Bald eagles are majestic birds of prey that are a symbol of strength and freedom in the United States. These large raptors can have a wingspan of up to 7 feet and live near rivers, lakes, marshes, and seacoasts where they can find fish, their main food source. Bald eagles were severely endangered for decades due to hunting, habitat loss, and the use of DDT. However, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts their populations have rebounded. If you want to see bald eagles in Michigan, here are some of the top places to spot these regal birds.
Southeast Michigan
Southeast Michigan offers some great bald eagle watching opportunities. Here are a few top spots:
Detroit River
The Detroit River in southeast Michigan is one of the prime bald eagle habitats in the lower 48 states. The river and connecting waters host one of the largest convergence of eagles in the country each winter. Hundreds of eagles come here to feed on fish in the unfrozen parts of the river. Some key viewing spots include:
- Belle Isle Park in Detroit
- Lake Erie Metropark in Brownstown Township
- Pointe Mouillee State Game Area in Rockwood
Early winter is the best time to see large numbers of eagles, often perched in waterside cottonwoods and willows. Banding together as a flock, the eagles will fish cooperatively to drive schools of fish to the surface.
Kensington Metropark near Milford
Kensington Metropark near Milford is another hotspot to look for bald eagles from November through March. Eagles frequent Kent Lake at the park to prey on fish. Prime viewing areas include the boat launch area and the beach.
Stony Creek Metropark near Shelby Township
Stony Creek Metropark encompasses 4,461 acres with a variety of habitats. Bald eagles can often be spotted along the shore of Stony Creek Lake from November to April. Some ideal observation spots include the Inwood Trail, Eastwood Beach, Indian Springs Metropark, and the Nature Center.
Northern Michigan
The northern part of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula provide abundant bald eagle habitat. Here are some top places to see them:
Traverse City
The Boardman River valley near Traverse City is a bald eagle haven. Eagles congregate along the river to feed on spawning salmon in the fall. The best place to observe them is from the dam at the south end of Sabin Pond where the fish concentrate. The eagles arrive in November and stay through March.
Upper Peninsula
The Upper Peninsula has a robust bald eagle population. Some hotspots include:
- Lake Gogebic – Hundreds of eagles gather in February when lake herring are spawning.
- Seney National Wildlife Refuge – Eagles prey on fish near the refuge’s wetland pools.
- Keweenaw Peninsula – Brockway Mountain Drive offers cliffside views of eagles soaring over Lake Superior.
- Tahquamenon Falls – Eagles fish the river and perch in tall white pines.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore stretches along 35 miles of Lake Michigan coastline. Bald eagles frequent the lakeshore from November through April to catch spawning runs of steelhead and coho salmon. Top viewing spots include the Platte River mouth, Otter Creek, and North and South Manitou Islands.
West Michigan
The western side of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula offers prime bald eagle watching from November to March. Some key places include:
Muskegon County wastewater facility
This wastewater facility in Muskegon County hosts the largest gathering of bald eagles in Michigan each winter. Up to 400 eagles congregate to feast on gizzard shad in the facility’s aeration basins. The eagles are best viewed from the observation deck.
Holland State Park
Holland State Park sits on the Lake Michigan shoreline. Eagles fish the Big Red lighthouse pier and congregate in waterside trees from November into March. The Cottonwood Condominiums near the park entrance provide excellent views.
Grand Haven pier
The Grand Haven pier extends into Lake Michigan, attracting bald eagles to fish the waters. Dozens of eagles can be spotted perched on the pier and bobbing on ice flows from December through March.
Muskegon Lake and River
Muskegon Lake and the Muskegon River host significant bald eagle populations in winter. Shoreline trees near the Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve provide good perches for eagle spotting.
Central Michigan
Though lesser known as bald eagle habitat, central Michigan has some spots worth checking from November to March, such as:
Harrison
The Harrison area hosts sizable numbers of bald eagles that congregate around the tributaries and dams. Some key viewing locations include the Budweiser and Tobacco River dams and the Pine and Chippewa River mouths along Lake Huron.
Clare
Every March, bald eagles flock to Mid Michigan College near Clare to feast on salmon runs. Top viewing spots are the ponds near the college driveway.
Rose Lake
Rose Lake hosts a wintering population of bald eagles that perch in trees along the southwest corner of the lake to fish its waters. Quiet roads through the state wildlife research area provide scenic viewing spots.
Tips for Spotting Bald Eagles
Here are some tips to improve your odds of spotting bald eagles:
- Use binoculars or a spotting scope to scan treetops near water.
- Listen for loud whistling calls and sharp, repetitive eagle chirps.
- Pay attention to congregations of crows, which may mob and harass eagles.
- Search for eagles soaring in wide circles on thermals.
- Look for white heads and white tails in flight.
- Watch for swooping dives to grab fish at lakes and rivers.
The best viewing is often early or late in the day when eagles are most actively hunting and feeding.
When to See Bald Eagles in Michigan
Here is a breakdown of the best times to spot bald eagles in Michigan:
| Months | Activity |
|---|---|
| September – early November | Eagles arrive from northern nesting territories |
| Mid November – March | Peak viewing as eagles congregate around open water to feed on fish |
| April – May | Nesting season. Look for big stick nests near water. Guarding adults often perch nearby. |
| June – early September | Spotty sightings as eagles disperse to nesting territories. |
Conclusion
Whether you’re scanning the Detroit River, hiking a northern Michigan trail, or exploring lake shore parks, bald eagle viewing promises a thrilling and rewarding experience. As these majestic raptors continue their remarkable population recovery across Michigan, more and more opportunities await to see our national symbol in its natural habitat.
