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

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

5/31/2026Haskell Noyes Memorial Forest1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

5/31/2026Kettle Moraine SF--Long Lake Rec Area1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

5/31/2026Kettle Morraine State Forest- Haushalter rd1 observed

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

5/31/2026Kettle Morraine State Forest- Haushalter rd1 observed

Brewster's Warbler (hybrid)

Vermivora chrysoptera x cyanoptera (F1 hybrid)

5/30/2026Unnamed Road, Cascade, Wisconsin, US (43.671, -88.167)1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

5/30/2026Forest View Grasslands1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

25/31/2026

Mourning Dove

35/31/2026

Great Egret

15/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

45/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Downy Woodpecker

25/31/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Least Flycatcher

25/31/2026

Blue Jay

25/31/2026

American Crow

15/31/2026

Tree Swallow

45/31/2026

European Starling

15/31/2026

Veery

15/31/2026

American Robin

65/31/2026

Song Sparrow

25/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

95/31/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

25/31/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/31/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

15/31/2026

Northern Cardinal

15/31/2026

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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6th Avenue Marsh

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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.