Spring in Munising means roaring waterfalls, blooming wildflowers, and, most exciting for nature lovers, birds! As migratory species return to the Upper Peninsula, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore transforms into a birdwatcher’s paradise. From forest trails to marshes to dramatic lakeside cliffs, the park’s diverse habitats attract a wide variety of species throughout the spring migration season. Whether you’re tracking warblers or scoping out raptors, here are the top spots for birdwatching in Pictured Rocks and along the lakeshore this spring.
Best time to visit: Late April through May
Bird species: Blackbirds, Goldfinches, & Wetland Birds
For a peaceful, accessible stroll through wetland habitat, head to the Sand Point Marsh Trail. Red-winged Blackbirds flash their scarlet shoulder patches and sing from every cattail while bright yellow American Goldfinches fly through the shrubs nearby. Canada Geese are often seen here grazing along the water’s edge. Watch and listen for Tree Swallows darting through the trees, and if you’re lucky, catch the camouflaged American Bittern blending into the reeds. To start your journey, visit the trailhead located just past the Sand Point Beach area.
Miners Castle Area
Best time to visit: Early May to early June
Bird species: Bald Eagles, Sapsuckers, & Sparrows
The cliffs at Miners Castle aren’t just good for views they’re prime Bald Eagle territory! These majestic raptors are often seen soaring over Lake Superior or perched high in the trees. Around the trails, keep an eye out for colorful Blue Jays, White-throated Sparrows, and Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers tapping on the tree trunks. To catch these birds, take the trails to the Miners Castle Outlook or Miners Beach or view the Miners Castle area by water on a kayak or boat tour.Â
Best time to visit: Late May through June
Bird species: Common Loons, Falcons, & Hawks
Take the ferry across Munising Bay and explore the Grand Island National Recreation Area, a birding haven with a mix of cliffs, dense woods, and inland lakes. Look for Common Loons nesting along Trout Bay and Peregrine Falcons and Sharp-Shinned Hawks soaring above the bluffs. If you’re hiking inland, keep an eye out for Bald Eagles perched up in the trees and listen for different species of owls calling from the forest canopy in the early morning hours. If you’re not much of a hiker, you can also explore the island by boat tour.
Best time to visit: Mid-April to late May
Bird species: Woodpeckers, Chickadees, & Nuthatches
Just outside the boundaries of Pictured Rocks, Hiawatha National Forest offers deep, quiet woods that are perfect for birdwatching. The Bay De Noc Grand Island Trail cuts through diverse habitats where you can catch Pileated Woodpeckers drumming on trees and Red-breasted Nuthatches creeping along branches. You might even hear the calls of a Boreal Chickadee, an exciting find for birders visiting the U.P.! The trail begins from a point 2 1/2 miles east of the town of Rapid River and one mile north of US Highway 2 and extends northward for approximately 40 miles.
Bonus Tips for Birdwatching in Munising this Spring
- Go early! Birds are most active around sunrise.
- Bring binoculars. Don’t miss out on seeing rare birds up close during your venture.
- Dress in layers. Spring mornings in Munising are cool but warm up fast.
- Bring bug spray. The mosquitos arrive as early as the birds do!
- Download the Merlin or eBird apps for real-time bird ID and tracking.
Whether you’re chasing rare finds or just love a peaceful morning walk with the sounds of birdsong in the trees, spring in Munising is a must-visit! With the variety of habitats in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and surrounding forests, you never know what might flutter across your path. Happy birding!
