Wetland birding habitat

Cruson Slough

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Cruson Slough is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 203 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, and Sandhill Crane 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

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

4/18/20266007 Helena Road, Arena, Wisconsin, US (43.163, -90.024)1 observed

Ruffed Grouse

Bonasa umbellus

4/18/2026Cruson Slough1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/17/20267565 Mellum Rd, Arena US-WI 43.12546, -89.938331 observed

Eastern Whip-poor-will

Antrostomus vociferus

4/16/2026Barzen Home1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

4/16/20262694 Walters Road Dodgeville,wi1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

4/14/2026Iowa County, Goodwiler Lake5 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

4/14/2026Barzen Home1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/13/2026Lower Wisconsin SR--Bakken's Pond Unit1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/12/2026Cruson Slough1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

4/12/2026Spring Green Preserve--East1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

4/11/2026Governor Dodge SP1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

4/18/2026

Northern Shoveler

24/18/2026

Lesser Scaup

204/18/2026

Wild Turkey

14/18/2026

Sora

14/18/2026

Sandhill Crane

64/18/2026

Killdeer

14/18/2026

Northern Harrier

14/18/2026

Bald Eagle

14/18/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/18/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

14/18/2026

Downy Woodpecker

24/18/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

14/18/2026

Northern Flicker

14/18/2026

Blue Jay

24/18/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

34/18/2026

Tree Swallow

54/18/2026

Brown Thrasher

14/18/2026

American Robin

24/18/2026

American Goldfinch

14/18/2026

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 Cruson Slough for birding?
The best months to visit Cruson Slough for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cruson Slough?
Notable species at Cruson Slough include Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Sandhill Crane, American Robin, Mourning Dove. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cruson Slough?
Birding at Cruson Slough is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Cruson Slough?
Cruson Slough offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.