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 October 9, 2026
Great Blue Heron swallowing a minnow on the Lower Platte River. (Photo: Carl Freeman)
This beaver is in Carl’s own pond and has been named “Pesky Beaver” as it is damning up the access creek. (Photo: Carl Freeman)
Carl Freeman photographed this Stilt Sandpiper preening along the shore of Elberta Marsh.
A little rain didn’t keep birders away during a recent field trip to Arcadia Dunes Grasslands Nature Preserve. (Photo: Emily Cook)
17-18 day old chicks on Little Platte Lake.
(Photo: Mary Lundeberg)
Todd Bensinger captured this juvenile Osprey perched on a backstop at the Honor Ball Fields, near its nest.
Mary Lundeberg photographed this Caspian Tern with a fish on Little Platte Lake.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird nectaring along the shores of Little Platte Lake. (Photo: Mary Lundeberg)
A Variegated Fritillary sitting on stiff goldenrod at the Arcadia Grasslands. (Photo: Carl Freeman)
This merlin is eating a common green darner dragonfly along the Betsie Valley Trail in Elberta. (Photo: Carl Freeman)
This White-line Sphinx moth is nectaring at Jewelweed along the boardwalk in Arcadia Marsh. (Photo: Carl Freeman)
This Buckeye Butterfly was spotted in the grasslands on Keillor Road, sitting on some stiff goldenrod. (Photo: Carl Freeman)
Piping Plovers get most of the attention but don’t forget about other shorebirds like this Spotted Sandpiper. (Photo: Anne Rogers)
The first flock of Dark-eyed Juncos were spotted in Todd’s yard after their summer hiatus. (Photo: Todd Bensinger)
This juvenile Sanderling was foraging on the rocks at Frankfort’s North Pier. (Photo: Todd Bensinger)
Todd Bensinger captured this Cedar Waxwing feeding on blueberries at Platte River Park.