Birds of the Benzie Area (and Beyond)

No matter the time of year, there is plenty to see in Benzie County (and sometimes beyond - when members submit photos from their travels). Click on an image for a larger view. If you would like to submit your own bird/wildlife photos please email them to Emily Cook - cookemilyk@gmail.com
Last Updated on January 16, 2025

This Great Horned Owl was on display at a recent program given by the DeWitt Birds of Prey Center (based in Holland, MI) and held at the Congregational Summer Assembly (Photo: Irene Marcussen)

Carl Freeman has spotted many birds in his backyard this winter, including this Cedar Waxwing on their crabapple tree.

Another incredible find in Carl Freeman’s backyard is this Barred Owl. It has been hunting around their feeder and pond in the evenings.

Attendees of our recent owl program got an up close look at several birds, including this Barn Owl. (Photo: Char Ester)

Entirely endemic to Brazil, this Brassy-breasted Tanager is incredibly eye-catching with its vibrant colors. (Photo: David Kane)

Another Brazil find from David Kane, this Blond-crested Woodpecker is a stunning sight. Much like our local woodpeckers, it prefers to capture insects in tree bark.

Pileated woodpeckers are always exciting when they arrive on a feeder - the size of a crow, they certainly stand out! (Photo: Carl Freeman)

David Kane spotted this Black Jacobin hummingbird on a recent trip to Brazil. It is endemic to woodland habitats in South America.

This juvenile shrike may be small but it is also a mighty predator, hunting other birds and small rodents. (Photo: Carl Freeman)

This Cape May Warbler is showing of its bright colors. Originally identified in Cape May, New Jersey, its habitat is actually much of the midwest and eastern US/Canada. (Photo by David Kane)

Photographed near the Platte River, this Common Loon is a flashback to last summer. Soon, they will be nesting once more in our area! (Photo: Jim Gribble)

David Kane saw this Winter Wren at Platte Point. A lover of forest understories, you will often hear its “warbling” song before spotting the bird, which can have a hard time sitting still.