Some migratory birds stay and nest here. Our summer residents that are common in the area include: Broad-winged hawk, Merlin, Sharp-shinned hawk, American kestrel, Turkey vulture, American robin, Eastern bluebird, Gray catbird, Great blue heron, Ruby-throated hummingbird, Chipping sparrow, White-throated sparrow, Song sparrow, Eastern kingbird, Belted kingfisher, Northern flicker, Spotted sandpiper, Common loon, Common merganser, Mallard, Canada goose, American redstart, Northern parula and other warblers such as Yellow-rumped, Pine and Blackburian.
Our more common 'year round' residents include: Red-breasted nuthatch, Blue jay, Pileated woodpecker, Downy woodpecker, Hairy woodpecker, Black-capped chickadee, American goldfinch, Pine siskin, Purple finch, Ruffed grouse, Great gray owl, Great horned owl, Barred owl, American bald eagle, Common raven, and Dark-eyed junco.
If you step outside during the day in Copper Harbor, your birding. There is not a bad birding spot as you can catch some species or another just about everywhere. However, there are some great trails which offer a variety of features making several habitats accessible (and convenient).
The following is a list of trails and birding areas. You'll find directions and trail descriptions. It is geared to spring migration and summer as far as birds you may find there. It is available as a printable pdf file, just click on the link at left.
The following is a list of trails and birding areas. You'll find directions and trail descriptions. It is geared to spring migration and summer as far as birds you may find there. It is available as a printable pdf file, just click on the link at left.
Hunter's Point & Marina
There are 2 trail-heads to Hunter's Point Park. One is just left of the boat launch at the Copper Harbor Marina. The other is accessible west of the marina a couple blocks. Turn on North Coast Shore Drive until it T's then turn right. Take this road to the end and you will see trail signs.
Hunter's Point Park trails are easy to hike with mostly flat area, but there are some roots and rocks to navigate along the way. The trails go along the Lake Superior shores and through the woods The trails go all the way to the end of the point which allows great views of Copper Harbor and Porter's Island.
Be sure to walk along the piers and check out the quiet water around the marina for water birds such as Common goldeneye, Bufflehead, Common, Hooded and Red-breasted merganser, and Common loon. The trail leads around the inside harbor and out to Lake Superior. During their migration, many songbirds will roost here for the night in preparation for their flight over Lake Superior. This is a great spot to observe warblers and other woodland birds as well as water birds.
Brockway Mountain
The drive up Brockway Mountain begins at the west end of Copper Harbor, across M-26 from the Copper Harbor Marina. The first 1/4 mile or so is a steep up leading the first lookout over the harbor. It continues on for about 3 more miles to the top, with many pull-offs along the way, any of which are good for hawk watching. The peak allows for a 360-degree view over the forests and Lake Superior.
The best hawk watching does not require much walking at all. There are a few hiking trails that spur off the parking area which are pretty rustic.
The area around the mountain is known as “Hawk Highway” because of the many raptors flying over in spring and fall. 18 North American raptors have been sighted here. Common ravens can be quite entertaining and they “play” and soar like kites along the cliffs. South and southwest winds give rise to the best migratory birding. Find a good vantage point, set up a chair and enjoy the show.
Lake Manganese & Red Trail
Turn between the Visitors Center and the Pines Resort, head past Lake Fanny Hooe for about 1 mile to reach Lake Manganese. Along the way, stop and check out Manganese Falls on the left. The trail head for the Red Trail is right by the rest rooms and informational kiosk.
This is a pristine little lake with nice beach to walk. The Red Trail is about 2 miles uphill to the fairway of the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge. It is a challenging hike, but well worth the effort.
Lake Manganese is a nesting spot for Common loons among others. The bird life in the woods surrounding the lake is abundant. Spotted sandpiper frequent the beach. Northern shrike are often seen in the area. The views are great and the bird life plenty. Ruffed grouse are often seen (and heard) on the Red Trail.
Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary
From Lake Manganese head down the dirt road for about 1.2 miles, there are signs to follow. There will be a swampy area to your left and soon you will see a road to the right. Turn right there and take the very next right which will lead you to the parking area for the sanctuary. This road can be a bit rough, especially in spring. The trail head has a map of the trails.
The sanctuary is a stand of old growth White Pine growing along with a mixture of northern hardwoods and other boreal species. This trail is quite hilly in spots and the ground has roots and rocks. It's not a terribly difficult hike but be prepared for rough terrain.
This is a good spot for warblers, kinglets, thrush and other woodland birds. Many woodpeckers, including the Black-backed have been seen here.
Clyde’s Bird Trail
Follow the signs to Grandpa’s Barn bookstore off US41 & 4th Street. Head up and park by the bookstore. Please do not drive on the trail. This is private property. Stop in the store and check out a nice variety of great books and guides.
The trail starts by the pole barn and goes through a woods area and out around a quiet pond and meadow. It is easy walking with 1 stream to navigate if you choose to.
This is one of the few accessible meadow like areas around. Many different sparrows can be seen early in the year including the Vesper and Savannah. Sandhill cranes can often be heard if not seen nearby. The quiet pond offers up a variety of water birds, swallows and Common snipe. Flycatchers and warblers can be found along the woods edge. It is also a good spot for kingfishers and woodpeckers.
Fort Wilkins Trails
The park is down US41 about 2 miles from town. There are parking areas within the park and at the lighthouse lookout. Maps are available in the park. A motor vehicle parking permit is required.
These trails vary as they go through the woods and along Lake Superior and Lake Fanny Hooe. Most of the trails are not hilly and are easy to navigate.
The park trails offer up a nice variety of bird life. The ever-elusive Pileated woodpecker is often sighted in the area. The trail along Fanny Hooe is also good for blackbirds, including the Rusty and Yellow-headed. Insect eating songbirds are abundant along the woodland trails. The spring of 2001, 23 species of warblers were sighted in one day, many within these trails.
The Keweenaw Peninsula is a migrating bird magnet and most of the activity winds up in Copper Harbor! Brockway Mountain is home to massive raptor migrations that take place in spring and fall. Hunter's Point is a last stop for migrating birds before crossing Lake Superior. The harbor itself gives many water birds a resting spot along Lake Superior. Many small inland lakes full of fish and vegetation are re-fueling stations too. Read on for details of these areas. A Keweenaw birds check-off list is available in pdf, click on the link at left.
