Pelicans in Michigan in July
Yes, July is a good month to see pelicans in Michigan. It is the 4th busiest month of the year, with 54 of the 390 sightings logged across the year (13.8%), based on verified iNaturalist records.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Good month for pelicans in Michigan
13.8%
of yearly sightings
54
records in July
#4
busiest month of 12
390
verified records a year
June 18.7%, July 13.8%, August 9.2%. Busiest month is May at 25.1%.
390 verified observations of pelicans in Michigan, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When pelicans are recorded in Michigan
Peak month
May
98 records (25.1% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4 | 1% |
| February | 6 | 1.5% |
| March | 11 | 2.8% |
| Aprilpeak | 60 | 15.4% |
| Maypeak | 98 | 25.1% |
| Junepeak | 73 | 18.7% |
| July | 54 | 13.8% |
| August | 36 | 9.2% |
| September | 22 | 5.6% |
| October | 17 | 4.4% |
| November | 4 | 1% |
| December | 5 | 1.3% |
Pelicans you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| American White Pelican | 376 |
| Brown Pelican | 14 |
In Michigan, July carries 13.8% of the year's pelicans sightings, about 5.5 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 4th busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is easing off from June (18.7%) into July, and it heads toward August (9.2%) after. The busiest month is May (25.1%), so if timing is flexible, that window is the safer bet.
The pelicans most often recorded in Michigan are American White Pelican and Brown Pelican. Those counts are annual totals rather than a July split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in July itself.
Which pelicans you are most likely to see
- American White Pelican376 records
- Brown Pelican14 records
Plan your pelican trip in Michigan
Start with live tours near Isle Royale National Park, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Isle Royale National Park
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main pelican viewing area.
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Stay nearbyStay near Isle Royale National Park
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best pelican viewing area in Michigan.
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Broader backupBook a pelican tour in Michigan
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see pelicans in Michigan in July?+
Yes. July accounts for 54 of the 390 verified pelicans sightings logged in Michigan across the year, which is 13.8% of the annual total.
Is July a good time to see pelicans in Michigan?+
July is the 4th busiest month. It is workable, though May and June is the stronger window for a reliable sighting.
What month is best for pelicans in Michigan?+
May is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through May, June and April, based on 390 verified observations.
Which pelicans are you most likely to see in Michigan?+
The most-recorded species in Michigan are American White Pelican and Brown Pelican, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See pelicans in Michigan in other months
More places to see pelicans
More wildlife in Michigan