Grassland birding habitat

Governor Nelson State Park

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Governor Nelson State Park is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 236 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Hairy 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

Merlin

Falco columbarius

5/31/2026Solid #21 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

5/31/2026Solid #21 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

5/31/2026Sub-Zero Pkwy ponds1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

5/31/2026Gibraltar Rock SNA1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

5/31/2026Washburn Observatory1 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

5/31/2026Black Earth Creek Natural Resource Area (Black Earth Creek Headwaters)1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

5/31/2026Mazomanie Oak Barrens SNA2 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

5/31/2026Mazomanie Oak Barrens SNA1 observed

Western Meadowlark

Sturnella neglecta

5/30/2026Beaver/Fen/Roeser Rd.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wild Turkey

35/31/2026

Barred Owl

15/31/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

25/31/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Blue Jay

15/31/2026

Tree Swallow

35/31/2026

Barn Swallow

35/31/2026

American Robin

15/31/2026

American Goldfinch

25/31/2026

Baltimore Oriole

15/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

15/31/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

15/31/2026

Indigo Bunting

15/31/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

15/29/2026

Gray Catbird

15/29/2026

Northern Cardinal

15/29/2026

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

15/29/2026

Sandhill Crane

25/28/2026

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 Nelson State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Governor Nelson State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Governor Nelson State Park?
Notable species at Governor Nelson State Park include Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadee, American Tree Sparrow. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Governor Nelson State Park?
Birding at Governor Nelson 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 Nelson State Park?
Governor Nelson State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.