63 Backus Lake 
wildlife viewing
| directions and facility information
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.
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