Wetland birding habitat

George W. Mead State Wildlife Area

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

George W. Mead State Wildlife Area is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 250 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

Loading map...

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

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

5/31/2026Sunnyvale County Park1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

5/31/2026Dewey Marsh SWA5 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

5/31/2026Dewey Marsh SWA2 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

5/31/2026Dewey Marsh SWA1 observed

Gray-cheeked Thrush

Catharus minimus

5/26/2026George W. Mead SWA--Four Oaks Marsh/Trail1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

5/25/2026Nine Mile County Forest--West Side Access1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco

Junco hyemalis

5/25/2026Mead pump-house area1 observed

Connecticut Warbler

Oporornis agilis

5/25/2026Swedish and Lonely Roads1 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

5/25/202654455, Mosinee US-WI (44.6993,-89.8202)10 observed

Hudsonian Godwit

Limosa haemastica

5/24/2026George W. Mead SWA--Townline Flowage1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

25/31/2026

Trumpeter Swan

25/31/2026

Ring-billed Gull

2005/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

205/31/2026

Great Egret

15/31/2026

American White Pelican

1005/31/2026

Bald Eagle

15/31/2026

Northern Flicker

15/31/2026

Least Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

35/31/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

15/31/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/31/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

45/31/2026

Tree Swallow

55/31/2026

Purple Martin

205/31/2026

Song Sparrow

45/31/2026

Swamp Sparrow

15/31/2026

Common Yellowthroat

55/31/2026

American Redstart

25/31/2026

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 George W. Mead State Wildlife Area for birding?
The best months to visit George W. Mead State Wildlife Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at George W. Mead State Wildlife Area?
Notable species at George W. Mead State Wildlife Area include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at George W. Mead State Wildlife Area?
Birding at George W. Mead State Wildlife Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at George W. Mead State Wildlife Area?
George W. Mead State Wildlife Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.