Tahquamenon Rivermouth

The rivermouth of the mighty Tahquamenon River is a wonderful place to check for waterbirds and songbirds. First, check the boat launch just south of the bridge or the small pull off on the east just north of the bridge. 

Here you can look out toward Lake Superior and often see hundreds of waterfowl congregating out on the water. Many scaup, mergansers, and cormorants are seen here in the spring and fall, resting during their migration along with the occasional flock of northern pintails. The woods and shrubs also house migrating songbirds like yellow-rumped warbler, Lincoln's and swamp sparrows and more. 

Also look for flocks of blackbirds which will be a mix of common grackles, red-winged blackbirds and often a few rusty and brewer's blackbirds as well. After scanning the area, turn your attention to the river on the west side of the road. Use caution, this is a busy road! While viewing is often done from the road, please keep well off the road when birding and park your cars at one of the official parking locations. Here you can see more of the shallow water waterfowl species. 

Many green-winged and blue-winged teal can be found here as well as species like American black duck, bufflehead and ring-necked duck. Rarities have also been known to show up here with incredible species like garganey and neotropic cormorant having made an appearance in the last few years. 

Aside from the river, you can explore Tahquamenon State Park's Rivermouth Campground (recreation passport required). Park at the parking lot to the right of the campground check in (please do not park at a campsite). You can walk down the campground roads from here, birding the woods and stopping at the platforms that overlook the river. 

Hermit and gray-cheeked thrush can be found in spring and fall along with dozens of warbler and sparrow species. 

Camping here is a great option and in the evening, you may get lucky and hear one of the resident great-horned or saw-whet owls that call this area home.