Michigan is a mecca for wildlife, and a wildlife photographer’s dream in all seasons. One of the best times to see wildlife in Michigan is in springtime, especially May and early June. The migrating wildlife have returned, the babies are being born, the area is waking up from a long winter, and the leaves are not yet on the trees. This allows you to see into the forest and spot more wildlife.

Migrating species that abound include sandhill crane and bald eagle. You can find them anywhere in the state, but especially in northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula (UP). WhiteFish Point Bird observatory in the UP has a massive amount of birds migrate past it in the spring. They have an annual count you might want to join in to help.

The wild turkey are in full mating behavior and plumage, and if you learn how to call them you will get some great photographic opportunities. You might even get lucky and see a fawn laying in the grass if you walk through the forests slowly and silently.

Some of the wildlife and scenery around Harbor Springs, Michigan that I have taken over the years.

Male bald eagle returning with fish to feed chicks

BaldieFish

EagleOfTheDay

EagleLandingNest-2

EagleInNest

Baby snapping turtle

Snapperbaby

Beaver

BeaverFace

Pileated Woodpecker

Pileated

Sandhill Cranes

Sandhill cranes flying

Sandhill Crane adult with chick (called a colt)

Sandhill Crane with two chicks

Whitetail deer and fawn

Whitetail buck

Local Lake

Great Blue Heron

Belted kingfisher

Male Canada Goose protecting his nest with eggs

Gosling chick

Osprey

Red Fox at Nub’s Nob

White throated sparrow

Songbird

Turkey Vulture

TurkeyVulture

Female Belted Kingfisher

Kingfisher

Garter snake

GarterSnake

Male Turkey

ScarletTanager

Female Hooded Merganser and Merganserlings

Merganser

Painted turtle

PaintedTurtle

Barred owl
BarredOwl

Tern with fish in mouth

Caspian tern with fish

Taking photos like this requires professional level equipment that not only focuses fast with powerful lenses but it can stand up to the rigors of the outdoors. I order all of my camera equipment and accessories from Allen’s Camera. They have the best service, and do not push you into purchasing something that is not right for you. Many professional photographers purchase from them instead of the larger places like Adorama and B & H because the price is just as good but the service is better and more personal.

Click on the logo below to learn more. Ask for the Brandon, the owner, when you call or email.