St. Ignace Location: Carp River Mouth

Directions
Continue north on the I-75 business spur around 3 mile. Merge onto I-75 north. Take exit 352, and turn right onto M123 and at the stop sign turn left onto Mackinac Trail. Continue North on Mackinac Trail for 4 miles and turn right onto Carp River Road (this is immediately before you pass underneath the expressway, if you go under the expressway you just missed it). Follow the signs for the boat launch down this road for about 2 miles. When you come to the river mouth you can either go straight to the river, or right to the lake. The river area provides a pleasant fishing dock, and views of the river and the nearby open grassland and forests. The road to the lake ends at a boat launch and circle drive where you can get out to view waterfowl and migrant passerines.  

Northern Harrier
Photo: Cornell Lab of Ornithology, LitcherH

Birding Opportunities
At the end of Carp River Road one can find views of the open water as well as small cedars and shrubs that often house migrant song birds. This location is often good for many neo-tropical song birds, but is particularly well known as a good place to see migrant raptors in the fall. The Broad-wing Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk and Bald Eagle are all common species seen at this location. Over near the fishing area, there is a large open field which is often good for Sparrows, Flycatchers, and Northern Harriers.
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Other Exciting Features
The river is a well-known spot for smelt, salmon and certain trout species to spawn.  In addition, beaver and otter are a somewhat frequent site at the river mouth.