Birdwatching
Birding is excellent throughout the county because it has a heavy forest growth. Enjoy some casual bird watching or work on your Life List! The sites below represent known locations where specific species have been spotted. The birds listed are just a sample of what can be seen; many more species live in those areas.
Click Here for a .pdf flyer outlining the birdwatching opportunities in the Grayling area.
Following are some helpful resources from the National Audubon Society to help guide your next birding trip and help protect birds and habitat. We hope you enjoy your next birding adventure!
- Birding Code of Ethics developed by the American Birding Association in 1999.
- Audubon's library of ethics article
Grayling Area
Hanson Hills Recreation Area
Hanson Hills is one of Northern Michigan’s best kept secrets. A complete 1000 acre Winter/summer sports…
Kirtland's Warbler Tours
The jack pine forests that cover the hills and valleys of northern Michigan are home to Michigan's…
Rayburn Property
Walk or bike this paved trail that leads to the AuSable River and look for Blue Jays, Vultures, Red…
Deward Watchable Wildlife Site
A non-motorized area, all dirt road driving. At the flashing light in Frederic drive 0.4 miles north to…
Connors Marsh
A large marsh can be seen on the right side of Dyer Truck Trail shortly after entering the road from…
Hartwick Pines State Park
Enjoy birding at Michigan’s 5th largest State Park (9,672 acres). Rolling hills to flat landscapes with…
Mason Tract
Walk into a piece of northern Michigan that has relatively gone unchanged for decades. A wide variety of…
Wakeley Lake Foot Travel Area
This area is managed by the US Forest Service and offers visitors many trails to choose from. A few…
Higgins Lake Area
Marguerite Gahagan Nature Preserve
This public wildlife sanctuary is located just outside the Village of Roscommon on 209 Maplehurst Drive…
North Higgins Lake State Park
More than nine miles of trails are open to the public in this 429-acre park. The trails are groomed for…
South Higgins Lake State Park
South Higgins State Park has almost one mile of shoreline along Higgins Lake where you can observe water…
Houghton Lake Area
Michelson’s Landing
There is a small pull-out on the circular drive at the end of North Michelson Road where you can view…
Reedsburg Dam
There is a state forest campground near the Reedsburg Dam on the south end of the 30,000 acre Dead…
Houghton Lake Flats Observation Deck
The Houghton Lake Flats is located on Old 27 north of M55. There is an observation deck and parking…
Houghton Lake Wildlife Research Area
The sedge-grass marsh is located at the eastern edge of the Houghton Lake Wildlife Research Area. Park…
Houghton Lake Sewage Ponds
Located on Old 27 south of M55, Houghton Lake. Number one hotspot in Roscommon County. Birders welcome…