Michigan is a mecca for wildlife, and a wildlife photographer’s dream in all seasons. One of the best times to see wildlife in Michigan is in springtime, especially May and early June. The migrating wildlife have returned, the babies are being born, the area is waking up from a long winter, and the leaves are not yet on the trees. This allows you to see into the forest and spot more wildlife.
Migrating species that abound include sandhill crane and bald eagle. You can find them anywhere in the state, but especially in northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula (UP). WhiteFish Point Bird observatory in the UP has a massive amount of birds migrate past it in the spring. They have an annual count you might want to join in to help.
The wild turkey are in full mating behavior and plumage, and if you learn how to call them you will get some great photographic opportunities. You might even get lucky and see a fawn laying in the grass if you walk through the forests slowly and silently.
Some of the wildlife and scenery around Harbor Springs, Michigan that I have taken over the years.
Male bald eagle returning with fish to feed chicks
Baby snapping turtle
Beaver
Pileated Woodpecker
Sandhill Cranes
Sandhill Crane adult with chick (called a colt)
Whitetail deer and fawn
Whitetail buck
Local Lake
Great Blue Heron
Belted kingfisher
Male Canada Goose protecting his nest with eggs
Gosling chick
Osprey
Red Fox at Nub’s Nob
White throated sparrow
Turkey Vulture
Female Belted Kingfisher
Garter snake
Male Turkey
Female Hooded Merganser and Merganserlings
Painted turtle
Tern with fish in mouth
