Partridge Point Wetland

Located just south of Alpena, Partridge Point is a 53-acre wetland parcel owned by the State of Michigan. The area is accessed via two two-track roads off South Partridge Point Road, each leading to small parking areas. Visitors should avoid the northern track during wet seasons, as it becomes deeply rutted and waterlogged.

Partridge Point is a birdwatcher’s paradise, especially during spring and fall migrations when the area teems with avian activity. It supports various nesting and migratory bird species, including Black Terns, Marsh Wrens, Sora, Virginia Rails, and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers. Other regularly observed species include Great Horned, Barred, and Short-eared Owls, Mute Swans, Canada Geese, vireos, nuthatches, wrens, Brown Thrashers, Gray Catbirds, warblers, sparrows, Baltimore Orioles, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Blue Jays, American Crows, Common Ravens, Northern Harriers, and more.

During migration seasons, visitors may also spot Tundra Swans, Merlins, Peregrine Falcons, Sandhill Cranes, American Woodcocks, Belted Kingfishers, and Bobolinks.