MSU Extension Michigan Sea Grant

Welcome to this edition of the Eastern UP Winter Birding updates from yours truly. This report summarizes December 2025 and the first few days of January 2026 and was written on Jan.7, 2026. This report is based on observations from myself and others, along with eBird and Audubon Christmas Bird Count data added into the mix. This is both a personal interest of mine, and a service that I provide on behalf of Michigan Sea Grant, a program of Michigan State University Extension and the University of Michigan. Most locations mentioned are found on the EUP Winter Birding Map. If you haven’t reviewed the map before, or if it has been a while, please do so before reading. In addition there are notes at the bottom of this report with additional helpful info on how to bird the EUP region in the winter.

When birding in the EUP, please remember to be respectful of both the birds, private property, and the law. Follow traffic laws and park in areas where you do not block traffic. If you are birding near private property make sure to be respectful and friendly, and if a local questions what you are up to, use the opportunity to explain the joys of the hobby of birding. When encountering birds, keep a respectful distance. Especially with owls and other raptors, keep a distance from them, or bird from your car which often acts as a blind. If a bird is looking at you, with wide eyes or changes posture, you are most likely too close. Slowly back away in those cases.

Ok, so let’s get into the birds!

Owls and other raptors: 

Each year is different when it comes to raptors, particularly with owls from up north. Snowy Owls are highly variable from winter to winter depending on their breeding success in their arctic tundra summer grounds. This year seems to be off to a solid start with several now in the area. One exciting potential is that the rare Northern-Hawk Owls were seen at a number of places in the Great Lakes in Nov/Dec. There are no current rare owl reports for the EUP, but it is very possible that a Northern Hawk Owl or Great Gray Owl is still hiding away in the EUP this winter. Rough-legged Hawks and Bald Eagles abound and it’s early winter so who knows what will show up next! More details below:  

• Snowy Owls: Snowy Owl numbers are just starting to come in for the winter. In December a large number of Snowy Owls were seen migrating along the Great Lakes shoreline. Now that the winter is settling in, more Snowy Owls are stopping to set up winter territories where they will remain till March or so. Upwards of six individual birds appear to be establishing winter territories in the Rudyard area. Most owls have been present along the typical Centerline and Hantz (the Rudyard Loop) and the Rudyard Flats areas. There have also been a couple of birds in Pickford including east of town near Gogomain and Pennington Roads and north west of town along Hancock Rd.  See the EUP Winter birding map for specifics for these locations. You can read more about Snowy Owl research at the Project Snowstorm website or the Owl Research Institute website.
• Great Gray Owls reports were on and off last winter. There was also a summer record of some probable nesting birds in the EUP. There is a strong possibility these birds are in the area, but are easily missed due to their nature of spending time in dense wooded areas and their amazing camouflage. Search for these owls by checking the edge of spruce and aspen forests near small bog openings, roadside ditches, and along the edge of smaller fields. Great Gray Owls are adverse to spending time in large open fields, and prefer dense tree cover nearby or directly where they are hunting. Also note they are nocturnal so checking around dawn and dusk are the best chances for success. Specific areas include between Riverside and Scenic Drive, and between 10 and 13 Mile roads. The Munuscong Potholes area can also be good, especially along the wooded edge areas. St. Martin’s Point and Old St. Ignace Road west of Hessel is another good place to check.
• Northern Hawk Owls have not been seen in the area since several popped up in late fall/early winter migration. Sighting’s this winter seem possible given the small push we had in December. Keep your eyes peeled for these unique diurnal owls who can often look more falcon-like than owl-like given their unique structure. They like to frequent treetops of dispersed trees in and along hay fields. 
• Boreal Owls are a small owl species similar to Northern Saw-whet owls. They are very difficult to find as they are small with very good camouflage, prefer fairly densely wooded mature forest habitat and are generally nocturnal. With that said, fall of 2024 showed record numbers of these small owls showing up at owl banders nets and being seen and heard around Whitefish Point for a few weeks. No reports yet from the Eastern UP for 2025, but this is still a good year to find one. Look for these owls roosting midway up a tree near the trunk around bird feeders or in densely wooded areas. Also look along power lines and trees near road ditches near cedar swamps, spruce bogs, mixed aspen/spruce areas and other coniferous forests, especially along the Lake Huron shoreline.  Listening for their call at night is the most likely way of finding one. 
• Rough-legged Hawks are present in fairly high numbers this winter. They are found frequenting open fields across the area in typical numbers. Pickford has been a particularly good spot to see them. There have been several along the Rudyard Loop where Snowy Owls are most often found. Pickford, along Gogomain and Pennington roads, and Riverside Drive between Sault Ste Marie and Barbeau are other good places to check. This stunning raptor comes in a variety of color morphs, with a wide variety of variation, so make sure to stop and enjoy the rainbow of variability present here in the EUP.
• No America Goshawks (formerly Northern Goshawk) have been spotted this winter.  However keep eyes open as these stealthy forest birds are known to appear at random times near forest adjacent feeder stations and homes.
• Cooper’s Hawks have seem to have a bit more of a presence in Sault Ste Marie where they feed on city birds throughout the winter. 
• Bald Eagles are probably the most numerous raptor in the area. Upwards of 30 birds are being reported regularly at the Dafter Landfill at one time. And a large nest will most likely be active again just northwest of Pickford.
• No Gyrfalcon have been seen this winter to my knowledge. This appears to be a low year for them in the lower 48 states thus far.

Winter finches

The Finch Research Network released their Winter Finch forecast some time ago and predicted fairly large movement for  most finches in the Eastern Great Lakes. Boor spruce, birch and other tree crops in the boreal forest appear to have caused quite a bit of push for finches, with many heading to areas in the Adirondacks or western mountains where these crops are stronger. In the Eastern UP we have seen decent numbers of most winter finch species this year, with an exceptional number of Pine Grosbeaks abounding. 

• Pine Grosbeaks are being found in flocks of 3-30 all across the EUP region this winter. From Pickford to Cedarville to Sault Ste Marie and beyond. They are popping up regularly at feeders and are also seen flying across the roads with their long tails and large bellies making for a delightful sight. Learn their low whistle call as these birds are harder to find with eyes alone . Fruiting trees in Pickford near the main town intersection are holding plenty of birds, but you should be able to bump into them most places. 
• Evening Grosbeaks have also been present, although they are a little more scattered and harder to find then Pine. They seem to stick to more specific locations and are not necessarily everywhere. In Pickford, near  the village restaurant Deli Deli is a good place to check, as well at private feeders on around Riverside Drive and 20 Mile Road. Rudyard at feeders in the village is another good place to check. In Sault Ste Marie, west of I-75 at the end of 3 mile Road has been another consistent feeder location. 
• Redpolls have moved south from the boreal forest in very large numbers this past fall. They are now present across the Eastern UP in decent sized flocks of 20-60. However, it is important to note that most larger flocks are being found feeding on birch tree catkins, and are not being found as often at human provided bird feeders. Fairly productive birch crops are allowing the birds to avoid human feeding stations. Keep an eye out for flocks of small birds along roadsides and feeding in birch trees or alder trees. At feeders in Pickford, Kinross and the Sault, occasional groups of 1-4 birds have been popping up. But your best best is to drive along Riverside Drive, M134 along Lake Huron, or M-123 that runs up to Paradise. Look for the flocks feeding along these and other roadsides.   
• Purple Finch are highly sporadic in the winter in the EUP despite being summertime breeders in the area. The Finch Report predicted large movement of these birds south this year, however, the EUP has not any notable uptick in wintering birds. That being said small groups of 1-4 have been reported across the area. Feeders in Sault Ste Marie and Kinross have had a few, as well as in Pickford. In addition check thick spruce forests along Riverside Dr., particularly south of Barbeau, as well as in the Tahquamenon area. Learn their soft “pik” call and you can often pick one of the more local birds flying over and around these spruce forests. 
• White-winged Crossbills had a decent movement through Whitefish Point this fall, but it seems all have cleared out of the area for the winter. The Finch report notes many of these birds headed west this year, and we have no reports in the Eastern UP for January yet with only a couple of sightings in December. 
• Red Crossbill do not seem to have made any large push into the area. However, Red Crossbill are present at their typical year-round locations (they are year round residents in the Raco and Paradise areas). Some of their most reliable spots include Ranger Road and Rexford Road near Raco, around the town of Paradise along Vermillion and Whitefish Point Road and west towards Tahquamenon Falls State Park along M123 and adjacent side roads.
• Pine Siskins are present, but in fairly low numbers. Most reports are of a couple birds from feeding stations, and I have witnessed a few larger flocks flying around random locations.
• American Goldfinches are present in decent numbers this season and found most often near feeders. Some flocks are in the hundreds with most around 25-75 birds.

Other passerines

• Bohemian Waxwings: Bohemian Waxwings made a fairly large push into the EUP in December. Flocks of 50-300 have been seen frequently throughout the past month. Things are slowing down a bit now as some of the fruit trees are now bare, but they are still present in the area. The Straits of Mackinac, in both St Ignace, and Mackinaw City, have been consistent locations with large flocks. Drive around both of these towns looking for Fruiting trees. In Sault Ste Marie the campus of Lake Superior State University as well as the residential area of Maple Street (between Barbeau and Elm Streets) have fruiting trees with known flocks as well. As the winter progresses Waxwing numbers may continue to dwindle and they may be hard to find come February. 
• Northern Shrike: Present in fairly average numbers this winter. Pickford and Rudyard, in the fields around those towns, seem to be the most consistent locations this year, although there are a dozen plus other locations with reports this winter. 
• Snow Bunting numbers are dwindling as the winter progresses, but some are still being seen around the Rudyard loop and in Pickford on 22 Mile Road just West of the Munuscong River. The most consistent spot is in Rudyard on M-48 between I-75 and Hantz Road where a flock frequents a home with feeders. 
• Boreal Chickadee is a wonderful species that has sadly been on the decline in Michigan. By some reports they are near extirpated as breeders in Michigan with very few breeding sites remaining. Breeding sites in Chippewa County have virtually disappeared and sightings have become much less frequent. However, winter irruptions are still possible. In the winter of 22-23 there was a small push of these boreal beauties into the area particularly along Whitefish Point Road. A few may still be in the area although no reports have come in so far this winter. Make sure to review their calls before you go out and pay special attention to Chickadee flocks you encounter while out and about.
• Canada Jay have still not returned regularly to Hulbert Bog, although maybe later this winter. No reports anywhere else in the EUP this winter. There seems to be only a few small breeding populations left that are typically deep in the bogs of Luce and western Chippewa counties. Try searching for them when you visit the Tahquamenon Falls, Paradise, and Whitefish Point areas or anywhere around Newberry on roads that go deep into the bogs.

Grouse

• Sharp-tailed Grouse are year-round residents in the Eastern UP and have little to no migration. That being said, winter is the easiest time of year to find them. They have been present in several locations. Look for them mid-morning sitting in birch and poplar trees eating buds, and sometimes at feeders in open field areas. By the beginning of February they begin to linger near their leks, which are competitive breeding display locations. Grouse have been reported most often in downtown Pickford east of M129 at feeders, at 23 Mile Road west of M129, and 22 Mile Road east of M129 at the Munuscong Potholes. In addition Rudyard has had a lot of reports in December around the village and north around the Rudyard Flats.
• Ruffed Grouse are year round residents of early aspen forests. They are frequently flushed in young early successional forests throughout the area, and at the Dunbar Park feeders you can often find one in the small patch of pine between the feeders and the boat launch.
• Spruce Grouse are another year-round resident and are often found along M123 west of Paradise. Search the plowed side roads, along with M123 at dawn before anyone else drives on them. The areas west of Paradise as well as north of Paradise are good to check. South on Preacher Road just west of Paradise of M123 has been a consistent site, BUT it is NOT recommended in the winter. The road is not plowed and heavy snowmobile traffic makes it dangerous to travel via snow-shoe or skiing. You can still check Vermillion Road north of Paradise along with the highways themselves early in the morning for a shot at seeing these birds. 

Gulls

The best place to view gulls in the EUP is the Dafter Landfill. The landfill is open for gull viewing from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. You must check in at the office upon arrival. The landfill is under new ownership but the employees made sure to request access for birders and it is still being allowed to some degree. Make sure to thank the office attendant for advocating for all of us! You are no longer able to visit the active portion of the landfill at the top of the hill (this has been in effect since the pandemic started), however visitors are still allowed to observe gulls from the lower portion of the landfill. Talk to the office attendant the day you are there to see what is open and what areas are closed. Gull numbers there have been strong this year.

The St Marys River near the LSSU Center for Freshwater Research and Education (CFRE) is another great gull and waterfowl location that has had good birds this December. When the building is open, there is a viewing deck on the second floor that gives a solid vantage point. Stop by my office (in the CFRE building) and I can help get you access if I am there. When closed, you can still view from outside through the fencing. 

• Glaucous Gull have been seen at the Dafter Landfill regularly (usually one to three individuals) and one was also present at the Whitefish Point Harbor of Refuge. .
•  A Great Black-backed Gull was present at the Dafter Landfill as well as the Whitefish Point Harbor of Refuge so far this winter. They can also sometimes be found along the St Marys River in Sault Ste Marie.  
• Iceland Gull numbers seem to be lower then usual this winter. No reports have come in yet, but they may arrive later in the winter. Check the Dafter Landfill and at the St Marys River near the powerplant/LSSU CFRE building.
• Ring-billed Gulls are nearly absent late December through February in the Eastern UP. Make sure if you report them you have properly identified them. Take care to not assume they are just around and common as they are in the southern part of the state.

Waterfowl

The weather has been wildly unpredictable this winter, with both extreme cold and warm snaps keeping some water open, particularly along the St Marys River where much is still open water (as of Jan 7, 2026). However, this may change by the time you read this as colder weather is already here this week and ice is forming quickly. If you come to the EUP soon make sure to check the Straits of Mackinac area, the Les Cheneaux /Drummond area and the St Marys River near the locks, powerplant and Neebish and Sugar Island ferries. The following are a few notable sightings, although by no means a comprehensive update (unlike the other categories which are fairly comprehensive).

• 2 Harlequin Ducks have been spending the month of December along the St Mary’s Rapids. One is a stunning male. These rapids are only viewable from Whitefish Island in Canada, but the rapids are where the international border goes through. Half the water is Canadian and half the water is U.S. allowing you to often tick these birds for both of your country lists! Occasionally these ducks wander to other locations like the mouth of the Power Canal at Ashmun By Park, at the Cloverland Power Plant and the Sugar Island ferry. Check these areas as a bird may still be around.
•  A handful of Trumpeter Swans were present in the Mackinac Island Harbor, and some may still be found on rivers or other open waters nearshore. Tundra Swans have lingered in the area with birds being seen regularly along the St Mary’s River near Rotary Park and Dunbar Park. 
•  A staggering 12,000+ Redhead flock has congregated around the Mackinac Bridge, viewable as you drive over (but you CAN NOT stop or pull over on the bridge itself). You can also view these ducks flying in around dawn from the St. Martin’s Bay area. Viewing in St. Ignace can happen from Dock #3 or the end of State Street nearby. Read this article online to learn more and see Steve Baker’s amazing photos of this phenomena from 2022! Do note that as of now the flock is mostly dispersed due to ice forming in the Straits, but keep it on your list for next December to try to view this amazing phenomena!

Well, that's all for now folks. Updates and sightings are always appreciated. Report them to eBird if you are so inclined, but always feel free to reach out to me directly as well. If you are planning a trip up here and need any extra advice on lodging, food, or birding just give me a shout out via email or phone text. I may not reply right away, but feel free to ping me a few times via phone 906-322-0353, or email at elliotne@msu.edu.

Birding in the Upper Peninsula

How to bird this area: Most birding is done via driving along various routes through habitat targeting specific species. You often drive slowly through back roads and pull over to get out and scan regularly. If you never get out to scan open fields or forests, and stay in your car the whole time, you are likely to miss many individual birds. Some forested areas like Hulbert Bog and Dunbar Park are better to view by walking around outside your car, but most open areas are best viewed from the car with only brief stops to get out and scan an area.

Most paved roads are plowed, and our county road commissions do a good job of keeping up with the snow. With that said there are more dirt roads than paved roads, and some of the dirt roads are seasonal. Pay attention to signs indicating a road is seasonal. If it is, note it will not be plowed, even if it looks like others have driven on it. Overall our paved roads are very safe in the winter and with the exception of very intense weather events it is safe to travel. The Mackinac Bridge is also safe in the winter, and rarely closes due to snow or high winds. However, ice can form on the bridge wires during times when the temps are closer to 32F, and can be closed for a few hours to upwards of 10+ hours. This is still a rare event.

If you are a beginning birder or just prefer to stay inside, please enjoy my free Birding 101 video series!

Michigan Sea Grant helps to foster economic growth and protect Michigan’s coastal, Great Lakes resources through education, research and outreach. A collaborative effort of the University of Michigan and Michigan State University and its MSU Extension, Michigan Sea Grant is part of the NOAA-National Sea Grant network of 34 university-based programs.

This article was prepared by Michigan Sea Grant Extension Educator Elliot Nelson under award NA22OAR4170084 from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce through the Regents of the University of Michigan. The statement, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Department of Commerce, or the Regents of the University of Michigan.