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 October 10, 2024

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)

Photographer David Kane found this elusive LeConte’s sparrow at Platte Point earlier this year. Due to loss of habitat, the sparrow’s population has declined and they are hard to see.

This Black-throated Blue Warbler was spotted at Tawas. The bright colors identify it as a male - the females are a pale brown and look entirely different. (Photo by David Kane)

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

Carl Freeman spotted this Great Spangled Fritillary on a purple coneflower recently. They are attracted to wildflowers, which make great pollination hotspots.

A common spider on many flowers, this crab spider was eating a mustard white butterfly. Photographer Carl Freeman saw it eat three butterflies over two days.

Carl Freeman found this “American Copper” in his yard. It is a cute and common introduced species.

This Northern Brown Snake was photographed in the pathway leading up to Arcadia Marsh. Full size, it was approximately 12 inches long. (Photo: Carl Freeman)

One of the many small, orange skippers in our area, the Peck’s Skipper lays eggs on grasses and sedges. (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.