Michigan is a year-round destination for viewing birds. Our 3,000 miles of shoreline, 11,000 interior lakes and 36,000 miles of rivers and streams contribute to the fact that there are 421 species of birds here.

In honor of National Bird Feeding Month, here are ten tips for the novice bird watcher collected from the Audubon Society:

1. Start by  finding a field guide, whether online, through an app or at a bookstore, with pictures of species and their seasonal locations. Where do you want to travel?  Research the habitats you’ll be going to, and see what birds you should expect.
2. Don’t limit yourself to a single season. Winter may be chilly, but it offers the opportunity to see near invasions of northern owl and winter finches. And in January and February specifically, you’ll find a dominance of gulls and wintering waterfowl.
3. Whichever bird watching trail or park you travel to, an area that is relatively open without many tall trees is optimal.
4. Consider purchasing a pair of binoculars. Some experts are able to identify a bird 100 yards away from them simply by the bird’s silhouette. Until you’ve reached that level of experience, binoculars will make your trip a successful one!
5. Join a group. Go on a birding tour. Check out the Michigan Audubon’s calendar of events. Click here.
6. Try not to focus on finding a single species, but rather on the opportunity to see many different types of birds. Each season hosts an opportunity; in May you could see more than 20 or more warbler species, and in winter you can spot the Northern Hawk and Boreal Owls.
7. When you’re outside and you’ve spotted a bird, try answering a few questions to identify the species: What’s the bird’s approximate shape and size? What is the bird’s main color and color pattern? What area and habitat is the bird in?
8. Birders love compiling lists. Keep a list, and track your sightings with key details. What did you see? The Michigan Audubon also provides bird watchers with a handy checklist of Michigan birds. Click here.
9. Listen. Regardless of season or location, you’ll be able to hear wonderful bird calls. Take notes of the sounds you hear. Every sound is unique!
10. Hoping to stay close to home? Attract birds to your backyard. Sunflower seeds and Thistle are effective in attracting birds to your yard. Birds also love suet and mealworms. English Gardens offers a large selection of bird houses, feeders and food that will transform your backyard into a private bird sanctuary!

Below are the five birding trails you should try in Michigan:

Beaver Island Birding Trail: As the largest island in Lake Michigan, Beaver Island is a critical stopover site for migratory birds (specifically the Warbler) flying up the lake on their way north to breeding grounds. This trail covers more than 12,000 acres of land. Click here to learn more.

Sleeping Bear Birding Trail: This trail is home to the Piping Plover, and endangered shorebird. The trail covers 71,000 acres of public land and 35 miles of beaches. Click here to learn more.

Superior Birding Trail: In this area you will be witness to the migration funnel for raptors, waterfowl, shorebirds, and passerines. Anchored by Whitefish Point in the UP, the trail covers over 150 miles.  Click here to learn more.

Saginaw Bay Birding Trail: This trail covers a total of 142 miles. The large area of trails support diverse habitats and over 200 species of birds, making it a birder’s paradise. Click here to learn more. 

Sunrise Coast Birding Trail: Stretching along U.S. 23, the trail incorporates 145 miles. The trail also includes the Kirtland’s Warbler habitat, where you may get an exciting glimpse of the protected species. Click here to learn more.

The Michigan Audubon provides a free version of the American Birding Association’s Guide, A Birder’s Guide to Michigan. Download it here.

Download it, print it out and get discovering!