Pointe Mouillee State Game Area, in Monroe and Wayne counties, is a premier Michigan wetland that doubles as a recognized Important Bird Area known for water birds, waterfowl and shorebirds. Impressive bird diversity can be found at this site year-round, with winter opportunities to view tundra swans, redheads, canvasbacks and, occasionally, the majestic snowy owl!

The Great Backyard Bird Count is coordinated by Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Audubon and Bird Studies Canada. Last year, Michigan was among the top 10 states to participate, with nearly 4,000 checklists submitted.

We will meet at the Sigler Road entrance parking area (view map) and will caravan in vehicles along the dikes, stopping along the way to view water birds, waterfowl, some songbirds and hopefully a snowy owl.

Please dress for the weather and bring binoculars. Spotting scopes are also helpful for long-range viewing. The ground may be quite muddy and wet, so plan to wear boots.

Registration for this free event is required due to the limited number of vehicles allowed on the dikes. Register while space is still available.

MI Birds is a public outreach and education program created by Audubon Great Lakes and Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Birders and hunters share similar conservation values, but rarely cross paths. MI Birds aims to bridge the divide, and deepen all Michiganders engagement in the understanding, care, and stewardship of public lands that are important for birds and local communities.

Questions? Contact Erin Rowan at 313-820-0809.