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 July 14, 2026
This female Greater Scaup found a snack while in Betsie Lake in Frankfort. These diving ducks are usually found among larger groups of divers. (Photo: Carl Freeman)
This bobcat was on the ice of Upper Herring Lake, guarding a deer carcass. Ultimately it fell asleep for a little while until eventually leaving its side. (Photo: Carl Freeman)
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!
A little rain didn’t keep birders away during a recent field trip to Arcadia Dunes Grasslands Nature Preserve. Doug Cook led participants down Keillor road to spot sparrows and bobolinks.
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.
This Northern Yellow Warbler was acting like a nuthatch as it hangs upside down at Lake Township Park at Platte Point.
(Photo: Todd Bensinger)
Butterfly milkweed is a favorite for hungry monarch caterpillars. This one was spotted in Emily Cook’s yard. The larvae require these plants for feeding and are a great addition to landscapes.
Carl Freeman shared this photo of sandhill cranes above Arcadia Marsh. They are regular visitors to the wetland and are one of spring’s earlier returning birds.
The enormous Southern Ground-Hornbill was a lucky find for David Kane on his recent trip to South Africa. They are considered a vulnerable species in their native habitat.
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.
Arcadia Marsh had a surprise visitor with this Whooping Crane. Coming back from the brink of extinction, there are still only about 800 individuals in the wild. (Photo: Carl Freeman)
North Sky Raptor Sanctuary treated us to a presentation in July. They talked about how special raptors are and even brought along some birds, like this Turkey Vulture. (Photo: Irene Marcussen)
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)
David Kane recently took a trip to South Africa and shared some photos with us including this White-fronted Bee Eater. Its markings make it unmistakable in its native habitat.
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.