Lower Thunder Bay River - 9th Street Dam Outflow

Site in Alpena along the Sunrise Coast Birding Trail

Site: Thunder Bay River from the outflow of 9th Ave Dam to the river’s mouth offers year-round open-water birding. The Bi-Path, a paved walking/biking path along both sides of the river, gives the birder excellent viewing opportunities. The Bi-path leads to the river mouth and the harbor breakwall. Parking: available on both sides of the river at La Mare Park, Riverside Skate Park, and Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary (TBNMS). Restrooms: Bay View Park at the river’s mouth and TBNMS.

Birding: Diving ducks, 3 species of mergansers, bufflehead, and common goldeneye are plentiful. Occasionally, a peregrine falcon, cattle egrets, yellow crowned night heron. Winter brings snowy owls and unusual gulls.

Many other aquatic species can be seen at different seasons. Above the 9th Ave. Dam, Lake Besser, a flooding caused by the Dam, teems with ring-necked ducks in the fall. Parking is roadside only.

Things To Do: Birding, Fishing, Kayaking

GPS: 45.07053, -83.43764