Wetland birding habitat

Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 275 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Trumpeter Swan, Ring-necked Pheasant, and Bald Eagle 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

Great Egret

Ardea alba

4/18/2026Fish Lake SWA--Grettum Dike Rd.1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

4/18/2026Fish Lake SWA--Grettum Dike Rd.1 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

4/18/2026Fish Lake SWA--Grettum Dike Rd.1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/18/2026Long Lake Yard1 observed

Snow Bunting

Plectrophenax nivalis

4/17/2026Abel Rd, Grantsburg US-WI 45.83184, -92.671891 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

184/18/2026

Trumpeter Swan

224/18/2026

Wood Duck

24/18/2026

Blue-winged Teal

44/18/2026

Mallard

174/18/2026

Green-winged Teal

24/18/2026

Ring-necked Duck

854/18/2026

Hooded Merganser

24/18/2026

American Coot

24/18/2026

Sandhill Crane

64/18/2026

Ring-billed Gull

444/18/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

84/18/2026

Common Loon

44/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

34/18/2026

Osprey

14/18/2026

Northern Harrier

34/18/2026

Bald Eagle

44/18/2026

Northern Flicker

24/18/2026

American Kestrel

14/18/2026

Eastern Phoebe

34/18/2026

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 Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area for birding?
The best months to visit Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area?
Notable species at Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area include Trumpeter Swan, Ring-necked Pheasant, Bald Eagle, Great Horned Owl, American Crow. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area?
Birding at Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area?
Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.