The north/south axis of Lake Michigan forms a natural corridor for migrating waterfowl. During March and again in October and November, almost all of the regularly occurring ducks in the Chicago area can be seen moving past Montrose Point or resting on the lake. Uncommon species like Surf and Black Scoters are regular in small numbers in late fall, and Harlequin Ducks are occasionally found close to shore during the colder months of the year. In early April, hundreds of Red-breasted Mergansers begin to gather in the waters off Montrose Point, feeding on smelt, a small schooling fish that moves into the inshore waters of Lake Michigan to breed. Though less common now than in previous years, a few Long-tailed Ducks can still be seen in late fall and winter off Montrose Point. The best place to look for waterfowl at Montrose is at the end of the fishhook pier, though if waves are crashing over the pier you won't want to be out there. Scaup and other diving ducks can also be seen in Montrose Harbor, and small numbers of dabbling ducks can be seen in the pond at the north end of the golf course. Unfortunately, most geese, with the exception of Canada, are rare at Montrose though Cackling and Snow Geese are seen occasionally. Tundra Swans are sometimes seen in March and November.
