Natural Resources>WILDLIFE>Birds of Leelanau

Birds of Leelanau

Major Habitat

The mainland of Leelanau County is about 40% forested, 24% agricultural land, 16% open field association, 8% surface water, 6% wetland, and about 6% urban. Major Habitats include: Northern Hardwood Forest, Pine Plains and Plantations, Swamps, Second Growth Woodlands, Shrub-Scrub, Open Wetlands, Dunes, Shorelines and Open Water, Streams and Rivers, Open Field Association, and Agricultural Land (p. 2-4, Birds of Leelanau County and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: An Annotated Checklist by Chip Francke and Leonard Graf).

Birding Information

A transition zone between northern and southern forest types occurs in the middle of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. The Leelanau Peninsula is slightly north of this transition zone resulting in a greater representation of conifers in area forests than most southern Michigan counties. This geographic location is such that many southern bird species reach the northern limits of their range and many northern species reach the southern limits of their range in our area. This area's geographic location, the moderating effect of Lake Michigan, the diversity of habitats, and distinct seasons make this an excellent place for birds.

With 169 species showing evidence of breeding in our area, the breeding season (late winter to summer) is an excellent time to see birds. The best period to observe a variety of species is from late-May through mid-July. Birding year-round, it is possible for an experienced birder to see over to 200 species in Leelanau County (p. 9-11, Francke and Graf).

Common Birds

For a more complete list with further description, see the publication entitled Birds of Leelanau County and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: An Annotated Checklist by Chip Francke and Leonard Graf, drawings are by Tom Ford and Carl Freeman.
Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) Common transient and common winter resident. Most common of the winter diving ducks in Leelanau County.

Local Weather Effects

Lake Michigan keeps Leelanau County cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter than regions further inland. A few days or weeks after the first warm fronts of spring (in late February and early March) many migrating bird species will arrive in Leelanau County. As patches of open ground appear, so do the birds. Wintering species, such as the Snowy Owl leave as the spring migrating species arrive.

Leelanau weather is changeable. As often as every three days a new weather pattern may arrive. Birds often disappear from bird feeders during warm spells to fill up on insects. (p. 8-9, Francke and Graf)

Good Birding Locations

Good Harbor Bay

Pyramid Point

The Manitou Islands

Lighthouse Point (part of Leelanau State Park)

Mud Lake Hiking Trail (part of Leelanau State Park)

Kehl Lake Natural Area

Fairly common, transient resident (present only during migration between northern breeding areas and southern wintering areas), the Common Loon is listed as a threatened species in Michigan. Migrating Loons are seen from mid-April through May and mid-September through mid-November.

Fairly common transient and summer resident. Seen along the shorelines of Lake Michigan, the Manitou Islands, Grand Traverse Bay, Lake Leelanau, and other inland Lakes.

Very common year-round resident. Exotic (species not native to North America but which has established wild breeding populations after being introduced). A single pair of swans first appeared in Traverse City during the winter of 1947-48. The swans are now a common sight along the shorelines of many lakes in the county.