Wetland birding habitat

George W. Mead State Wildlife Area - Smoky Hill Road

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

George W. Mead State Wildlife Area - Smoky Hill Road is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 213 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

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

Northern Flicker

24/18/2026

Canada Goose

4/5/2026

Wood Duck

4/5/2026

Blue-winged Teal

4/5/2026

Northern Shoveler

4/5/2026

American Wigeon

4/5/2026

Mallard

4/5/2026

Northern Pintail

4/5/2026

Green-winged Teal

4/5/2026

Ring-necked Duck

4/5/2026

Lesser Scaup

4/5/2026

Bufflehead

4/5/2026

Common Goldeneye

4/5/2026

Hooded Merganser

4/5/2026

Common Merganser

4/5/2026

Rock Pigeon

4/5/2026

Sandhill Crane

324/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

14/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

4/5/2026

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 - Smoky Hill Road for birding?
The best months to visit George W. Mead State Wildlife Area - Smoky Hill Road 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 - Smoky Hill Road?
Notable species at George W. Mead State Wildlife Area - Smoky Hill Road 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 - Smoky Hill Road?
Birding at George W. Mead State Wildlife Area - Smoky Hill Road 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 - Smoky Hill Road?
George W. Mead State Wildlife Area - Smoky Hill Road offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.