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

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

4/18/2026Preserve Park (De Pere)1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

4/18/2026Harbor Lights Boat Launch1 observed

Snowy Owl

Bubo scandiacus

4/18/2026Cat Island Causeway (restricted access)1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

4/18/2026Oneida Reformatory Rd. Pond2 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

4/16/2026Peters Marsh1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

4/16/2026Ken Euers Nature Area1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/16/2026Ken Euers Nature Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

4/18/2026

Northern Shoveler

4/18/2026

Mallard

4/18/2026

American Black Duck

4/18/2026

Mourning Dove

4/18/2026

Ring-billed Gull

4/18/2026

Caspian Tern

4/18/2026

American White Pelican

4/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

4/18/2026

Belted Kingfisher

4/18/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

4/18/2026

Downy Woodpecker

4/18/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

4/18/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

4/18/2026

Northern Flicker

4/18/2026

Blue Jay

4/18/2026

American Crow

4/18/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

4/18/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

4/18/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

4/18/2026

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.