Birds of the Benzie Area (and Beyond)
No matter the time of year, there is plenty to see in Benzie County (and sometimes beyond - when members submit photos from their travels). Click on an image for a larger view. If you would like to submit your own bird/wildlife photos please email them to Emily Cook - cookemilyk@gmail.com
Last Updated on May 27, 2025
This Vesper Sparrow was spotted at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, off Esch Road. Apparently it doesn’t mind the barbed wire. (Photo: David Kane)
The club recently took a field trip to Otter Creek in Sleeping Bear Dunes. Despite the lingering cold temperatures, the group was treated to many warblers! (Photo: Irene Marcussen)
Carl Freeman watched this Flicker go into the hole, excavate, and pop back out to look around, almost as if annoyed to have its photo taken. A nest in progress!
The vibrant colors of this Cape May Warbler were a great find on Mary Lundeberg’s recent trip to North Manitou Island. These warblers are unique, they have a special tongue to drink nectar!
This Blue-headed Vireo was seen in Point Pelee, Ontario recently and photographed by David Kane. They don’t come to feeders so head into the forest to see (or hear) this species.
Mary Lundeberg, who monitors Piping Plovers in Sleeping Bear Dunes, spotted this male recently. Additional protections are in place to encourage successful breeding of this at-risk species.
We have our own Redstarts in Michigan but the Painted Restart is found in Arizona and Mexico, primarily. David Kane saw this one in Madera Canyon, Arizona.
The Verdin is another out-of-Michigan spot (Arizona by David Kane). While it resembles the body of a chickadee, it is actually the only bird in its genus Auriparus.
It was extra special to recently see a Short-eared Owl at Arcadia Marsh. They are uncommon and usually only spend a couple weeks in the area, annually. (Photo: Carl Freeman)
This immature Bald Eagle took flight at Little Platte Lake. It won’t develop its signature “bald” head until it is about five-years-old.
(Photo: Mary Lundeberg)
They may be little but the Least Flycatcher stands its ground, confidently chasing much larger species, like Blue Jays. Mary Lundeberg saw this one on North Manitou Island.
On a winter trip to Arizona, David Kane saw the Rivoli’s Hummingbird in Madera Canyon. It has one of the highest heartbeats of any vertebrate - 420-1,200 beats per minute!
On a recent trip to the U.K., Doug and Sally Cook took time to visit a Raptor Center and saw a presentation featuring some local species - including this owl coming in for a landing!
The Pileated Woodpecker is one of the largest forest birds in North America and leave large holes in dead trees when they search for food. This one was hanging out in Anne Rogers’ backyard.
Piping Plovers get most of the attention but don’t forget about other shorebirds like this Spotted Sandpiper. See it by a nest? Often the males raise the young. (Photo: Anne Rogers)
While many warblers prefer deeper forests, the Chestnut-sided can be found in younger thickets and near disturbed areas. This one was seen in Pt. Pelee, Ontario (Photo: David Kane)
Photographed near Platte Bay, this American Kestrel, was seen perched high on a branch. They prefer hunting in areas with short vegetation and few trees. (Photo: Mary Lundeberg)
Anne Rogers shared this amazing shot of some Sandhill Cranes flying closely together. They were photographed on a recent trip to Whitefish Point.
Carl Freeman spotted this Eagle nest on a club field trip along River Road. He was lucky to see the adult bring food and start to feed the chick as he was taking photographs.
Carl Freeman saw this Fox Sparrow in his yard and its song is one of his favorites. Plant shrubs or berry bushes and keep brush piles to encourage them in your own backyard.