Kettle Moraine State Forest - Ottawa Lake Recreation 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 - 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

Brewer's Blackbird

Euphagus cyanocephalus

4/18/2026Prince’s Point SWA--Hwy. 1066 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/17/2026Stigler Nature Preserve1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

4/17/2026W941 Bell School Road, East Troy, Wisconsin, US (42.798, -88.349)1 observed

Evening Grosbeak

Hesperiphona vespertina

4/16/2026Ottawa, WI1 observed

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

4/15/2026North Lake1 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

4/14/2026Vernon Marsh--Benson Ave.2 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

4/13/2026Hartland Marsh- Dead End Trail1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/13/2026Retzer Nature Center1 observed

Blue-headed Vireo

Vireo solitarius

4/13/2026County Trunk Highway Zz, Dousman, Wisconsin, US (42.941, -88.444)1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/13/2026Our Wooded Yard1 observed

Henslow's Sparrow

Centronyx henslowii

4/13/2026Ice Age Trail--Hwy N to Hwy 591 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

4/13/2026Prince’s Point SWA--Hwy. 1068 observed

Townsend's Solitaire

Myadestes townsendi

4/13/2026S4W32726 Government Hill Rd, Delafield US-WI 43.03150, -88.397361 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

204/16/2026

Ring-necked Duck

74/16/2026

Osprey

14/16/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/16/2026

Northern Flicker

24/16/2026

Blue Jay

24/16/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/16/2026

Brown Creeper

14/16/2026

American Robin

104/16/2026

Song Sparrow

14/16/2026

Swamp Sparrow

34/16/2026

Eastern Towhee

14/16/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

14/16/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

224/16/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

14/16/2026

Common Grackle

44/16/2026

Northern Cardinal

24/16/2026

Sandhill Crane

24/15/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

14/15/2026

Tree Swallow

44/15/2026

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.