Wetland birding habitat

Bark Bay Slough State Natural Area

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
WetlandCoastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Bark Bay Slough State Natural Area is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 210 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and coastal habitat attracts a wide variety of species among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Connecticut Warbler

Oporornis agilis

5/30/2026Baldwin Farm1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

5/26/2026Port Wing Harbor1 observed

Boreal Chickadee

Poecile hudsonicus

5/26/2026Bark Point1 observed

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

5/26/2026Happy Hollow Rd. area1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/26/2026Star Route SUTA1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

5/25/2026Port Wing Harbor1 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

5/25/2026Port Wing Harbor1 observed

Iceland Gull (Thayer's)

Larus glaucoides

5/25/2026Port Wing Harbor1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Golden-crowned Kinglet

15/26/2026

Canada Goose

205/26/2026

Trumpeter Swan

25/26/2026

Wood Duck

255/26/2026

Blue-winged Teal

15/26/2026

Mallard

15/26/2026

Lesser Scaup

15/26/2026

Hooded Merganser

15/26/2026

Mourning Dove

15/26/2026

Sandhill Crane

65/26/2026

Killdeer

15/26/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/26/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

15/26/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

15/26/2026

Common Loon

25/26/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

65/26/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

15/26/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/26/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

15/26/2026

Northern Flicker

25/26/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Bark Bay Slough State Natural Area for birding?
The best months to visit Bark Bay Slough State Natural Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Bark Bay Slough State Natural Area?
Notable species at Bark Bay Slough State Natural Area include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland, coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bark Bay Slough State Natural Area?
Birding at Bark Bay Slough State Natural Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Bark Bay Slough State Natural Area?
Bark Bay Slough State Natural Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.