It’s May and we’re in Tawas Point State Park camping for bird migration right by beautiful Lake Huron. Oh happy day! It’s a feast for birders and bird photographers. This year’s trip is even a bit more special for us too. I was recently selected alongside several other Michigan Photographers to serve as a Photo Ambassador for our amazing Michigan State Parks.
Tawas Point State Park, one of many Michigan State Parks, holds a huge migratory hot spot for birds and birders throughout spring and fall. Especially in mid-May, birds in their breeding plumage show up and show off in this wonderful park also called, “Cape Code of the Midwest.”
Then, in late summer and early fall, it’s a repeat fly by and fly out. In the fall, their plumage fades but that doesn’t stop birders from pulling out their binoculars and cameras.
A Feast for Birders is Spring Migration: New and Experienced Birders
It’s not unusual for birders and bird photographers to see ten, twenty up to fifty species in a given day during migration season. And while there’s a birding festival each year lasting over a weekend, pick just about any day in May to go. Then stop, watch, listen.
Follow the bird songs and calls to find warblers, tanagers, orioles, indigo buntings, shorebirds, raptors, flycatchers, bobolinks, eagles and more. The birding experience starts in the campground or the visitor parking lot near the lighthouse.
When you step out of your car, birds fly through the trees, across the open waters and right over head. Many birds hover near the start of the birding trail to devour treats in feeders provided by the State Park.
From there, the wide pathways allow for ample walking, stopping and looking up into the trees.
For new birders, it’s a great experience as many birds are within viewing range. Plus, many seasoned birders happily answer questions and share their knowledge along the wide, easy to traverse, trail.
Not seeing a bird? New to birding? Not to worry, just look down the path and where’s there’s small group of folks peering through binocs, head that way! If the crowd is pretty large, even better. A rare bird sighting just may be in the wings (ha, pardon the pun). That’s exactly how we located the Prothonotary Warbler below!
For photo tips check out: Bird Migration Photography: Struttin’ Their Stuff
Not Just for the Birds
The Tawas State Park campground is very clean, open with level camping spots. Most of the camping spots are grass with a few concrete pads too. Cabins are also available to rent. (For online reservations in the campground: Michigan State Parks & Harbor Reservations)
Dogs are welcome guests in addition to their owners. We see many owners and dogs on leash walking in the campground, the asphalt walkway and dog-approved beach. Dogs are not allowed on nature trails, buildings and other areas in the park due to sensitive habitats.
For our lighthouse lovers, Tawas Point Lighthouse offers tours from mid-May through October. Built in 1876 – 1877, it’s nestled near the entrance to the birding trail between Lake Huron and Tawas Bay. Its white, stoic structure and brick light house are a historic treasure.
We meet a lot of birders and and non-birder campers who enjoy the natural beauty this area offers. Even when the campground is full, our experience is always relaxing and quiet. After all, birding is a quiet hobby and passion.
