Woodys Lake is a small private lake located behind Walmart in Madison Heights. Although the lake is private, birds can be observed from the edge of the Walmart parking lot. Woodys Lake is worth checking any time of year but late Autumn through late Spring are the most productive. Canada Geese and Mallards are generally always present. Occasionally, these are joined by other waterfowl including Ross’s Goose, Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, and Lesser Scaup. Ross’s Goose has been found here twice - January 2011 and January 2017. Around the muddy edges of the lake, waders and shorebirds are sometimes found - especially following storms. Both Solitary and Spotted Sandpiper are regular visitors in Autumn and Spring. Tree Swallows and Northern Rough-winged Swallows nest here. Purple Martins are often noted flying overhead in Summer. Green Herons nest nearby and are often seen feeding along the shore from Spring through Summer.
Rare and unusual birds that have been found here include Ross’s Goose, American and Least Bittern, Black-crowned and Yellow-crowned Night Heron, Black-billed Cuckoo, and Lincoln’s Sparrow.
Accessibility: Private. Birding is done from the edge only. Parking available in Walmart Parking Lot.
eBird Hotspot: Woodys Lake
—Mike Boatwright, March 2021