Michigan, with its sprawling forests, vast lakes, and diverse landscapes, is a welcoming sanctuary for a wide array of bird species, among which hawks hold a prominent position in the Michigan birds of prey.
Their distinct calls and soaring flights captivate not only bird enthusiasts but anyone who appreciates the beauty and power of nature. Join us as we delve into the intriguing world of Michigan’s hawks, exploring the various species that grace the state’s skies.
Types of Hawk in Michigan
Red-tailed Hawks: The Red-tailed Hawk, renowned for its wide wingspan and distinctive red tail, is often spotted soaring above the open fields in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Cooper’s Hawks: Known for their swift flight through forests, Cooper’s Hawks are frequently observed in the woodland areas around Ann Arbor and other urban locales.
Broad-winged Hawks: Broad-winged Hawks, famous for their large migration groups, can be found nesting in the hardwood forests in Hiawatha National Forest during the summer months.
Red-shouldered Hawks: Red-shouldered Hawks, with their distinctive barred underparts, favor the wet woodlands and swamps around cities like Lansing and Grand Rapids.
Sharp-shinned Hawks: The smallest hawk in North America, the Sharp-shinned Hawk, can often be seen darting through the forests of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in pursuit of smaller birds.
Northern Harrier: Distinguished by their owl-like facial disc and long wings, Northern Harriers are commonly seen gliding over the open fields and wetlands of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge.
Rough-legged Hawks: Known for their feathered legs, Rough-legged Hawks migrate to Michigan in the winter, and can be spotted in places like the Upper Peninsula’s open countryside.
Northern Goshawks: Elusive and powerful, Northern Goshawks are a rare sight but can sometimes be found in the large, unbroken forests of Isle Royale National Park.
Swainson’s Hawks: Although not common in Michigan, Swainson’s Hawks have been sighted during migration periods in open areas such as the grasslands surrounding Kalamazoo.
Ferruginous Hawks: An occasional visitor to Michigan, the Ferruginous Hawk, the largest hawk species in North America, has been spotted in places like the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge.
Short-tailed Hawks: A rarity in Michigan, the Short-tailed Hawk might occasionally be seen during migration periods, particularly in the skies above the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Michigan Hawks Photo Guide
Where to Spot Hawks in Michigan
Detroit River Hawk Watch
Located in Lake Erie Metropark, this site is known for its impressive hawk migration spectacle, with counts often exceeding 1 million birds in a season. It’s especially renowned for Broad-winged Hawks and Red-tailed Hawks.
Whitefish Point Bird Observatory
On the shores of Lake Superior, this spot is famous for the spring migration of raptors like the Northern Goshawk, Rough-legged Hawk, and Red-shouldered Hawk.
Brockway Mountain
Found on the Keweenaw Peninsula, the mountain provides panoramic views and a prime location for spotting Red-tailed Hawks, Sharp-shinned Hawks, and Golden Eagles during the spring migration.
Mackinac Bridge Hawk Watch
This spot in the Straits Area Audubon Society is known for its fall hawk migration, with an impressive variety of hawk species including the Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, and Broad-winged Hawk.
The array of hawk species and the multitude of hawk-watching locations in Michigan are reflective of the state’s diverse ecosystems. Bordering multiple states and Canadian provinces, Michigan forms part of an intricate web of habitats that span across these regions.
| Neighbouring State | Best Hawk Spotting Site |
|---|---|
| Indiana Hawks | Eagle Creek Park, Indianapolis |
| Ohio Hawks | Magee Marsh Wildlife Area |
| Wisconsin Hawks | Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory, Duluth |