Grassland birding habitat

High Cliff State Park

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

High Cliff State Park is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 226 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Herring Gull, and Red-bellied 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

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

4/18/2026Menominee Park2 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

4/17/2026High Cliff SP1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/17/2026Collins Marsh1 observed

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

4/17/2026Marx and B1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

4/17/2026Harrison Rd and Kees, Harrison US-WI 441 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/14/2026my block area1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)

Junco hyemalis

4/14/202600-Appleton, Mary's yard Morrison1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

4/13/2026Lutz Park2 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

4/13/2026Lutz Park1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/13/2026400 S. Court, Ross's yard1 observed

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

4/12/2026Collins Marsh SWA1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

14/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

44/17/2026

Bald Eagle

14/17/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

14/17/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/17/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/17/2026

Northern Flicker

14/17/2026

Blue Jay

14/17/2026

American Crow

64/17/2026

Tree Swallow

44/17/2026

Eastern Bluebird

54/17/2026

American Robin

54/17/2026

Field Sparrow

34/17/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

24/17/2026

Pine Warbler

34/17/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

54/17/2026

Northern Cardinal

64/17/2026

Canada Goose

24/17/2026

Blue-winged Teal

24/17/2026

Mallard

64/17/2026

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