An Easy Spring Bird Watching Checklist

Do you want an excuse to take breaks from studying during test season? Do you just need some extra motivation to get outside and enjoy the spring weather? If either is the case for you, you’re in luck! April is the perfect month to spot all sorts of birds that live in Grand Rapids. This is a checklist of some of the most common birds that live in the area. These are ones you shouldn’t have too much difficulty searching for, so think of it as an easy jumping off point for bird watching!

American Robin

This is our state bird! They have distinctive orange bellies and grey backs. You can often find them hopping around on the ground while foraging for worms or seeds.

https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/american-robin

Northern Cardinal

While the robin is the official state bird, cardinals may have people’s hearts for their crests and the male’s bright red feathers. They prefer dense shrubbery, but can be found all over the place.

https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/northern-cardinal

Mallard

This is the most abundant duck species in Michigan. Males have green heads with an iridescent sheen, and both sexes have a blue patch on their wings. Like most waterfowl, you’ll probably find them near a river or a pond.

https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/186902451

Mourning Dove

Known for their lamenting coos, mourning doves are most active around sunrise and sunset. They have tan bodies with dark spots. Mourning doves love perching on telephone wires, so check what’s above you while you’re walking!

https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/499757671

Red-winged Blackbird

Frequently found near marshes and ponds, these little birds can be quite bold. Males are black with red-orange shoulder patches on their wings, and females are tawny-brown with a light streak near their eyes. If you see cattails, check for their cup-shaped nests tucked in between the stalks.

https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/red-winged-blackbird

BONUS: Bald Eagle

Bald eagles are undoubtedly one of the most well-known North American birds, but they’re far more elusive than the other species on this list. They have brown bodies with a white head. Between their coloring and massive wingspan, they’re unmistakable. Despite being rarer to see here, it’s definitely not uncommon. I recently saw one catch a fish at Reeds Lake, so if you’re near there, keep your eyes peeled!

https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/44317081

Good luck, and happy birdwatching! If you find some or all of the birds on this list, feel free to share your findings with me at tabata-n@students.grps.org. I’m always excited to talk about local wildlife!

NAVA TABATA

Editor at The City Voice

Nava is currently a senior at City. She has been writing for The City Voice since her sophomore year and now serves as an editor. Although she enjoys covering a wide range of subjects, her favorite topics to write about are history and ecology. Outside of the newspaper, you can usually find her playing violin in City’s pit orchestra, volunteering at her local library, or going on walks to observe the antics of her neighborhood squirrels.