Lake birding habitat

Fish Lake State Wildlife Area

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Fish Lake State Wildlife Area is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 234 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Trumpeter Swan, Ruffed Grouse, 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

Bufflehead

54/18/2026

Hooded Merganser

24/18/2026

Canada Goose

194/17/2026

Trumpeter Swan

144/17/2026

Blue-winged Teal

364/17/2026

Mallard

154/17/2026

Ring-necked Duck

584/17/2026

Lesser Scaup

24/17/2026

Common Merganser

184/17/2026

American Coot

904/17/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

24/17/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

84/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

104/17/2026

Great Blue Heron

24/17/2026

American White Pelican

264/17/2026

Northern Harrier

14/17/2026

Bald Eagle

14/17/2026

Tree Swallow

24/17/2026

American Robin

54/17/2026

Song Sparrow

34/17/2026

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 Fish Lake State Wildlife Area for birding?
The best months to visit Fish Lake State Wildlife Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Fish Lake State Wildlife Area?
Notable species at Fish Lake State Wildlife Area include Trumpeter Swan, Ruffed Grouse, Bald Eagle, Rough-legged Hawk, Downy Woodpecker. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Fish Lake State Wildlife Area?
Birding at Fish Lake State Wildlife Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Fish Lake State Wildlife Area?
Fish Lake State Wildlife Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.