Michigan's Sunrise Coast: A Scenic Trail for Rare Birds and Glistening Lake Views

Exploring the Natural Beauty of Michigan Through Birdwatching

Michigan, known for having the longest freshwater coastline in the United States, is a prime destination for nature lovers and birdwatchers. The state's unique geography, which includes proximity to all but one of the Great Lakes, as well as its location along the Mississippi and Atlantic flyways, makes it a hotspot for migratory birds. Whether you're visiting during the peak spring or fall migration seasons, the long summer days, or even the winter months when northern birds travel south, there’s always something new to discover.

One of the most popular spots for birdwatching in Michigan is the Sunrise Coast Birding Trail. This scenic route follows a large portion of the Sunrise Coast Pure Michigan Byway along the western side of Lake Huron. Spanning approximately 145 miles along historic U.S. Route 23, the trail offers breathtaking views of freshwater coastal landscapes from Mackinaw City in the north to Oscoda in the south.

To make the most of your trip, consider turning it into a road trip, breaking the journey into a few days or even a week. You can fly into Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and then take a short drive to Pellston Regional Airport, which is just 20 minutes from Mackinaw City. From there, renting a car will give you the flexibility to explore the area. Along the way, you’ll not only encounter a wide variety of bird species but also enjoy the beauty of Lake Huron, vast forests, and other wildlife such as moose, beavers, deer, coyotes, and black bears.

Must-Visit Locations on the Sunrise Coast Birding Trail

The trail offers numerous opportunities to spot different types of birds, ranging from common species to rare or endangered ones. Near Mackinaw City, the Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch is a must-visit from March through early June and late August through mid-November. Here, you can observe migrating hawks, falcons, eagles, ospreys, and even owls. These birds are often seen stopping over at Beaver Island, which is considered one of the best islands in the Midwest.

As you continue south, stop at locations like Cheboygan State Park, Sea Gull Point, New Presque Isle Lighthouse, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Misery Bay Nature Preserve, Negwegon State Park, and Sturgeon Point Lighthouse. These areas are home to critical habitats for the endangered Great Lakes piping plover. Further down the trail, near Oscoda, you might catch a glimpse of the Kirtland's warbler, a species that was once endangered but has made a remarkable recovery. These elusive birds thrive in nearby Jack pine forests.

Before wrapping up your trip, treat yourself to a romantic lakeside getaway at the Huron House bed-and-breakfast or visit the underrated Tuttle Marsh Wildlife Area, both located in Oscoda.

A Wide Variety of Bird Species in Michigan

Beyond raptors, piping plovers, and Kirtland's warblers, the Sunrise Coast Birding Trail offers encounters with more than 400 bird species observed throughout Michigan. In areas with hardwood trees and shrubs, you can spot thrushes, nuthatches, yellow warblers, and Northern cardinals. The American redstart and red-headed woodpeckers are found in softer trees, while waterfowl such as great blue herons, belted kingfishers, trumpeter and tundra swans, grebes, and various ducks are commonly seen near the lake.

Wetlands and marshes provide a rich habitat for many avian species, including marsh wrens, swamp sparrows, green herons, black-capped chickadees, Virginia rails, black terns, least bitterns, blue-gray gnatcatchers, blue jays, golden-crowned kinglets, and red-eyed or blue-headed vireos. Grasslands in the region are home to grasshopper sparrows, Eastern meadowlarks, upland sandpipers, and American kestrels.

For an easy birdwatching experience, visit Shoreline Park and the AuSable River in Oscoda or Historic Mill Creek in Mackinaw City, where feeder stations make spotting birds simple. Serious birdwatchers should consider visiting Wilderness State Park in the north or Tawas Point State Park in the south to rent "birding explorer packs" that include binoculars, a compass, and identification brochures.

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