Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area - Kenosha Dunes Unit

Wisconsin · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Grassland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area - Kenosha Dunes Unit is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 209 species recorded on eBird. This grassland 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

Eastern Meadowlark Dickcissel Grasshopper Sparrow Northern Harrier Bobolink

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

7/20/2026Home2 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

7/20/2026Illinois Beach SP (South Unit)--Nature Center Trails and Dead River1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/20/2026Home-ish1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/20/2026Illinois Beach SP (South Unit)--general1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

7/20/2026Illinois Beach SP (North Unit)--Sand Pond and Beach Access Trails1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

7/20/2026Illinois Beach SP (North Unit)--Sand Pond and Beach Access Trails1 observed

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

7/20/2026Illinois Beach SP (North Unit)--general1 observed

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

7/19/20264 Mile Rd.-Private Residence1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

27/20/2026

Eastern Kingbird

27/20/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

17/20/2026

American Crow

37/20/2026

Northern House Wren

27/20/2026

House Sparrow

87/20/2026

House Finch

27/20/2026

American Goldfinch

47/20/2026

Song Sparrow

27/20/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

57/20/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/20/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

117/20/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/20/2026

Gray Catbird

57/20/2026

American Robin

47/20/2026

Common Yellowthroat

37/20/2026

Ring-billed Gull

27/20/2026

Barn Swallow

27/20/2026

European Starling

107/20/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

27/20/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.
2
Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.
3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

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Wisconsin Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Wisconsin →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area - Kenosha Dunes Unit for birding?▼

The best months to visit Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area - Kenosha Dunes Unit for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area - Kenosha Dunes Unit?▼

Notable species at Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area - Kenosha Dunes Unit include Eastern Meadowlark, Dickcissel, Grasshopper Sparrow, Northern Harrier, Bobolink. The area supports grassland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area - Kenosha Dunes Unit?▼

Birding at Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area - Kenosha Dunes Unit is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area - Kenosha Dunes Unit?▼

Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area - Kenosha Dunes Unit offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.