US-MI-South+Higgins+Lake+State+Park


 * =Birding in Michigan=

Roscommon County
=South Higgins Lake State Park= 106 State Park Drive Roscommon, MI 48653 [|South Higgins Lake State Park web site] [|South Higgins Lake State Park map]

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South Higgins Lake SP
Coordinates: 44.42248, -84.67866 eBird links: Hotspot map View details Recent visits My eBird links: Location life list Submit data

About South Higgins Lake State Park
South Higgins State Park is a 1,000-acre park split in half by County Road 100. To the north is Higgins Lake and to the south is Marl Lake and 700 acres forested in maple, oak and pine. The park contains almost one mile of shoreline along Higgins Lake, which is a large spring-fed body of water known for its clarity and fishing potential. Marl Lake is considerably smaller, shallower and less developed.

The park was first opened as a campground in 1927 with 15 campsites. In 2002, the park marked its 75th anniversary with the dedication of three new toilet/shower facilities, new electrical systems and water upgrades. As the second largest campground in a state park, the park's 400 modern camp sites are situated in a hardwood-shaded area. The park is very popular during the summer months and reservations must be made early. From [|South Higgins Lake State Park web site]

Marl Lake offers a good opportunity to view Bald Eagles. April and June are the best months for this, since eagles nest nearby and spend considerable time fishing in this shallow lake. Another bird you may see fishing in Marl Lake is the Belted Kingfisher. While Bald Eagles try to snatch fish near the surface with their talons, kingfishers prefer to dive in headfirst, catching small fish in their bills. Walk the trails at the state park to view woodland songbirds. The more common are Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Red-eyed Vireos, Great Crested Flycatchers, woodpeckers, chickadees, and nuthatches. While on the trails you may also catch a glimpse of Beavers, Muskrats, White-tailed Deer, and Wild Turkeys. Marl Lake is an excellent place to view migrating waterfowl in April and May, particularly diving ducks such as Common Mergansers, Buffleheads, Common Goldeneyes, Scaup sp., and Ring-necked Ducks. Common Loons are also common during spring migration, but they do not nest here. From [|Marl Lake web site]

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media type="custom" key="27333454" || L608180 US US-MI US-MI-143 44.42248 -84.67866 South Higgins Lake SP