Tawas Point State Park

Narrow sandy peninsula separating Tawas Bay from Lake Huron. A thin but long sandspit at the tip provides vital roosting habitat for terns, gulls, and rare shorebirds such as Whimbrel, Red Knot, Ruddy Turnstone, and Piping Plover.

Ornithological Summary

Concentration of Red-breasted Merganser (Avg. No./Period = 3,250, with maximum = 5,000, during 1992,1994 fall migration). Important corridor for migrating passerine birds in spring as well as for many species of shorebirds and waterfowl. 297 species have been seen here.

Conservation Issues

Disturbance of roosting birds at tip of Tawas Point due to kite surfers is a major threat. Efforts should be taken to encourage avoidance of this area during May-August, especially in light of recent nesting attempts of Piping Plover.

Ownership

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Habitat

Mixed woods, shrub/scrub, lake, herbaceous vegetation.

Land Use

recreation/tourism, wildlife conservation/research