Middlegrounds Island

A small-pocket of open water warmed by a warm water discharge on the eastern side of the Middlegrounds in Bay City about one half mile down the Island's only southbound road provides a daily distraction for birders all winter long. Sightings in all months of the winter, when the Saginaw River is frozen, include many Mergansers (Common, Hooded, and Red-breasted), Mallards, American Black Ducks, and occasionally Horned Grebes, Northern Pintails, Canvasbacks, and any traditional Michigan ducks. The adjacent woodlands are home to Bald Eagles, which spend the winter keeping watch over the winter food supply of hundreds of waterfowl. 
Dates of Access: 
Year-round, best birding in winter months.

Hours of Operation: 
Any

Admission: 
Free