Grassland birding habitat

Governor Dodge State Park

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Governor Dodge State Park is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 225 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Pileated Woodpecker 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

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

4/18/20266007 Helena Road, Arena, Wisconsin, US (43.163, -90.024)1 observed

Western Meadowlark

Sturnella neglecta

4/18/20265701 County Road DD, Mineral Point, Wisconsin, US (42.858, -90.055)1 observed

Ruffed Grouse

Bonasa umbellus

4/18/2026Cruson Slough1 observed

Upland Sandpiper

Bartramia longicauda

4/17/2026Thomson Memorial Prairie (Dane Co.)1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/17/20267565 Mellum Rd, Arena US-WI 43.12546, -89.938331 observed

Eastern Whip-poor-will

Antrostomus vociferus

4/17/2026Cassel Rd. Grassland1 observed

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

4/16/2026Blue Mounds SP (Dane Co)1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

4/16/20262694 Walters Road Dodgeville,wi1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/14/2026Kivikoski Farm - General1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

4/14/2026Barzen Home1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/12/2026Cruson Slough1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

4/12/2026Spring Green Preserve--East1 observed

Henslow's Sparrow

Centronyx henslowii

4/12/2026Thousand's Rock Prairie (Dane Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Red-tailed Hawk

14/11/2026

American Kestrel

14/11/2026

Brown Thrasher

24/11/2026

American Tree Sparrow

14/11/2026

Song Sparrow

24/11/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/11/2026

Northern Flicker

14/11/2026

American Crow

24/11/2026

Tree Swallow

14/11/2026

Eastern Bluebird

24/11/2026

American Robin

14/11/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

504/11/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

14/11/2026

Canada Goose

44/11/2026

Wood Duck

14/11/2026

Mallard

14/11/2026

Wild Turkey

24/11/2026

Mourning Dove

24/11/2026

Common Loon

14/11/2026

Barred Owl

34/11/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  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 Governor Dodge State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Governor Dodge State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Governor Dodge State Park?
Notable species at Governor Dodge State Park include Canada Goose, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crow. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Governor Dodge State Park?
Birding at Governor Dodge State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Governor Dodge State Park?
Governor Dodge State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.