I'm about to say something I never thought I'd say: I'm an avid bird watcher. It's been that way since I moved to the Mitten State.

I don't know how it happened. Maybe it's something to do with getting older and gaining new appreciation for the little things in life? Or maybe it has to do with all of the incredible nature in the state of Michigan, which is bountiful and stunningly gorgeous, even in my own (quite small) backyard.

Each morning, the first thing I do is head out to the front porch with a small bowl of peanuts and seeds to feed my squirrel and bird friends. The squirrels are cute, but the birds are like living art.

I'm now familiar enough with their songs to know when a new feathered friend has arrived. I quickly open up my bird app to learn more about my newest buddy. My birding app of choice is Merlin Bird ID, powered by Cornell Lab. You can identify birds by sound or by photograph. It even keeps a life list of all the birds you've seen!

This is handy for people like me who want to expand their birding experience. After identifying most birds near my house, I wanted to get out into the world and see what other birds I could befriend. That led me to the discovery of Haehnle Lake Sanctuary in Grass Lake, Michigan.

Located just six miles from Jackson, which happens to be home to some of the best BBQ in Michigan, this sanctuary is best known for sandhill crane viewing. Over 1,000 acres are filled with beech trees, oak trees, wetlands, native grasslands... and so many birds.

This Michigan bird sanctuary is free and open year-round from dawn to dusk. It has walking trails with interpretive maps to guide you along them. Previous visitors often find themselves completely alone on this 25-minute hike, making it a perfect escape from the stressors of everyday life.

Be sure to bring some excellent binoculars, as you'll have the chance to see over 200 species of birds! I love this pair: they are waterproof and come in a variety of colors... much like our bird friends themselves!

Some species you'll see on this Michigan birding trail include the sweet little Eastern Blue Bird above, as well as sparrows, finches, ducks, snipes, and more. You might even see a prehistoric bird while you're at the Haehnele Sanctuary; other birdwatchers report seeing raptors on more than one occasion.

However, what makes this Michigan Audubon Sanctuary famous is the massive number of Sandhill Cranes that pass through during fall migration from September to November. Each year, the Haehnle Sanctuary conducts a "Crane Count," which is precisely as it reads: a count of all the cranes that have gathered. The most ever recorded in one afternoon were over 8,000 in November 2012. I bet that was a sight to see!

So, if you, like me, have fallen in love with our fine feathered friends, plan a trip to the Haehnle Sanctuary in Grass Lake, Michigan. Part of my trip planning will probably include an overnight stay in nearby Jackson. There, you'll find art, nature, and some pretty delicious eats. It's a perfect way end to a lovely trip to see some birds.

Do you have any other suggestions for bird watching in Michigan? I'd love to hear them! Just tell me all the details in the comments.