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

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

5/31/2026Sunnyvale County Park1 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

45/31/2026

Mallard

205/31/2026

Common Gallinule

25/31/2026

Sandhill Crane

15/31/2026

Killdeer

15/31/2026

Black Tern

45/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

35/31/2026

American Bittern

15/31/2026

Least Bittern

15/31/2026

Great Egret

25/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/31/2026

Least Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

25/31/2026

Tree Swallow

125/31/2026

Yellow-headed Blackbird

45/31/2026

Baltimore Oriole

15/31/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/31/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

25/31/2026

Ruddy Duck

15/31/2026

Black-billed Cuckoo

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 - 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.