12 hours near Detroit Airport (1 Viewer)

I had an option to spend 12 hrs at Detroit Airport, coming back from Brazil, when booking a flight recently.

In the end I booked a more direct flight, but just in case I need to change dates again when I'm there, does anyone know if there are any nice places near Detroit?

I've never done any US birding so even common birds would be good, and it has to be somewhere safe enough to pull out a large camera Ideally I'd get a taxi there and back, or public transport if it exists.

Thanks.

Just in case you are still interested, try Crosswinds Marsh Preserve. Here is some information: http://michigantrailmaps.com/Wayne/Crosswinds/CrosswindsIntro.html. Ebird shows that 212 species have been found there which isn't bad. It is about 10 miles from the airport. Also, along the Huron River, which is between the airport and Crosswinds, there is a chain of Metroparks (Lower Huron, Oakwoods, Willow, Lake Erie) which can be birded as well (but Crosswinds does have a greater range of species). Detroit is where I was born and I still have family there - that's why I am familiar with the area.

Oh boy that looks perfect ! I'm really regretting having not gone the long route on the way back now, I'm sure I could have added a good dozen birds to my trip photos… Still, there is a chance I can still change my ticket later, and if not I'll definitely remember Detroit for stopovers on a future trip. Many thanks, Greg.

George, point pelee is just down the road. Depending on the time of year and wind conditions this spot can be superb