Kettle Moraine State Forest - Ottawa Lake Recreation 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 - Ottawa Lake Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 201 species recorded on eBird. This forest and lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Sandhill Crane, and Blue Jay 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 Sandhill Crane Blue Jay American Crow American Robin

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Aegolius acadicus

5/31/2026Vernon Marsh--Benson Ave.1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

5/31/2026Vernon Marsh--Benson Ave.1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

5/31/2026Newell & Ann Meyer Nature Preserve (TNC)1 observed

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

5/31/202616290 W Crescent Dr, New Berlin US-WI 42.96841, -88.117321 observed

Brewer's Blackbird

Euphagus cyanocephalus

5/30/2026Prince’s Point SWA--Hwy. 1068 observed

Eastern Whip-poor-will

Antrostomus vociferus

5/29/2026Kettle Moraine SF--Mukwonago River Unit (Waukesha Co.)1 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

5/27/2026Prince’s Point SWA--Hwy. 1064 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Redstart

35/30/2026

Canada Goose

465/25/2026

Sandhill Crane

25/25/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/25/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

25/25/2026

Eastern Phoebe

15/25/2026

Eastern Kingbird

25/25/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/25/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

25/25/2026

Blue Jay

25/25/2026

American Crow

15/25/2026

Tree Swallow

25/25/2026

Barn Swallow

55/25/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

25/25/2026

European Starling

25/25/2026

American Robin

85/25/2026

American Goldfinch

65/25/2026

Eastern Towhee

15/25/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

15/25/2026

Orchard Oriole

15/25/2026

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

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Kettle Moraine State Forest - Ottawa Lake Recreation Area for birding?▼

The best months to visit Kettle Moraine State Forest - Ottawa Lake Recreation 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 - Ottawa Lake Recreation Area?▼

Notable species at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Ottawa Lake Recreation Area include Canada Goose, Sandhill Crane, Blue Jay, American Crow, American Robin. The area supports forest, lake habitats.

How difficult is birding at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Ottawa Lake Recreation Area?▼

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

What amenities are available at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Ottawa Lake Recreation Area?▼

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