Winter Birding Tours in Michigan’s Thumb – Snowy Owl Country
Now booking winter 2025 tours!
Discover Arctic Wonders
The thumb area of Michigan is one of the best places in the United States for a breathtaking view of a snowy owl. These arctic wonders provide an excellent introduction to birding because they are relatively approachable (some might say photogenic!) once you find them.
Furthermore, they can be viewed from the comfort of a vehicle – something that is especially nice on a bitter winter day. Whether you’re simply looking for a once in a lifetime chance to see one of these beautiful creatures or are an experienced photographer looking to add to your portfolio, a day trip with MI Snowy Owl Tours can help.
MI Snowy Owl Tours
Bonus Birds
While searching for snowy owls, keep an eye out for one of these interesting wintertime birds below!
Snowy Owl
Snowy Owls visit Michigan’s thumb every winter though numbers fluctuate. (adult female or immature male above)
Snowy Owl
Your guide, Jeff Nedwick, will use his knowledge of wildlife to find them! (adult male above)
Kestrel
One of Michigan’s smallest birds of prey, Kestrels are a common sight on our tours.
Bald Eagle
Bald eagles and bald eagle aeries are common in Michigan’s thumb and frequently spotted on our tours.
Waterfowl
Red heads, northern shovelers (above), hooded mergansers, and many other types of waterfowl can be seen in early winter.
Bohemian Waxwing
Bohemian waxwings are an infrequent, but always welcome winter visitor to the thumb.
Northern Harrier
Tour participants will likely see northern harriers over fields and marshes.
Rough-legged Hawk
Tour participants will need a keen eye to distinguish these less frequent arctic visitors from the more common northern harrier.
Horned Lark
Upon closer examination, some of what appear to be house sparrows are these handsome roadside winter visitors.
Ring-necked Pheasant
Michigan’s thumb area is home to one of the densest populations of the prized game bird.
Snow Bunting
Flocks containing 100’s of these beautiful small white arctic visitors can be seen along roadsides.
Tundra Swans
Tons of migrating tundra swans rest in farm fields on their way from their arctic summer homes.
What You’ll Learn:
Cost: $100 per person for a half-day tour.
Birding Ethics:
A snowy owl’s tolerance to the presence of humans is rather unique which makes for great viewing and photos. However, they have traveled a great distance to winter over in our area and need their space to hunt and rest without interruption. It’s critical that people do everything possible to not disturb them: this is one of the reasons we insist that tour participants remain in the vehicle. Attempts to make a bird respond or take flight by shouting or throwing things at it will result in immediate dismissal from the tour.
Disclaimers:
What to bring:
jeff nedwick
About Your Guide
Jeff Nedwick is an avid birder and freelance writer and photographer from Lapeer, Michigan. He is on the Board of Directors of the Michigan Outdoor Writers Association and is a regular contributor to several national and regional outdoor recreation publications. Living on the doorstep of Michigan’s thumb area has allowed him to closely study and track the location of the area’s snowy owls during the winter.
