Kettle Moraine State Forest - Mauthe Lake Rec. Area

Wisconsin · Midwest

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Habitat

ForestLake

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Kettle Moraine State Forest - Mauthe Lake Rec. Area is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 214 species recorded on eBird. This forest and lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, and Sandhill Crane 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

Canada Goose Mourning Dove Sandhill Crane Bald Eagle Barred Owl

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Brewer's Blackbird

Euphagus cyanocephalus

4/18/2026Kay-K and A8 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

4/17/2026Belgium1 observed

Snowy Owl

Bubo scandiacus

4/17/20261420 Lighthouse Village Road, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, US (43.74, -88.423)1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

4/16/2026Gravel Drive, West Bend, Wisconsin, US1 observed

American Golden-Plover

Pluvialis dominica

4/15/2026KK and H Ag. fields1 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

4/15/2026Hwy M and North Branch Milwaukee River1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

4/14/2026Kettle Moraine SF--Mauthe Lake Rec. Area1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

4/14/2026Campbell Dr (Timberline to Hilltop)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

114/14/2026

Blue-winged Teal

24/14/2026

Mallard

34/14/2026

Green-winged Teal

24/14/2026

Hooded Merganser

24/14/2026

Ruddy Duck

34/14/2026

Mourning Dove

34/14/2026

Killdeer

24/14/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/14/2026

Horned Grebe

14/14/2026

Great Blue Heron

24/14/2026

Turkey Vulture

84/14/2026

Bald Eagle

44/14/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

14/14/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/14/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

24/14/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/14/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/14/2026

Northern Flicker

74/14/2026

Eastern Phoebe

24/14/2026

Birding Tips

1
Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.
2
Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.
3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Wisconsin

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Largest US cattail marsh with massive fall goose concentrations and breeding marsh birds.

6th Avenue Marsh

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 227 recorded species.

Adam Birding Conservancy

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 217 recorded species.

Wisconsin Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Wisconsin →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Where to See Bald Eagles

11 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Kettle Moraine State Forest - Mauthe Lake Rec. Area for birding?▼

The best months to visit Kettle Moraine State Forest - Mauthe Lake Rec. Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Mauthe Lake Rec. Area?▼

Notable species at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Mauthe Lake Rec. Area include Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, Sandhill Crane, Bald Eagle, Barred Owl. The area supports forest, lake habitats.

How difficult is birding at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Mauthe Lake Rec. Area?▼

Birding at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Mauthe Lake Rec. Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Mauthe Lake Rec. Area?▼

Kettle Moraine State Forest - Mauthe Lake Rec. Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.