Lake birding habitat

Goose Lake Area

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Goose Lake Area is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 202 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Red-winged Blackbird among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

Loading map...

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

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

6/2/2026UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve--Picnic Point1 observed

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

6/2/2026Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park--South Unit1 observed

Brown Creeper

Certhia americana

6/2/2026UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve--Picnic Point1 observed

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

6/2/20266195 Purcell Rd, Oregon US-WI 42.94309, -89.475811 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

6/2/2026Lakeshore Nature Preserve, Madison US-WI (43.0768,-89.4094)1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

6/2/2026UW Madison Arboretum (general)1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/2/2026UW Madison Arboretum (general)1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

6/2/2026UW Madison Arboretum (general)1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

6/2/2026UW Madison Arboretum (general)1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

6/2/2026UW Madison Arboretum (general)1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

6/2/2026UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve--Picnic Point2 observed

Upland Sandpiper

Bartramia longicauda

6/2/2026Thousand's Rock Prairie (Dane Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Killdeer

16/1/2026

Semipalmated Plover

26/1/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

26/1/2026

Dunlin

16/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/1/2026

Cliff Swallow

56/1/2026

American Robin

36/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

36/1/2026

Canada Goose

295/25/2026

Mallard

45/25/2026

Mourning Dove

35/25/2026

American Coot

15/25/2026

Sandhill Crane

25/25/2026

Ring-billed Gull

15/25/2026

Bald Eagle

15/25/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

45/25/2026

Blue Jay

15/25/2026

Tree Swallow

25/25/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

15/25/2026

European Starling

55/25/2026

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 Goose Lake Area for birding?
The best months to visit Goose Lake Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Goose Lake Area?
Notable species at Goose Lake Area include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Goose Lake Area?
Birding at Goose Lake Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Goose Lake Area?
Goose Lake Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.