Lake birding habitat

George W. Mead State Wildlife Area - South Rice Lake

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

George W. Mead State Wildlife Area - South Rice Lake is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 224 species recorded on eBird. This lake and 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

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

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

5/23/20261609 Sand Hill Lane1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

45/29/2026

Blue-winged Teal

45/29/2026

Sandhill Crane

15/29/2026

Killdeer

15/29/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/29/2026

Black Tern

15/29/2026

American Bittern

15/29/2026

Great Egret

15/29/2026

Great Blue Heron

45/29/2026

American White Pelican

325/29/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/29/2026

Least Flycatcher

15/29/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

35/29/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/29/2026

Tree Swallow

75/29/2026

European Starling

15/29/2026

American Robin

35/29/2026

Song Sparrow

25/29/2026

Baltimore Oriole

15/29/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

65/29/2026

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 George W. Mead State Wildlife Area - South Rice Lake for birding?
The best months to visit George W. Mead State Wildlife Area - South Rice Lake 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 - South Rice Lake?
Notable species at George W. Mead State Wildlife Area - South Rice Lake include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at George W. Mead State Wildlife Area - South Rice Lake?
Birding at George W. Mead State Wildlife Area - South Rice Lake 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 - South Rice Lake?
George W. Mead State Wildlife Area - South Rice Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.