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

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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

104/18/2026

Trumpeter Swan

124/18/2026

Blue-winged Teal

24/18/2026

Mallard

144/18/2026

Ring-necked Duck

104/18/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

44/18/2026

Common Loon

24/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/18/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/18/2026

American Crow

24/18/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

24/18/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

14/18/2026

American Tree Sparrow

64/18/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

24/18/2026

Wood Duck

44/16/2026

Green-winged Teal

54/16/2026

Bufflehead

24/16/2026

American Coot

14/16/2026

Sandhill Crane

34/16/2026

Killdeer

14/16/2026

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.