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

7/20/2026Christ Presbyterian Church2 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

7/18/2026US-14 W, Fitchburg US-WI (42.9836,-89.3857)1 observed

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

7/17/2026La Mexicana Chimney1 observed

Carolina Wren

Thryothorus ludovicianus

7/17/2026Sheffield Rd (Home)1 observed

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

7/17/2026S10407 Roeser Road, Sauk City, Wisconsin, US (43.267, -89.759)1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

7/17/2026Lake Farm County Park1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

7/16/2026Military Ridge State Trail west of Town Hall Rd2 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

7/15/2026Sub-Zero Pkwy ponds1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

87/20/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/20/2026

Killdeer

27/20/2026

Ring-billed Gull

17/20/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/20/2026

Eastern Kingbird

37/20/2026

Blue Jay

47/20/2026

American Crow

17/20/2026

Purple Martin

17/20/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/20/2026

Gray Catbird

17/20/2026

American Robin

17/20/2026

American Goldfinch

17/20/2026

Common Grackle

37/20/2026

Northern Cardinal

57/20/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/13/2026

Northern Flicker

17/13/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

17/13/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

17/13/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

27/13/2026

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.