Explore Oscoda's Birding Trails

The Sunrise Coast Birding Trail and Greenways Birding Trail explore the remarkable natural habitat of the Lake Huron coast, even in winter. Birders will delight in observing common, threatened, or endangered birds along the coast and inland as well. Unique to the region is the Kirtland’s Warbler, which has a U.S. Forest Service-managed habitat west of Oscoda. The endangered Great Lakes Piping Plover also nests along the shores of Lake Huron.

Great locations for birding that are along the trail are Riverbank Park in Oscoda, the AuSable Shoreline Park, Eagle Run, Foote Site Park and Trailwater Site, the grasslands of Oscoda Airport, and Clarks Marsh. The vast wetland of Clarks Marsh has many unpaved woodland trails surrounding it, providing plenty of space and opportunities for anyone looking to get outdoors in Oscoda. The serene setting offers an abundance of bird species including marsh wrens, Virginia rails, green herons, swamp sparrows, blue-headed vireos, and numerous warblers.

Eagle Run is located just two miles west of River Road and contains seven miles of trails in a remote, tranquil setting. Find various songbirds, bald eagles, an occasional owl, thrushes, warblers, and woodpeckers as you explore this area. Numerous waterfowl and wetland species can also be found along the AuSable River where trails run alongside the river’s banks. During migration season, tundra swans have even been sighted overhead!

The Oscoda area offers one of the most scenic natural landscapes in the country for birding. With an unmatched diversity of species and a breathtaking setting, your adventure on the Sunrise Coast and Greenways Birding Trails is guaranteed to satisfy you. For more information, click The Heritage Route 23 website and plan your trip today!