Wildlife in Southwest Michigan is notable for its incredible biodiversity—and nowhere is that more apparent than at Copper Top Ridge. Nestled between forest, creek, and farmland, our New Buffalo vacation rental offers guests a front-row seat to the region’s natural wonders.

The eastern edge of our property is bordered by Squaw Creek, a quiet waterway that serves as a natural game trail, attracting a wide variety of wildlife in all seasons. Whether you’re sipping coffee on the patio, lounging near the hammock, or enjoying a sunset soak in the hot tub, you’re likely to spot something wild without ever leaving the yard.

Wildlife at Copper Top Ridge: What You Might See

If you’re curious about wildlife in Southwest Michigan, Copper Top Ridge is a great place to experience it firsthand. Our guests frequently report sightings of animals both common and unexpected—sometimes just steps from the house.

Yard & Forest Visitors

These animals tend to follow the creek corridor or emerge from the tree line at dawn or dusk:

• White-tailed deer

• Wild turkey

• Red fox

• Raccoon

• Coyote

• Skunk

Learn more about Michigan’s wildlife by visiting the Michigan DNR’s Wildlife Viewing page.

Creekside Creatures

Squaw Creek is more than just a scenic backdrop—it’s a hotspot for smaller wildlife and a fun place to explore quietly on foot:

• Frogs (especially vocal in spring or after rain)

• Painted turtles basking on sunny logs

• Garter snakes and water snakes (non-venomous and shy)

Evening Flyers & Nighttime Activity

As dusk settles over the trees, the property transforms into a lively stage for airborne wildlife:

• Bats soaring overhead—often visible while you’re relaxing around the campfire

• Lightning bugs (fireflies) blinking across the backyard and treetops

• Butterflies floating through the air earlier in the day

• Praying mantis, occasionally spotted on trees or outdoor light fixtures

A Note on Country Living

Spending time in nature means enjoying its beauty—and occasionally sharing space with its smaller residents. While we regularly spray for bugs, and maintain a clean home and patio, guests should expect to occasionally see:

• Lady beetles

• Stink bugs

• Mosquitoes (we provide repellent)

These seasonal visitors are part of the countryside charm, and we do our best to minimize their presence without losing what makes this place feel so close to nature.

Birdwatching at Copper Top Ridge

One of the best parts of watching wildlife in Southwest Michigan is observing the incredible variety of birdlife. At Copper Top Ridge, a feeder tucked near the hammock makes birdwatching easy, while larger birds glide above the trees and creek.

Birds Commonly Spotted:

• Northern cardinals

• Goldfinches

• Blue jays

• Black-capped chickadees

• Mourning doves

• Downy and red-bellied woodpeckers

• Ruby-throated hummingbirds

• Great blue herons (often near the creek)

• Sandhill cranes (in nearby fields or overhead)

• Red-tailed hawks

• Bald eagles (occasionally seen soaring high above)

Want to identify what you see? We recommend checking out All About Birds or Audubon’s field guides.

Why Copper Top Ridge is a Nature Lover’s Retreat

If you’re looking to experience wildlife in Southwest Michigan without heading to a nature preserve or state park, Copper Top Ridge offers a rare combination of comfort and wilderness. You might see deer grazing by the tree line in the morning, turtles slipping into the creek by afternoon, and bats darting across the night sky as you unwind by the fire.

Guests also enjoy thoughtful outdoor spaces designed to help you slow down and take it all in. Relax by the hammock, light a fire in the evening, or sip your morning coffee as cardinals flutter to the feeder. And if you’re in the mood to explore, check out our curated add-ons and extras or browse our guide to things to do in New Buffalo.

At Copper Top Ridge, nature comes to you—and all you have to do is look around.