Michigan's wetlands are all aflutter with birds returning to rest and nest, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is encouraging bird-curious people to explore lesser-known public lands during spring birding tours. Led by DNR Wildlife staff, the tours will take you to different viewing locations across wild wetland habitats.
Four tours are planned to help you explore state wildlife areas that we like to call Michigan's Wetland Wonders. These tours offer a unique opportunity to see a variety of bird species, including diving and dabbling ducks in full breeding plumage, as well as trumpeter and tundra swans, osprey, bald eagles, sandhill cranes, songbirds and more.
All spring birding tours are FREE, and entry to state wildlife areas is also free. These areas are funded by hunting licenses and cared for to preserve wildlife habitat.
Spring birding tour dates and locations
Birding Tour at Fish Point State Wildlife Area
Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Time: Noon-3 p.m.
Location: 7750 Ringle Rd. Unionville, MI 48767
Birding Tour at Shiawassee River State Game Area
Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026
Time: 2-5 p.m.
Location: 225 East Spruce St. St. Charles, MI 48655
Birding Tour at Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Time: 9 a.m.-Noon
Location: 1570 Tower Beach Rd. Pinconning, MI 48650
Nayanquing Point Tour Information
Birding Tour at Portage Marsh State Wildlife Management Area
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Time: 9 a.m.-Noon
Location: Portage Point 11.4 Ln. Escanaba, MI 49829
Lat: 45.706675, Long: -87.079639
Portage Marsh Tour Information
Know before you go
- Dress for the weather – rain or shine – and wear boots or sturdy shoes.
- Participants should be prepared to navigate muddy, uneven ground and gravel-covered dikes. Please be aware that the trails are not considered accessible under Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines.
- Restrooms are available at some locations.
- Trash receptables are available at all locations.
- Bring binoculars or spotting scopes if you have them.
- For help identifying birds, download one or more free smartphone apps: Merlin Bird ID, eBird, iNaturalist or Audubon Bird Guide.
What to expect at the Wetland Wonders
While the Wetland Wonders are free and open for anyone to visit and enjoy most of the year, they do not have groomed trails or other improvements found in parks. Instead, these areas often have dikes and water control structures that allow DNR staff to manage water flow, both for wildlife benefits and to hold floodwaters.
The dikes are usually topped with gravel, providing pathways for walking. In general, visitors should be prepared for a slightly wilder experience than they're used to – with the reward of seeing more birds and wildlife than on the average park excursion.
Michigan's wetlands are essential for migratory waterfowl, providing critical food, shelter, and breeding habitat. Wetlands also support biodiversity, hosting a greater variety of species than most other habitats. So, you might see beavers, muskrats, deer, amphibians or reptiles on these tours!