Shiawassee Refugespring migration
April and May are the refuge's best months to see spring migratory birds, per the Fish and Wildlife Service. Its usual window for this year has passed.
Right now at Shiawassee Refuge
Right now in Shiawassee Refuge · September
- Wildlife Drive open, June 1 to September 30 · Jun–Sep
- Fall migratory birds: September and October are the best months · Sep–Oct
Your guide to the area
Where to watch
- Ferguson Bayou TrailA flat 5-mile dirt-and-gravel route on dike tops at the west end of Curtis Road (6000 Bishop Road), bordering the restored 1,000-acre Maankiki Marsh, with two observation decks, a photo blind and two comfort stations; open sunrise to sunset all year, except on some fall hunt days
- Woodland Trail4.5 miles of flat, primitive dirt-and-gravel trails through bottomland hardwood forest off Center and Stroebel roads (5050 Stroebel Rd) on the refuge's north side, past landmarks left from early-1900s coal mining; can close on some fall hunt days, and flooding can limit use
Nearby
- Ottawa Refuge125 milate April to mid-MaySatSlight Chance Rain Showers
- Cuyahoga Valley190 miearly this month [May] ... reaches its frenzied peak by mid-MaySatSlight Chance Rain Showers
- Seney Refuge223 milate MaySatWidespread Frost then Mostly Sunny
- Erie Refuge235 mifrom March to early AprilSatSlight Chance Rain Showers
- Necedah Refuge314 miMaySatMostly Sunny
- Montezuma Refuge365 mimid-MaySatMostly Sunny
The year at Shiawassee Refuge
- Spring migratory birds: April and May are the best monthsApr–May
- Wildlife Drive open, June 1 to September 30NowJun–Sep
- Fall migratory birds: September and October are the best monthsNowSep–Oct
- Oct: Fall color peak, usually the second or third week of OctoberOct
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see spring migration at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge?
April and May are the refuge's best months to see spring migratory birds, per the Fish and Wildlife Service: April and May are the best months to see spring migratory birds. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is spring migration under way at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: its usual spring migration window for this year has passed. Next time: April and May are the best months to see spring migratory birds, local timing.
What time of day is best?
Morning and evening, the refuge says. Weekends are the busiest, but there's plenty of room to spread out.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Shiawassee NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What else happens in spring?
Early spring brings the first wildflowers and loud frog choruses, and snakes cross the roads toward the wetlands. Later, songbirds and wading birds fill the marshes and bottomland forest, and young bald eagles flap at the edge of their nests before their first flight.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Shiawassee NWR: Species ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Will the trails be flooded?
They can be. Many trails and the auto tour route flood in some seasons and may close, and wet conditions can limit use of the Woodland and Green Point trails.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Shiawassee NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What should I bring?
Binoculars or a camera, insect repellent with long sleeves and pants, water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, walking shoes and layers. Poison ivy grows along many trails, and check for ticks when you leave.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Shiawassee NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the restrooms?
Inside the refuge headquarters (open Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed federal holidays) and at two comfort stations on the Ferguson Bayou Trail.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Shiawassee NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
How can I see what's been spotted lately?
The refuge suggests checking iNaturalist or eBird for recent sightings before you go.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Shiawassee NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge?
Ferguson Bayou Trail: a flat 5-mile dirt-and-gravel route on dike tops at the west end of Curtis Road (6000 Bishop Road), bordering the restored 1,000-acre Maankiki Marsh, with two observation decks, a photo blind and two comfort stations; open sunrise to sunset all year, except on some fall hunt days; Woodland Trail: 4.5 miles of flat, primitive dirt-and-gravel trails through bottomland hardwood forest off Center and Stroebel roads (5050 Stroebel Rd) on the refuge's north side, past landmarks left from early-1900s coal mining; can close on some fall hunt days, and flooding can limit use.
What is Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Spring migratory birds: April and May are the best months (Apr–May), Wildlife Drive open, June 1 to September 30 (Jun–Sep), Fall migratory birds: September and October are the best months (Sep–Oct) and Fall color peak, usually the second or third week of October (Oct).