This spring migration ducks, mergansers, herons, terns, gulls and more will fly through Portage Marsh State Wildlife Area—one of Michigan’s premier Wetland Wonders and an Audubon Important Bird Area—as they migrate north back to their breeding grounds. 

Join Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and partners from Common Coast Research and Conservation and Laughing Whitefish Bird Alliance for a guided birding tour along the coastal wetlands of the State Wildlife Area.  

On the shores of Lake Michigan, Portage Marsh includes a long narrow peninsula near downtown Escanaba that provides a protected area for wetland wildlife. A hiking trail runs along the peninsula for hikers, hunters and bird watchers. Each spring, Portage Marsh hosts over 200 bird species, and is an eBird hotspot! All ages are welcome and encouraged to attend!  

Event Schedule:  

The tour will depart at the dead end of Portage Point 11.4 Lane in Escanaba (Lat: 45.706675, Long: -87.079639). Experts will lead the tour along a 1-mile loop trail, which includes 0.6 miles of unpaved trails along a historic dike system, and a 0.4 mile beach walk along Lake Michigan. 

How to prepare: 

Please bring your own binoculars or a scope if you have them. Some binoculars will be available to borrow. We highly encourage participants to download one or more of the following smart phone apps: eBird, iNaturalist, Merlin Bird ID, Audubon Bird Guide. 

Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes as we will be walking along unpaved trails with uneven ground. Please be aware that the trail system is not ADA accessible. Portable restrooms, picnic tables, and trash receptacles will be available.  

This event is presented in partnership with MI Birds, a public outreach and education program created by Audubon Great Lakes and the Michigan DNR. MI Birds aims to deepen all Michiganders’ engagement in the understanding, care and stewardship of public lands that are important for birds and local communities. 

2024 Spring Birding Tour: Portage Marsh. Photo: Jeff Towner/Laughing Whitefish Bird Alliance