63 Backus Lake 

wildlife viewing  |  directions and facility information

   
Photos: © Bob Hess

This shallow lake and the surrounding wetlands are popular with wildlife, and although the site has few improvements, it is popular with summer recreationists, too. Access is limited to foot traffic on the east side of the Backus Lake dam. This foot-access-only helps ensure a quiet, peaceful walk through forestlands, wildlife openings, and along the natural lakeshore. Backus Lake is the southern-most lake in a series of three wetland lakes, all state-owned, along the Backus Creek drainage. The other two wetlands, the Backus Creek Wildlife Flooding and Little Mud Lake, are located just north, and downstream, of one another. These three lakes, all with water levels enhanced by dams, create a wetland complex attractive to many species of wildlife.

Wildlife Viewing

An osprey (also called fish hawk) lands at a nesting platform. Ospreys will readily use man-made nesting platforms. Photo: Dave Kenyon, MIDNR.

Loons nest on Backus Lake and can be best observed in the spring and early summer. Seeing a loon with chicks in the still morning mist is a sight not soon forgotten. The Backus Lake loons are one of only several hundred pairs remaining in the state, so please do not approach or disturb them. The clearcuts and other forest habitats, including nearby managed forest openings, are also great places to view wildlife. Watch and listen for male woodcock performing their unusual courtship displays in these openings in early April. They begin on the ground, calling out a loud, nasal "peeeent." They then launch straight up into the air and emit a chirping sound as they fly tight circles back to the ground, where they start their displays all over again. Coyotes and bobcats are quite common in this area. Look for their tracks along sandy trails. An osprey nesting platform close to the road provides an excellent look at these amazing aerial anglers, and beavers have constructed a lodge of sticks in the lake near the platform. An eagle’s nest is found nearby and these magnificent birds of prey can often be seen soaring in search of food such as fish, ducks, muskrats, even turtles.

This area is open to public hunting. Contact the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for affected seasons and locations.