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

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

945/31/2026

Trumpeter Swan

405/31/2026

Mallard

55/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/31/2026

Tree Swallow

15/31/2026

American Robin

15/31/2026

Song Sparrow

15/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

75/31/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/31/2026

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

15/31/2026

Wood Duck

25/31/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

25/31/2026

Mourning Dove

35/31/2026

Sandhill Crane

15/31/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

35/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/31/2026

Alder Flycatcher

25/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/31/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/31/2026

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.