Birding and Birdwatching in Muskegon County

Birding and birdwatching are on the rise, and Muskegon County’s Lake Michigan shoreline makes it a prime destination for enthusiasts. 

The popularity of birding is soaring. In 2011, there were approximately 46,700 birdwatchers or birders in the U.S. By 2020, that number had grown to 15.23 million. The appeal is easy to see; it gets people outside, requires minimal investment, and has a low barrier to entry. A simple pair of binoculars and a guidebook are all you need to begin. Muskegon County is literally a birding hotspot! Just take a look at the eBird Hotspot map HERE.

Cover photo and all images courtesy of Tom Espo. Click on the images to see more of his work on Instagram.

Birding at Muskegon County Resource Recovery Center

One of West Michigan’s most popular birdwatching locations is the Muskegon County Resource Recovery Center. The 11,000-acre property is so vast that it can be seen from space by orbiting NASA astronauts. MCRRC offers public recreational access, including a nature trail and some of the best birding opportunities in Michigan.

Kirby Adams from Michigan Audubon was quoted as saying “Michigan is lucky to have one of the nation’s best wastewater plants, from a birding perspective, in Muskegon County.  Rivaling hotspots like Pointe Mouillee and Whitefish Point for rare bird sightings in Michigan." And "At various times of the year, MCRRC provides birders with looks at Upland Sandpipers in the grassy areas, Eared Grebes in summer on the lagoons, thousands of Northern Shovelers in fall, and Snowy Owls sprinkled about the flat expanse in the winter.”

While visiting and enjoying the trails is free, a visitor pass is required. Click HERE to fill out an application.

Explore Birding at Dune Harbor Park in Muskegon County

blue bird perches atop yellow wild flower

Located near the Lake Michigan shoreline, Dune Harbor Park offers birders a new spot to explore. With forested dunes, two inland lakes, and an abundance of native plants, this location attracts a wide range of bird species. The park’s serene environment is filled with birdsong, creating a perfect backdrop for a day of birdwatching. Listen to the birds singing on the first day of spring here!

Birding Doesn’t Fly South for the Winter!

Birding doesn’t stop when the weather turns cold. During winter, Snowy Owls migrate south from Canada, making Muskegon County one of the best places to view them. Snowy Owls prefer open landscapes like prairies, farmland, beaches, and even large airports—all of which can be found in the area.

This is important! In 2017, the International Union for Conservation of Nature listed the bird as "vulnerable" - which is just one step short from being endangered. Because Snowy Owls have had little human-interaction, they have not learned to fear people. They may not fly away when approached, so a respectful distance should always be maintained (bring a big lens!).

Top Ten Hotspots

The top ten Hotspots according to eBird are:

Find a listing of Muskegon County Parks and Nature Preserves HERE