DeTour Area: DeTour Harbor and Drummond Island Ferry
Directions Continue east along M-134 from DeTour State Forest Campground for 6 miles until you reach the charming resort village of DeTour. The entrance to the Drummond Island Ferry is less than a quarter mile into the town, and the State Harbor is only a few hundred feet beyond that.
Birding Opportunities Whether viewing from DeTour State Harbor, or on the ferry ride over to Drummond Island, the water here between the island and mainland, known as DeTour passage, can house many interesting bird species. Tundra Swans and many diving ducks can be found here in early spring or late fall. In addition Double-Crested Cormorant, Common Tern, and Long-tailed Duck can be found swimming in the passage. In times of inclement weather during migration large numbers of swallows will often descend low to the water and can be seen flying around the harbor. Some species that can be found here include Tree, Bank, Northern Rough-winged and Cliff Swallows.
Other Exciting Features When crossing the ferry from DeTour to Drummond there is a small elevated and enclosed observation deck on the ferry. From here on can see the dolomite quarry on Drummond Island and often times one will pass a large freighter that may be hauling goods across the Great Lakes. The south side of DeTour passage is also home to a number of diverse rocky reefs. These reefs are an ideal study location for various fish species given they each are made of different sized rocks and allow for a side by side comparison of fish spawning preferences. The reefs also attract large numbers of sports fishermen who come to catch lake trout, whitefish, and a number of other game fish species.
