72 Wigwam
Bay Wildlife
Area 
wildlife viewing | directions and facility information
Photo: © Phil Seng
More than 900 acres of wetlands occur on this 3,023-acre
state wildlife area. An extensive network of gravel-topped dikes in the
wetlands is open to foot traffic all year. The remainder of the site is
primarily undeveloped hardwood forest and small forest openings.
 Wildlife
Viewing
Photo: © Phil Seng
Wigwam
Bay is an
outstanding site for viewing shorebirds, wading birds, waterfowl, and
gulls. Unique or rare wetland bird species such as black terns, Forster’s
terns, Caspian terns, yellow-headed blackbirds, American and least
bitterns, sandhill cranes, common moorhens, and
northern harriers are also found here. Bald eagles nest here, and are
often seen soaring or sitting in perches along the dikes. Come in the
spring for an excellent opportunity to see nesting snapping turtles.
Photo: © Phil Seng
Although the actual nesting is usually done under cover of
darkness, a walk along the dikes in early morning will often reveal the
two mounds of freshly dug earth that are characteristic of snapping
turtle nests. It is also common to see the remains of nests that have
been pilfered by raccoons and skunks. Mink, beaver, and otters are
regularly seen. The occasional bobcat is also found.
Portions of this area
are open to public hunting. Contact the Michigan
Department of Natural Resources for hunting seasons and locations.
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