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

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

Canada Goose

94/12/2026

Trumpeter Swan

24/12/2026

Wood Duck

34/12/2026

Blue-winged Teal

24/12/2026

American Wigeon

64/12/2026

Mallard

14/12/2026

Ring-necked Duck

804/12/2026

Lesser Scaup

64/12/2026

Bufflehead

104/12/2026

Common Goldeneye

14/12/2026

Hooded Merganser

24/12/2026

Sandhill Crane

24/12/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/12/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/12/2026

Northern Flicker

14/12/2026

Tree Swallow

64/12/2026

Brown Creeper

14/12/2026

American Robin

74/12/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

44/12/2026

Song Sparrow

14/12/2026

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.