Birding in Wisconsin

Explore 170 birding hotspots across wetland, marsh, grassland, urban park, coastal, lake, river/riparian, forest, canyon habitats in Wisconsin.

170

Locations

105+

Notable Species

9

Habitat Types

3

Peak Seasons

Complete Wisconsin Birding Guide

Top locations, species, seasonal tips, and more

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Birding Locations in Wisconsin

Canada Geese filling the sky over Horicon Marsh in fall

Wisconsin

Easy

Horicon Marsh

Largest US cattail marsh with massive fall goose concentrations and breeding marsh birds.

WetlandMarshFallSummer
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

6th Avenue Marsh

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 227 recorded species.

WetlandSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Adam Birding Conservancy

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 217 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Arena Boat Landing

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 242 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Ashland Waterfront - General

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 201 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
Urban Park birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Asylum Point Park/Picnic Point Wildlife Refuge

Urban Park birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 202 recorded species.

Urban ParkSpringFall
Coastal birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Baileys Harbor Point

Coastal birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 204 recorded species.

CoastalSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Bark Bay Slough State Natural Area

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 210 recorded species.

WetlandCoastalSpringFall
Coastal birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary

Coastal birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 245 recorded species.

CoastalSpringFall
Urban Park birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Bender Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 251 recorded species.

Urban ParkSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Browntown-Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 224 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Buena Vista Grasslands/Marsh

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 241 recorded species.

WetlandSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - North Unit

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 227 recorded species.

WetlandUrban ParkSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - South Unit

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 208 recorded species.

WetlandUrban ParkSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area - Kenosha Dunes Unit

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 209 recorded species.

GrasslandSpringFall
Urban Park birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Cliffside Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 208 recorded species.

Urban ParkSpringFall
Urban Park birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Coal Dock Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 215 recorded species.

Urban ParkSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Collins Marsh State Wildlife Area

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 243 recorded species.

WetlandSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

County V Ponds

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 213 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 275 recorded species.

WetlandSpringFall
Lake birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area - Phantom Lake Road

Lake birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 237 recorded species.

LakeWetlandSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Cruson Slough

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 203 recorded species.

WetlandSpringFall
Lake birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Devils Lake State Park

Lake birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 245 recorded species.

LakeSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Engel Conservation Area

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 218 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
Urban Park birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Estabrook Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 222 recorded species.

Urban ParkSpringFall
River/Riparian birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Fischer Creek Conservation Area

River/Riparian birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 235 recorded species.

River/RiparianSpringFall
aerial view of bridge over the sea

Wisconsin

Moderate

Fischer Lake

Lake birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 203 recorded species.

LakeSpringFall
Lake birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Fish Camp Park, Lake Kegonsa

Lake birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 210 recorded species.

LakeUrban ParkSpringFall
Lake birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Fish Lake State Wildlife Area

Lake birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 234 recorded species.

LakeWetlandSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Fishermen's Road (La Crosse)

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 217 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
Coastal birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Forest Beach Migratory Preserve

Coastal birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 267 recorded species.

CoastalForestSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

George W. Mead State Wildlife Area

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 250 recorded species.

WetlandSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

George W. Mead State Wildlife Area - Smoky Hill Road

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 213 recorded species.

WetlandSpringFall
Lake birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

George W. Mead State Wildlife Area - South Rice Lake

Lake birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 224 recorded species.

LakeWetlandSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Glacial Drumlin State Trail - Lake Mills west to Zeloski Marsh

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 217 recorded species.

WetlandLakeSpringFall
Lake birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Goose Lake Area

Lake birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 202 recorded species.

LakeSpringFall
Lake birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Goose Pond

Lake birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 237 recorded species.

LakeSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Governor Dodge State Park

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 225 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Governor Nelson State Park

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 236 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
Coastal birding habitat

Wisconsin

Challenging

Governor's Island

Coastal birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 205 recorded species.

CoastalSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Grand River Marsh State Wildlife Area - Marquette County

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 201 recorded species.

WetlandRiver/RiparianSpringFall
Urban Park birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Grant Park - general

Urban Park birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 249 recorded species.

Urban ParkSpringFall
Urban Park birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Grobschmidt Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 207 recorded species.

Urban ParkSpringFall
Coastal birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Harrington Beach State Park

Coastal birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 279 recorded species.

CoastalSpringFall
Coastal birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Harrington Beach State Park - WGLBBO waterbird count site

Coastal birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 250 recorded species.

CoastalSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Harvey-Wangsness Wetland

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 209 recorded species.

WetlandSpringFall
Forest birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Havenwoods State Forest

Forest birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 205 recorded species.

ForestSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Herbster Lakefront

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 206 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

High Cliff State Park

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 226 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area - Education and Visitor Center

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 238 recorded species.

WetlandSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area - General

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 216 recorded species.

WetlandSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Horicon National Wildlife Refuge

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 277 recorded species.

WetlandSpringFall
the sun is setting over a river with rocks

Wisconsin

Moderate

Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Trails

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 264 recorded species.

WetlandSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Dike Road

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 243 recorded species.

WetlandSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Highway 49

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 242 recorded species.

WetlandSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Ledge and Point Rds

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 243 recorded species.

WetlandSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Old Marsh Road

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 235 recorded species.

WetlandSpringFall
Lake birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Indian Lake County Park

Lake birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 229 recorded species.

LakeUrban ParkSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Ken Euers Nature Area

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 250 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
Forest birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Kettle Moraine State Forest - Mauthe Lake Rec. Area

Forest birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 214 recorded species.

ForestLakeSpringFall
Forest birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Kettle Moraine State Forest - Ottawa Lake Recreation Area

Forest birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 201 recorded species.

ForestLakeSpringFall
Forest birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit

Forest birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 227 recorded species.

ForestLakeSpringFall
Coastal birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Kewaunee Harbor

Coastal birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 248 recorded species.

CoastalSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Killsnake State Wildlife Area

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 204 recorded species.

WetlandSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Kohler-Andrae State Park

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 250 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

L. H. Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 231 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
Lake birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Lake Barney

Lake birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 214 recorded species.

LakeSpringFall
Coastal birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Lake Du Bay - Dam Area

Coastal birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 210 recorded species.

CoastalLakeSpringFall
Lake birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Lake Kegonsa State Park

Lake birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 222 recorded species.

LakeSpringFall
Lake birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Lake Koshkonong - Vinnie HaHa Road/boat launch

Lake birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 201 recorded species.

LakeSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Lake Mills State Wildlife Area - Zeloski Marsh

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 254 recorded species.

WetlandLakeSpringFall
Lake birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Lake Park

Lake birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 273 recorded species.

LakeUrban ParkSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Leola Marsh State Wildlife Area

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 204 recorded species.

WetlandSpringFall
Canyon birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve

Canyon birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 248 recorded species.

CanyonSpringFall
Coastal birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Long Bridge/Head of the bay, Ashland

Coastal birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 246 recorded species.

CoastalSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Lost Creek Wetland (Stevens Point)

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 235 recorded species.

WetlandRiver/RiparianSpringFall
Lake birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Lower Wisconsin SR - Bakken's Pond Unit

Lake birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 246 recorded species.

LakeSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Lower Wisconsin SR - Mazomanie Unit (dog trial grounds)

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 212 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
River/Riparian birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Lower Yahara River Trail

River/Riparian birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 207 recorded species.

River/RiparianSpringFall
Lake birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Lulu Lake Preserve

Lake birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 217 recorded species.

LakeSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Mack State Wildlife Area

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 239 recorded species.

WetlandSpringFall
A flock of swans are swimming in the water

Wisconsin

Moderate

Manitowoc Lakefront

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 298 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Mascoutin Valley State Trail

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 202 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Maywood Environmental Area

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 209 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

McMillan Marsh State Wildlife Area

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 209 recorded species.

WetlandSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Mequon Nature Preserve

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 236 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
Coastal birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Milwaukee Harbor

Coastal birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 202 recorded species.

CoastalSpringFall
Lake birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Mirror Lake State Park

Lake birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 221 recorded species.

LakeSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

MMSD Dredge Material Management Facility

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 241 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Mosquito Hill Nature Center

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 209 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
Lake birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Mud Lake State Wildlife Area

Lake birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 214 recorded species.

LakeWetlandSpringFall
Lake birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Mud Lake, Ozaukee County

Lake birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 209 recorded species.

LakeSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Myrick Marsh (La Crosse)

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 219 recorded species.

WetlandSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Necedah National Wildlife Refuge - general

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 241 recorded species.

WetlandSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Necedah National Wildlife Refuge - Sprague-Mather Flowage

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 200 recorded species.

WetlandSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Necedah National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 206 recorded species.

WetlandSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Newport State Park

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 201 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Nicholson Wildlife Refuge

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 238 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
Morne Rouge cresent beach on the Caribbean Island of Grenada

Wisconsin

Moderate

Nine Springs Natural Area (MMSD Wildlife Observation Area)

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 267 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
Urban Park birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

North Point Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 230 recorded species.

Urban ParkSpringFall
Coastal birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Oconto Harbor

Coastal birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 201 recorded species.

CoastalSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Odana Marsh

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 205 recorded species.

WetlandSpringFall
Urban Park birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Olin Park/Turville Point Conservation Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 216 recorded species.

Urban ParkSpringFall
Lake birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Oneida Reformatory Road Pond

Lake birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 213 recorded species.

LakeSpringFall
River/Riparian birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Paradise Valley State Wildlife Area - Bark River Unit

River/Riparian birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 211 recorded species.

River/RiparianWetlandSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Patrick Marsh/Brazee Lake

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 218 recorded species.

WetlandLakeSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Peninsula State Park

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 215 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Peninsula State Park - Weborg Point

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 222 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Perrot State Park

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 201 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
Coastal birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Peshtigo Harbor State Wildlife Area - Peshtigo Point/Pond Road

Coastal birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 232 recorded species.

CoastalLakeWetlandSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Pheasant Branch Conservancy

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 229 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
River/Riparian birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Pigeon River Park

River/Riparian birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 221 recorded species.

River/RiparianUrban ParkSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Point au Sable Natural Area

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 226 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
Coastal birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Point Beach State Forest

Coastal birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 213 recorded species.

CoastalForestSpringFall
Coastal birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Point Beach State Forest - Molash Creek

Coastal birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 201 recorded species.

CoastalForestRiver/RiparianSpringFall
Coastal birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Port Wing Harbor

Coastal birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 202 recorded species.

CoastalSpringFall
Urban Park birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Portage Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 217 recorded species.

Urban ParkSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Potosi Landing

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 207 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Powell Marsh State Wildlife Area (incl. vista & dikes)

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 228 recorded species.

WetlandSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Prairie du Sac Dam

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 215 recorded species.

GrasslandSpringFall
Lake birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Prairie Springs Park/Lake Andrea

Lake birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 203 recorded species.

LakeGrasslandUrban ParkSpringFall
Urban Park birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Prentice Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 230 recorded species.

Urban ParkSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Rainbow Flowage

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 203 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Richard Bong State Recreation Area

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 254 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Ridges Sanctuary

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 209 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
River/Riparian birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Root River PKWY #13

River/Riparian birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 201 recorded species.

River/RiparianSpringFall
Lake birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Rose Lake State Natural Area/Dorothy Carnes Park - west

Lake birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 223 recorded species.

LakeUrban ParkSpringFall
Lake birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Rush Lake

Lake birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 211 recorded species.

LakeSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Saint Nazianz

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 209 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
Urban Park birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Samuel Myers Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 239 recorded species.

Urban ParkSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Sandhill State Wildlife Area

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 219 recorded species.

WetlandSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Sauk Prairie Canoe Landing

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 226 recorded species.

GrasslandSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Sauk Prairie Recreation Area

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 203 recorded species.

GrasslandSpringFall
a seagull walking on the beach near the water

Wisconsin

Easy

Schlitz Audubon Nature Center

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 266 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Schmeeckle Reserve

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 206 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Schoeneberg Marsh

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 220 recorded species.

WetlandSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Seagull Bar State Natural Area

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 216 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Sensiba State Wildlife Area

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 238 recorded species.

WetlandSpringFall
Urban Park birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Sheridan Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 238 recorded species.

Urban ParkSpringFall
Lake birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Shovelers Sink (use separate hotspot for pond to the south)

Lake birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 206 recorded species.

LakeSpringFall
Coastal birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

South Metro Pier (Oak Creek)

Coastal birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 220 recorded species.

CoastalRiver/RiparianSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Strawberry Ln.

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 203 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
Lake birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Stricker's Pond

Lake birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 211 recorded species.

LakeSpringFall
Lake birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Swan Pond Waterfowl Production Area - Fish Hatchery Road

Lake birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 208 recorded species.

LakeSpringFall
Urban Park birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Tenney Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 207 recorded species.

Urban ParkSpringFall
Urban Park birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Thompson's West End Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 222 recorded species.

Urban ParkSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge - general

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 242 recorded species.

WetlandSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Uihlein Waterfowl Production Area

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 201 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
Coastal birding habitat

Wisconsin

Challenging

Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Goose Island

Coastal birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 216 recorded species.

CoastalRiver/RiparianWetlandSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve - Picnic Point

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 254 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
green trees on brown field during daytime

Wisconsin

Moderate

UW Madison Arboretum

Forest birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 249 recorded species.

ForestUrban ParkSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

UW Madison Arboretum - Gardner Marsh

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 200 recorded species.

WetlandForestUrban ParkSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Vernon Marsh

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 209 recorded species.

WetlandSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Vernon Marsh - Benson Avenue

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 236 recorded species.

WetlandSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Vernon Marsh - Inner & Outer DU Dikes/Figure 8

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 230 recorded species.

WetlandSpringFall
Urban Park birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Veterans Park (Milwaukee)

Urban Park birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 244 recorded species.

Urban ParkSpringFall
Urban Park birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Virmond Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 220 recorded species.

Urban ParkSpringFall
Urban Park birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Warnimont County Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 248 recorded species.

Urban ParkSpringFall
Coastal birding habitat

Wisconsin

Challenging

Washington Island

Coastal birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 236 recorded species.

CoastalSpringFall
A river running through a lush green forest

Wisconsin

Easy

Wehr Nature Center

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 228 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
Wetland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

White River Marsh State Wildlife Area

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 222 recorded species.

WetlandRiver/RiparianSpringFall
Urban Park birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Wind Point (Lighthouse and Shoop Park)

Urban Park birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 282 recorded species.

Urban ParkSpringFall
Lake birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Windward Square Dr. and Lower Lake

Lake birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 202 recorded species.

LakeSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Wisconsin Point

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 276 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Wisconsin Point - First parking lot

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 246 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
River/Riparian birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Wolf River Bottoms Wildlife Area - Herb Behnke Unit

River/Riparian birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 205 recorded species.

River/RiparianWetlandSpringFall
Forest birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Woodland Dunes Nature Center

Forest birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 210 recorded species.

ForestSpringFall
Forest birding habitat

Wisconsin

Moderate

Woodland Dunes State Natural Area

Forest birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 202 recorded species.

ForestSpringFall
Grassland birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Wyalusing State Park

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 232 recorded species.

GrasslandWetlandSpringFall
Lake birding habitat

Wisconsin

Easy

Yellowstone Lake State Park

Lake birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 246 recorded species.

LakeSpringFall

Notable Species

Key species found across birding locations in Wisconsin:

Canada GooseSandhill CraneAmerican BitternYellow-headed BlackbirdForster's TernRing-billed GullRed-bellied WoodpeckerAmerican CrowBlack-capped ChickadeeEuropean StarlingGreat Blue HeronRed-winged BlackbirdMallardGreen HeronVirginia RailTrumpeter SwanGadwallAmerican WigeonMourning DoveRed-shouldered Hawk

Habitats & Best Seasons

Habitat Types:

WetlandMarshGrasslandUrban ParkCoastalLakeRiver/RiparianForestCanyon

Best Seasons:

SpringSummerFall

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best birding spots in Wisconsin?
The top birding locations in Wisconsin include Horicon Marsh, 6th Avenue Marsh, Adam Birding Conservancy, Arena Boat Landing, Ashland Waterfront - General, Asylum Point Park/Picnic Point Wildlife Refuge, Baileys Harbor Point, Bark Bay Slough State Natural Area, Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, Bender Park, Browntown-Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area, Buena Vista Grasslands/Marsh, Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - North Unit, Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - South Unit, Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area - Kenosha Dunes Unit, Cliffside Park, Coal Dock Park, Collins Marsh State Wildlife Area, County V Ponds, Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area, Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area - Phantom Lake Road, Cruson Slough, Devils Lake State Park, Engel Conservation Area, Estabrook Park, Fischer Creek Conservation Area, Fischer Lake, Fish Camp Park, Lake Kegonsa, Fish Lake State Wildlife Area, Fishermen's Road (La Crosse), Forest Beach Migratory Preserve, George W. Mead State Wildlife Area, George W. Mead State Wildlife Area - Smoky Hill Road, George W. Mead State Wildlife Area - South Rice Lake, Glacial Drumlin State Trail - Lake Mills west to Zeloski Marsh, Goose Lake Area, Goose Pond, Governor Dodge State Park, Governor Nelson State Park, Governor's Island, Grand River Marsh State Wildlife Area - Marquette County, Grant Park - general, Grobschmidt Park, Harrington Beach State Park, Harrington Beach State Park - WGLBBO waterbird count site, Harvey-Wangsness Wetland, Havenwoods State Forest, Herbster Lakefront, High Cliff State Park, Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area - Education and Visitor Center, Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area - General, Horicon National Wildlife Refuge, Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Trails, Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Dike Road, Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Highway 49, Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Ledge and Point Rds, Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Old Marsh Road, Indian Lake County Park, Ken Euers Nature Area, Kettle Moraine State Forest - Mauthe Lake Rec. Area, Kettle Moraine State Forest - Ottawa Lake Recreation Area, Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit, Kewaunee Harbor, Killsnake State Wildlife Area, Kohler-Andrae State Park, L. H. Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve, Lake Barney, Lake Du Bay - Dam Area, Lake Kegonsa State Park, Lake Koshkonong - Vinnie HaHa Road/boat launch, Lake Mills State Wildlife Area - Zeloski Marsh, Lake Park, Leola Marsh State Wildlife Area, Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve, Long Bridge/Head of the bay, Ashland, Lost Creek Wetland (Stevens Point), Lower Wisconsin SR - Bakken's Pond Unit, Lower Wisconsin SR - Mazomanie Unit (dog trial grounds), Lower Yahara River Trail, Lulu Lake Preserve, Mack State Wildlife Area, Manitowoc Lakefront, Mascoutin Valley State Trail, Maywood Environmental Area, McMillan Marsh State Wildlife Area, Mequon Nature Preserve, Milwaukee Harbor, Mirror Lake State Park, MMSD Dredge Material Management Facility, Mosquito Hill Nature Center, Mud Lake State Wildlife Area, Mud Lake, Ozaukee County, Myrick Marsh (La Crosse), Necedah National Wildlife Refuge - general, Necedah National Wildlife Refuge - Sprague-Mather Flowage, Necedah National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center, Newport State Park, Nicholson Wildlife Refuge, Nine Springs Natural Area (MMSD Wildlife Observation Area), North Point Park, Oconto Harbor, Odana Marsh, Olin Park/Turville Point Conservation Park, Oneida Reformatory Road Pond, Paradise Valley State Wildlife Area - Bark River Unit, Patrick Marsh/Brazee Lake, Peninsula State Park, Peninsula State Park - Weborg Point, Perrot State Park, Peshtigo Harbor State Wildlife Area - Peshtigo Point/Pond Road, Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Pigeon River Park, Point au Sable Natural Area, Point Beach State Forest, Point Beach State Forest - Molash Creek, Port Wing Harbor, Portage Park, Potosi Landing, Powell Marsh State Wildlife Area (incl. vista & dikes), Prairie du Sac Dam, Prairie Springs Park/Lake Andrea, Prentice Park, Rainbow Flowage, Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Ridges Sanctuary, Root River PKWY #13, Rose Lake State Natural Area/Dorothy Carnes Park - west, Rush Lake, Saint Nazianz, Samuel Myers Park, Sandhill State Wildlife Area, Sauk Prairie Canoe Landing, Sauk Prairie Recreation Area, Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, Schmeeckle Reserve, Schoeneberg Marsh, Seagull Bar State Natural Area, Sensiba State Wildlife Area, Sheridan Park, Shovelers Sink (use separate hotspot for pond to the south), South Metro Pier (Oak Creek), Strawberry Ln., Stricker's Pond, Swan Pond Waterfowl Production Area - Fish Hatchery Road, Tenney Park, Thompson's West End Park, Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge - general, Uihlein Waterfowl Production Area, Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Goose Island, UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve - Picnic Point, UW Madison Arboretum, UW Madison Arboretum - Gardner Marsh, Vernon Marsh, Vernon Marsh - Benson Avenue, Vernon Marsh - Inner & Outer DU Dikes/Figure 8, Veterans Park (Milwaukee), Virmond Park, Warnimont County Park, Washington Island, Wehr Nature Center, White River Marsh State Wildlife Area, Wind Point (Lighthouse and Shoop Park), Windward Square Dr. and Lower Lake, Wisconsin Point, Wisconsin Point - First parking lot, Wolf River Bottoms Wildlife Area - Herb Behnke Unit, Woodland Dunes Nature Center, Woodland Dunes State Natural Area, Wyalusing State Park, Yellowstone Lake State Park. Each offers unique habitats and species.
When is the best time to go birding in Wisconsin?
The best seasons for birding in Wisconsin are Spring and Summer and Fall. Spring migration brings diverse species through the area.
What birds can I see in Wisconsin?
Notable species in Wisconsin include Canada Goose, Sandhill Crane, American Bittern, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Forster's Tern, Ring-billed Gull, Red-bellied Woodpecker, American Crow, and more. The state supports wetland, marsh, grassland, urban park, coastal, lake, river/riparian, forest, canyon habitats.

Plan Your Birding Trip

Get the most out of your birding adventure in Wisconsin with our expert guides.