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

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

5/30/2026Private property- farm house2 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

5/27/2026Pine City WTP1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

5/27/2026Pine City WTP1 observed

LeConte's Sparrow

Ammospiza leconteii

5/25/2026Crex Meadows SWA--Dike 15 observed

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

5/24/20262405 250th Avenue, Cushing, Wisconsin, US (45.571, -92.652)2 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

5/24/2026Fish Lake SWA--Grettum Dike Rd.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

15/31/2026

Trumpeter Swan

55/31/2026

Mallard

125/31/2026

Ring-necked Duck

15/31/2026

Black Tern

55/31/2026

Red-necked Grebe

15/31/2026

Common Loon

45/31/2026

Least Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/31/2026

Sedge Wren

25/31/2026

Marsh Wren

15/31/2026

Song Sparrow

15/31/2026

Baltimore Oriole

15/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

75/31/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/31/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

15/31/2026

Eastern Whip-poor-will

15/30/2026

Blue Jay

15/26/2026

American Robin

15/26/2026

Common Grackle

15/26/2026

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.