tip: Most Metroparks let you in earlier than the posted hours. Just make sure to pay later for your visit or get the season pass!

Seeking Calm on the Nature Trails

My favorite activity in the winter is to walk those 1.5 miles of unpaved nature trails. With the exception of a lot of ice fishing on the frozen lakes, the park tends to be somewhat calm, which is better for you if your target is birding. You can find all kinds of Hawks, Owls, and smaller birds in this small park. One part of the trails was even closed because of the nesting pair of Bald Eagles last year. For the non-birder there will be Raccoons, Fox Squirrels, Grey Squirrels, White-tailed Deer and Minks!

I usually park by the nature center and arrive before the nature center is open. Especially on really cold days, it can prove itself as a valuable resource for heating up; unfortunately, it only opens at 10 am.

The All-You-Can-Eat Buffet at the Feeders

Just by the nature center, you will find the entrance to the nature trails, as well as the bird feeder station. The probability to see some Red-tailed Hawks there is quite high, since they’ve got an “all-you-can-eat buffet” right in front of them. At the feeders, you’ll find all the regulars like Cardinals, Starlings, House Sparrows, and Woodpeckers, but also the American Tree Sparrow, who is a winter visitor to the park.

The Boardwalk and Lakefront

If you follow the trails south, you will find the boardwalk. This is the place for you to go looking for Winter Wrens, another seasonal guest. At the end of the boardwalk, there is a boat launch into the name-giving Lake St. Clair—you can walk by the water south and when the lake is not too frozen, this will be the chance for you to see waterfowl and gulls. If it is frozen and thick enough to stand on, you will rather see a different species: ice-fishers and their little tents! To me as a German a completely unfamiliar view!

If you park by the boat launch, you can bring your scope and look for the waterfowl out on the beach by the viewing point, as well as on the free water.

The Mystery of the Owl Bucket of the Lake St. Clair Metropark

One thing LSC MP was always known for was its breeding pair of Great Horned Owls. The past two seasons their breeding attempt was unfortunately not successful, and for the 2026 season with the ongoing construction,my doubts have been proven wrong, and the Owls did return to their bucket. You can find the owl-bucket by the south bridge of the main loop. As of January 2026, the access to that bridge is closed. Very rarely, Snowy Owls have been reported in the park; a bit more common is the sighting of Eastern Screech-Owls using the nesting boxes to roost.

Little extra tip: If you arrive early enough in the winter, walk the hike-bike trail towards Huron Point to see a beautiful sunrise on the lake.

Einkehren at the Crocker Coffee House

As already recommended in my Harley Ensign Memorial post, the Crocker Coffee House is the place to go for a quick warm-up after a cold day in the field. They are a combination of bookstore and coffee shop. Their interior is somewhat fancy and their coffee is really good. You can also get little snacks like cookies or bagels, if that is more what you are craving.

On those cold winter days, you might also just want to cozy up at home with a warm soup. Check out our Avgolemono recipe for that occasion! 🥨🦉

What do think about this first post of my series LSC Metropark through the seasons? I plan to publish one quick guide for each season plus some additional guides for the non-birding activities. Let me know what you think in the comments below!

If you are looking for other birding hot spots checkout my Belle Isle Winter Guide or Kensington Winter Guide.