Located at the north end of the city of Alpena along the Thunder Bay River, this 500-acre wildlife sanctuary is an easily accessible birding site. The marshy area and slow-moving Thunder Bay River provide nesting habitat for many marsh birds, including Least Bitterns. Island Park, a 17-acre island jewel, includes a series of nature trails and wooden platforms in varied ecosystems including sand dunes, meadows, woodlands, gentle slopes and marshy areas. Seasonally, one can rent a kayak or canoe from a private business at the park or bring your own to launch at the site.
Once you're at the Duck Park, you can walk over from the parking lot, cross the bridge and follow the trails around the Island.
The trees and bushes support an assortment of songbirds migrating through each year including: American Redstart, Warblers, Vireos, and the Birds of Island Park brochures give a complete list of what you might spot on the island. An Osprey platform is located across the channel on the back side of the Island but Osprey are rarely seen.
A major replanting of native grasses and plants has been undertaken to try and stop erosion of the sand dunes and fishing platforms allow good sighting locations for birds.
Things To Do
Birding, Hiking, Parking, Plant Viewing, Water Feature Viewing
