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FORD HOUSE
1100 Lake Shore Drive, Grosse Pointe Shores
Edsel and Eleanor Ford tasked renowned landscape architect Jen Jensen with having the 87-acre estate blend nature and spaces designed for sports and relaxation, family time and gatherings with friends. The result is one of the best birding spots in southeastern Michigan. The mixture of habitats attracts a wide variety of birds, particularly during migration. More than 200 species have been recorded here.
![Rapai Ford House Main Gate.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a1bb88_ff995896c2e24445991ecc89dc6e5a59~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_400,h_400,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Rapai%20Ford%20House%20Main%20Gate.jpg)
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From March through December, the Cove supports Belted Kingfishers and Great Blue Herons. During migration, the shoreline is a regular stopover site for Spotted Sandpipers, migrating ducks and occasionally Least Bittern. During the winter, it's a great place to look for Bald Eagles and winter finches. In spring and fall, the trees are often filled with warblers and thrushes. Rare species include Yellow-crowned Night Herons, Glaucous Gulls, Connecticut Warblers, Louisiana Waterthrushes, and Pileated Woodpeckers.
AMENITIES
Below is a list of amenities available at this property.
![Birding Trail map icons-ALL SEASONS_edited.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a1bb88_1c77411ec326494a856d2893fc559c6d~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_40,h_40,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Birding%20Trail%20map%20icons-ALL%20SEASONS_edited.png)
VIEWING SEASON
Year-round viewing is available
![Birding Trail map icons-PARKING.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a1bb88_305ff593d1f84a1593ff1d2ef4870bc3~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_40,h_40,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Birding%20Trail%20map%20icons-PARKING.png)
PARKING
Paved parking is available
![Birding Trail map - RESTROOMS.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a1bb88_6803d0dd30b0440b9cf385be287672a2~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_40,h_40,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Birding%20Trail%20map%20-%20RESTROOMS.png)
RESTROOMS
Restrooms are available on this property
![Birding Trail map icons-PAVED TRAIL.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a1bb88_f76726636c5e4ef88352a7cf14d495cb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_40,h_40,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Birding%20Trail%20map%20icons-PAVED%20TRAIL.png)
TRAIL CONDITION
This trail is partially paved.
![Birding Trail map icons-PICNICS.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a1bb88_30f145586b684d639eef9f5a42e68a68~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_40,h_40,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Birding%20Trail%20map%20icons-PICNICS.png)
PICNIC TABLES
Picnic tables are available, but no shelter.
![Birding Trail map icons-BOAT LAUNCH.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a1bb88_45b9b66786424fd594c598e891763ef8~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_40,h_40,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Birding%20Trail%20map%20icons-BOAT%20LAUNCH.png)
BOAT LAUNCH
There is a boat launch at this property
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