Wetland birding habitat

Buena Vista Grasslands/Marsh

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Buena Vista Grasslands/Marsh is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 241 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Eastern Screech-Owl, Canada Goose, and Greater Prairie-Chicken 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

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

4/18/20268201–8599 Elm Rd, Bancroft US-WI 44.30653, -89.588934 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/18/2026Private Home, Hancock, Wisconsin, US (44.119, -89.463)1 observed

Henslow's Sparrow

Centronyx henslowii

4/17/2026Buena Vista Kiosk Area1 observed

Northern Shrike

Lanius borealis

4/16/2026Buena Vista Grasslands/Marsh--Swamp Rd.1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

4/14/202610 & 161 Wetland8 observed

Western Meadowlark

Sturnella neglecta

4/14/2026Leola Marsh SWA--Hwy. D & Hwy. W1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

4/14/2026Bukolt Park9 observed

Brewer's Blackbird

Euphagus cyanocephalus

4/13/2026Leola Marsh SWA (general)1 observed

Sora

Porzana carolina

4/13/2026Lost Creek Wetland (Stevens Point)1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

4/13/2026Bukolt Park1 observed

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

4/13/2026Whitefeather1 observed

Greater Prairie-Chicken

Tympanuchus cupido

4/13/2026Leola Marsh SWA (general)30 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

4/18/2026

Trumpeter Swan

64/18/2026

Blue-winged Teal

4/18/2026

Gadwall

4/18/2026

Mallard

4/18/2026

Redhead

4/18/2026

Ring-necked Duck

4/18/2026

Sandhill Crane

44/18/2026

Greater Prairie-Chicken

104/16/2026

Brown Thrasher

24/16/2026

American Tree Sparrow

64/16/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

54/16/2026

Tundra Swan

604/13/2026

American Wigeon

14/13/2026

Northern Pintail

404/13/2026

Green-winged Teal

34/13/2026

Wild Turkey

484/13/2026

Rock Pigeon

94/13/2026

Mourning Dove

34/13/2026

Killdeer

54/13/2026

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 Buena Vista Grasslands/Marsh for birding?
The best months to visit Buena Vista Grasslands/Marsh for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Buena Vista Grasslands/Marsh?
Notable species at Buena Vista Grasslands/Marsh include Eastern Screech-Owl, Canada Goose, Greater Prairie-Chicken, Mourning Dove, Rough-legged Hawk. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Buena Vista Grasslands/Marsh?
Birding at Buena Vista Grasslands/Marsh is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Buena Vista Grasslands/Marsh?
Buena Vista Grasslands/Marsh offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.