Wetland birding habitat

Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - North Unit

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
WetlandUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - North Unit is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 227 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and urban park habitat attracts Sandhill Crane, Short-eared Owl, and Cackling Goose 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

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

6/2/2026UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve--Picnic Point1 observed

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

6/2/2026Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park--South Unit1 observed

Brown Creeper

Certhia americana

6/2/2026UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve--Picnic Point1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

6/2/2026Lakeshore Nature Preserve, Madison US-WI (43.0768,-89.4094)1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

6/2/2026UW Madison Arboretum (general)1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

6/2/2026UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve--Picnic Point2 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

6/1/2026Indian Mound Conservation Park (Dane Co)1 observed

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

6/1/2026KP Yard1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

5/31/2026Solid #21 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

5/31/2026Solid #21 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

5/31/2026Sub-Zero Pkwy ponds1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

35/31/2026

Mallard

25/31/2026

Mourning Dove

155/31/2026

Chimney Swift

75/31/2026

Sandhill Crane

45/31/2026

Killdeer

45/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

45/31/2026

Downy Woodpecker

25/31/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

35/31/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Northern Flicker

35/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

105/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

85/31/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

75/31/2026

Blue Jay

55/31/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

45/31/2026

Tree Swallow

505/31/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

25/31/2026

Barn Swallow

55/31/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

35/31/2026

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 Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - North Unit for birding?
The best months to visit Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - North Unit for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - North Unit?
Notable species at Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - North Unit include Sandhill Crane, Short-eared Owl, Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard. The area supports wetland, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - North Unit?
Birding at Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - North Unit is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - North Unit?
Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - North Unit offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.