Bird Watching in Kalamazoo, Michigan

Birding is a popular pastime for residents and visitors alike. According to the Michigan Audubon Society, one can find more than 450 bird species on Michigan’s many birding trails, state parks and recreation areas, and more.
One of the best attributes of being in a Great Lakes State is that Kalamazoo offers spectacular and unique birding experiences for all four seasons.
Kalamazoo’s two great outdoor attractions are also some of the best birding spots! The W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary and the Kalamazoo Nature Center are open to the public, but each does require an admission fee, so keep that in mind! A bonus to visiting these attractions is that they often offer guided nature walks, intro to birding sessions, etc.
W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary
The W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary is a unique wildlife center offering conservation-focused public programs, interpretive tours, and accessible trails that allow close views of captive and wild birds.
- Journey a paved, ¾ mile accessible trail to Wintergreen Lake to see hundreds of waterfowl in their natural habitat, including Trumpeter Swans, Canada Geese and a variety of duck species
- Birds of Prey enclosures feature both rare and common raptors, including Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, Eastern Screech Owls and others
- The Leslie E. Tassel upland game bird display houses threatened and endangered species from Michigan and from around the world
- A Pollinator Garden that uses native plants to attract hummingbirds and butterflies
Kalamazoo Nature Center
The Kalamazoo Nature Center includes over 1,100 acres of forest, wetland, and prairie with miles of trails. The Visitor Center is home to award-winning exhibits, with a wide variety of programs for all ages and interests.
Wander these trails for various birding opportunities:
- Prairie Pathway Loops – Look for bluebirds and swallows at the nest boxes.
- Arboretum Loop – Enjoy accessible pathways that lead to the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden.
- Beech Maple – Hike through an old-growth beech-maple forest along a stream. Spring wildflowers bloom abundantly and owls can be heard.
- River Walk – Follow Trout Run to where it empties into the Kalamazoo River. Discover aquatic life in the stream or watch birds along the river.
Kleinstuck Nature Preserve
The Kalamazoo Audubon Society recommends Kleinstuck Nature Preserve for spring birding, with the peak time being late April and early May, before the trees leaf out. In 31 spring surveys, they have recorded 205 species of birds, including 38 warbler species.
Bow in the Clouds Preserve
Another excellent birding location in Kalamazoo that’s less well-known is Bow in the Clouds Preserve. Bow in the Clouds is a Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy preserve. This nature preserve is located just outside the downtown city limits and is approximately 60 acres.
The highlight of this preserve is the extensive spring-fed wetlands that help protect the water quality of the City of Kalamazoo’s well fields just downstream. The wetlands are a diverse mix of sedge meadow, cattail marsh, wet meadow, shrub care, and swamp forest.
A packed gravel loop trail leads from the parking area to a viewing platform with breathtaking views of the marsh below. A narrow dirt trail leads visitors down a slope and over a wooden bridge to a boardwalk through a large wetland from that loop. A short out-and-back trail leads from the path to a small pond attractive to waterfowl.
Make sure to check out the Kalamazoo Audubon Society website for information on their weekly nature walks.
Browse the list below for more awesome spots to go birding in Kalamazoo!
7000 N. Westnedge Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49009 US
Phone: (269) 381-1574
E-Mail Address: [email protected]
Website
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12685 East C Avenue
Augusta, MI 49012 US
Phone: (269) 671-2510
Website
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34270 County Road 652
Mattawan, MI 49071 US
Phone: (269) 668-2696
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5163 Ft Custer Drive
Augusta, MI 49012 US
Phone: (260) 731-4200
(800) 447-2757
Website
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325 W. James Street
Lawrence, MI 49064 US
Phone: (269) 637-2788
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Portage South-Central Greenway
Portage, MI 49002 US
Phone: (269) 329-4522
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South Westnedge at South Shore Drive
Portage, MI 49002 US
Phone: (269) 329-4522
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14467 East MN Avenue
Climax, MI 49034 US
5300 Westnedge Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49004 US
Phone: (269) 383-8778
(269) 381-7570
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899 East U Avenue
Vicksburg, MI 49097 US
Phone: (269) 383-8778
(269) 649-4737
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9202 East Michigan Avenue
Galesburg, MI 49053 US
7335 Garden Lane
Portage, MI 49002 US
Phone: (269) 329-4522
Website
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Bishop's Bog Preserve


Fort Custer State Park

Kal-Haven Trail

Kalamazoo Nature Center

Markin Glen County Park

Portage Bikeway

Prairie View County Park

River Oaks County Park

W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary

West Lake Nature Preserve

Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery