Lake birding habitat

Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area - Phantom Lake Road

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area - Phantom Lake Road is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 237 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Trumpeter Swan, Bald Eagle, and Red-tailed Hawk among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

Loading map...

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

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

7/14/2026Crex Reed Lake Shortgrass Prairie Sands3 observed

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

7/14/2026South Phantom Lake1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Trumpeter Swan

77/17/2026

Wood Duck

67/17/2026

Mallard

57/17/2026

Ring-necked Duck

87/17/2026

Mourning Dove

37/17/2026

Virginia Rail

37/17/2026

Sandhill Crane

67/17/2026

Wilson's Snipe

17/17/2026

Black Tern

347/17/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

67/17/2026

Red-necked Grebe

37/17/2026

Least Bittern

17/17/2026

Green Heron

27/17/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/17/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/17/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/17/2026

Northern Flicker

37/17/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

27/17/2026

Alder Flycatcher

27/17/2026

Least Flycatcher

17/17/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  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 - Phantom Lake Road for birding?
The best months to visit Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area - Phantom Lake Road 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 - Phantom Lake Road?
Notable species at Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area - Phantom Lake Road include Trumpeter Swan, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Blue Jay, American Crow. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area - Phantom Lake Road?
Birding at Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area - Phantom Lake Road is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area - Phantom Lake Road?
Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area - Phantom Lake Road offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.