108 Lake Erie Metropark 
wildlife viewing | directions and facility information
Photo: © Phil Seng
Water is a major component of the habitat here, including
lakes, river backwaters, and coastal wetlands. This site boasts nearly 3
miles of near-shore waters of the Detroit
River and Lake
Erie. The marshes found at Lake Erie Metropark
are not river backwaters, but Great Lakes
coastal marshes. Meadow areas and hawthorn thickets are also highlights.
Portions of this p ark are highly developed and receive heavy visitor
traffic. However, its ideal location along Lake Erie
makes this site home to some tremendous wildlife viewing opportunities.
There are nearly 9 acres of American lotus beds that bloom from late July
through early Sept. The annual Hawkfest occurs
on the third weekend in September. The park is open dawn to dusk.
 Wildlife
Viewing
Photo: © Phil Seng
Among wildlife watchers, this site is probably best known for
its raptors, or birds-of-prey. During fall migration (September is best)
it is possible to view more than 50,000 hawks here in a single day!
Broad-winged hawks are the most numerous, and are often seen in kettles
or groups of 3,000 or more. As many as 30,000 broad-wings may be seen on
a given day. Be sure to bring your binoculars for a truly awe-inspiring
sight.
Lake Erie Metropark is also very
good for waterfowl viewing. Hot water from the Trenton power plant keeps a portion of
the waterfront open throughout the winter, and this area is popular for
ducks, geese, and swans. Bald eagles may also be seen fishing in this
open water during winter.
This park is often host to a number of exotic birds that
happen by due to migration error, such as glossy ibis, Eurasian wigeon, brant, white
pelicans, white-tailed eagle etc., so there are often surprises here
during spring and fall migration.Bald eagle
sightings are now a year-round event with several pairs nesting in the
near vicinity (and presently one pair on park property). Hundreds of
tundra swans are a highlight of the winter observation season as these
arctic visitors over-winter offshore from late October through mid-March.
Waterfowl species of all types are still a big feature of the
fall migration. The raptor migration continues to be the most unique
aspect of our fall migration season from September-November. This site
has become one of the premier fall hawk watching sites in North America. Wetland animals including muskrat,
mink, fox snake, several turtle species, and Sora
rail.
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