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

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

7/17/2026Eagle Springs Golf Resort1 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

7/16/2026Prince’s Point SWA--Hwy. 1064 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

7/16/2026Prince’s Point SWA--Hwy. 1061 observed

Brewer's Blackbird

Euphagus cyanocephalus

7/16/2026Prince’s Point SWA--Hwy. 1061 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

7/15/2026Kettle Moraine SF--Ottawa Lake Recreation Area6 observed

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

7/15/2026Minooka County Park1 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

7/14/2026Lapham Peak SP--Tower Area1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

7/14/2026Swift Lake Yard & vicinity1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

7/14/2026Vernon Marsh--Inner & Outer DU Dikes/Figure 84 observed

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

7/13/2026Vernon Marsh--Inner & Outer DU Dikes/Figure 81 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

7/12/2026Vernon Marsh--Inner & Outer DU Dikes/Figure 82 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Sandhill Crane

27/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/15/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/15/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

17/15/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

27/15/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

37/15/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/15/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

37/15/2026

American Crow

17/15/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

37/15/2026

Barn Swallow

127/15/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/15/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

17/15/2026

Gray Catbird

17/15/2026

American Robin

147/15/2026

American Goldfinch

87/15/2026

Chipping Sparrow

17/15/2026

Swamp Sparrow

27/15/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

17/15/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

147/15/2026

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.