Coastal birding habitat

Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 245 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and American Black Duck 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

Red Knot

Calidris canutus

6/2/2026Long Tail Point3 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

6/1/2026Oneida Reformatory Rd. Pond1 observed

Brewer's Blackbird

Euphagus cyanocephalus

6/1/2026Oneida Reformatory Rd. Pond5 observed

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

5/31/2026Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

5/29/2026Oneida Nation - "Where the Water Birds Nest" (restricted access)1 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

5/26/2026Sensiba SWA2 observed

Dark-eyed Junco

Junco hyemalis

5/26/20261. My yard1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

5/23/2026Wilderness Trail, Green Bay, Wisconsin, US1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

3006/1/2026

Wood Duck

46/1/2026

Mallard

1506/1/2026

Wild Turkey

36/1/2026

Sandhill Crane

16/1/2026

American Herring Gull

26/1/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

176/1/2026

Green Heron

26/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

26/1/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/1/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/1/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

36/1/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

46/1/2026

Blue Jay

46/1/2026

American Crow

26/1/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

26/1/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

16/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  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 Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary for birding?
The best months to visit Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary?
Notable species at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary include Canada Goose, Mallard, American Black Duck, Mallard x American Black Duck (hybrid), Common Goldeneye. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary?
Birding at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary?
Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.