Kettle Moraine State Forest - Mauthe Lake Rec. Area

Wisconsin · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

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

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

7/16/2026Kettle Moraine SF--Greenbush Trails and Picnic Area2 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

7/16/2026Kettle Moraine SF--Greenbush Trails and Picnic Area1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

7/13/2026Home: W2640 Middle Road1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

7/11/2026Blue Goose Rd. (Ozaukee Co.)1 observed

Winter Wren

Troglodytes hiemalis

7/11/2026UW-Milwaukee Field Station--Upland Woods Area (restricted access)1 observed

Brown Creeper

Certhia americana

7/11/2026UW-Milwaukee Field Station--Upland Woods Area (restricted access)3 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/7/20266th St - Main/Marr1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

7/6/2026Ice Age Trail Scenic Drive1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

7/5/2026US Hwy 23 between Poplar & Tower Roads1 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

7/4/2026Birchwood and Knollwood Rd. (Ozaukee Co.)1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

7/4/2026Cedarburg Bog SNA1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/4/2026Cedarburg Bog SNA1 observed

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

7/4/2026St. Augustine Rd. (Ozaukee Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

27/10/2026

Great Egret

17/10/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/10/2026

American Robin

27/10/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

37/10/2026

Mourning Dove

67/10/2026

Sandhill Crane

37/10/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/10/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

47/10/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

17/10/2026

Northern Flicker

17/10/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

27/10/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/10/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

27/10/2026

Blue Jay

57/10/2026

American Crow

17/10/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

37/10/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/10/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

17/10/2026

Northern House Wren

37/10/2026

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

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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.