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 3, 2024

It is an exciting time when Piping Plovers come back to Sleeping Bear Dunes. They return from their southern wintering habitat to nest in the park. (Photo by David Kane)

Joe Brooks captured these six phases of the solar eclipse, from beginning to end. (Click on the image to see full collage.)

Spring ephemerals, like this trout lily, are the earliest wildflowers to bloom in northern Michigan. This one was photographed in Arcadia Dunes. (Photo by Emily Cook)

Erica Plesha, from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was our May presenter. She spoke about managing Avian botulism.
(Photo: Char Ester)

The colors looked vibrant on this Cedar Waxwing, spotted in Arcadia in late March. (Photo: David Kane)

It’s amazing what can show up on a trail cam! These three Sandhill Cranes were passing by when the camera snapped this photo.
(Photo by Joe Brooks)

This Belted Kingfisher was spotted with lunch in its mouth. They are often spotted hunting near bodies of water and wetlands.
(Photo: Jim Gribble)

Often blending in with the trees they “creep” on, this Brown Creeper was identified at Platte Point in early April. (Photo by David Kane)

This adult, male Hooded Merganser was seen on Glengary Marsh in Mesick. The females are more muted tones of gray and brown.
(Photo by David Kane)

Photographed near the Platte River, this Common Loon is a flashback to last summer. Soon, they will be nesting once more in our area! (Photo: Jim Gribble)

David Kane saw this Winter Wren at Platte Point. A lover of forest understories, you will often hear its “warbling” song before spotting the bird, which can have a hard time sitting still.

Thank you to Irene Marcussen for capturing this field trip photo from Arcadia Marsh in early April. The scopes are focused on a pair of Wigeons.