Wildlife at Lake Bluff Bird Sanctuary

The grounds occupy 1/3 mile of bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. Landscaped as an arboretum, specimens include such exceptional species as California redwood, ginkgo, weeping beech and English oak. A giant sequoia and sycamore maple are Michigan Champion Trees. Three self-guided trails lead through woodland, meadow, and lake bluff.

Lake Bluff is a good site for viewing many kinds of birds, especially along the Lake Michigan shoreline during times of migration. In February and March, you may see concentrations of sea ducks such as oldsquaws, mergansers, and harlequin ducks. Watch for red-tailed, broad-winged, and rough-legged hawks in mid-April. Large numbers of warblers migrate along the shoreline in May. Bald eagles and hawks are also seen occasionally. Many large, old trees are along the nature trails providing great feeding and nesting habitat for woodpeckers. White-tailed deer are commonly seen along the trails as well. In August, watch for large groups of monarch butterflies that stop here to rest on their long journey to Mexico.

Lake Bluff Species List