0 species from 0 reports.
44.36328 , -84.80058
United States of America (USA)
Houghton Lake Flats is a controlled water level marsh lying between Houghton Lake on the east and the Route 127 freeway on the west. The property is managed as a Wildlife Management Area by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. From the observation deck the view is mostly an expansive cattail marsh with several open water channels. An Osprey nest platform is easily viewable. All of the expected northern marsh birds can be found here in summer. Scanning with binoculars first and using a scope to get closer views is the best method. Spending time scanning the cattail edges for bitterns and rails is often productive. The signature bird of the flats is Black Tern, which are usually showing well from the observation deck from mid-May to mid-August.
The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance: • geographic/ biogeographic location • habitat and vegetation • typical bird species/bird communities • protection status • land use and history • importance for birdwatching
Coordinates were set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) : 44.3633/-84.8006 (2021-02-01 18:11:54 )
Site name was set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) as "Houghton Lake Flats Flooding" (2021-02-01 18:11:54 )
List up to ca. 25 species that: • have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level • are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site • and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)
Best season is late spring through early fall. All viewing is from one spot, so you can spent a few minutes or a couple hours scanning the birds.
Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible. This may include for instance: • best season • best time of the day • how much time to spend at the site • best means of locomotion within the site • recommended routes / areas within the site • guiding
Take exit 194(A) of Route 127 and head east on route 55 for about 3/4 mile. Turn north on West Houghton Lake Drive (Old US 27) and travel 2.0 miles to the viewing parking area on the west side of the road.
Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.
There are no fees and the platform is always open. There is parking space for several cars.
Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include: • entry points • entry permits / entry tickets and fees • opening hours / opening season • other restrictions Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.
Houghton Lake is just to the east for excellent boating, birding, and other recreation.
Add information about other attractions at this site, including • wildlife (apart from birds) • sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.) • activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)
There are no restrooms at this viewing site. There is a short boardwalk to a roofed viewing platform.
Provide information about what type of facilities are available at or near this site, including: • information centers / information points • catering • accommodation • hides and watchtowers • restrooms / toilets
Traffic can travel faster than expected on Old US 27, so be careful pulling in and out of the parking area. It is not recommended to pull over anywhere else along the road.
Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For instance, these may include: • offenses like robbery or theft • natural hazards • dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.) • noise pollution
