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

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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

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/17/2026Weber's Nature Park4 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

4/17/20268200–9276 Whippoorwill Rd, Wausau US-WI (44.9308,-89.7423)1 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

4/16/2026Wildwood Park & Zoo3 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

4/15/20261167–1299 Smokey Hill Rd, Auburndale US-WI (44.7160,-89.9263)1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

4/14/2026Uhlman Lane, Milladore US-WI (44.7209,-89.8650)3 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

4/14/2026Uhlman Lane, Milladore US-WI (44.7209,-89.8650)1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

4/14/2026Bukolt Park9 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

4/13/2026Bukolt Park1 observed

Snow Bunting

Plectrophenax nivalis

4/11/2026576–898 Rangeline Rd, Auburndale US-WI 44.74568, -89.96414100 observed

Brewer's Blackbird

Euphagus cyanocephalus

4/10/2026Sherry-Sigel Road4 observed

Northern Shrike

Lanius borealis

4/7/2026Sherry-Sigel Road1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)

Junco hyemalis

4/7/2026My Yard1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

4/5/2026George W. Mead SWA--Smoky Hill Flowage2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/11/2026

Trumpeter Swan

44/11/2026

Blue-winged Teal

24/11/2026

Mallard

44/11/2026

Sandhill Crane

4/11/2026

American White Pelican

54/11/2026

Turkey Vulture

44/11/2026

Northern Flicker

14/11/2026

Eastern Phoebe

24/11/2026

Tree Swallow

74/11/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

24/11/2026

Eastern Bluebird

24/11/2026

Hermit Thrush

14/11/2026

American Robin

14/11/2026

American Tree Sparrow

44/11/2026

Song Sparrow

74/11/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

34/11/2026

Redhead

24/9/2026

Ring-necked Duck

504/9/2026

Lesser Scaup

24/9/2026

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.