Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit

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 - Pike Lake Unit is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 227 species recorded on eBird. This forest and lake habitat attracts Red-breasted Nuthatch, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Hairy Woodpecker 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

Red-breasted Nuthatch Red-bellied Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker Black-capped Chickadee White-breasted Nuthatch

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

7/21/2026Freistadt1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

7/20/2026Mud Lake, Ozaukee Co.1 observed

Brown Creeper

Certhia americana

7/19/2026Cedarburg Bog SNA--Watts Lake1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

7/19/2026Cedarburg Bog SNA--Watts Lake1 observed

Red Crossbill (Ponderosa Pine or type 2)

Loxia curvirostra

7/19/2026Cedarburg Bog SNA--Horn Lake1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

7/18/2026Covered Bridge Park1 observed

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

7/17/2026Horicon Marsh SWA--Education and Visitor Center1 observed

Winter Wren

Troglodytes hiemalis

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

37/20/2026

Ring-billed Gull

37/20/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/20/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/20/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/20/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/20/2026

Eastern Kingbird

47/20/2026

Blue Jay

37/20/2026

American Crow

17/20/2026

Tree Swallow

47/20/2026

Barn Swallow

107/20/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

27/20/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

27/20/2026

Northern House Wren

47/20/2026

Gray Catbird

37/20/2026

Eastern Bluebird

17/20/2026

American Robin

47/20/2026

Cedar Waxwing

67/20/2026

House Finch

27/20/2026

American Goldfinch

77/20/2026

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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Largest US cattail marsh with massive fall goose concentrations and breeding marsh birds.

6th Avenue Marsh

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 227 recorded species.

Adam Birding Conservancy

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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 - Pike Lake Unit for birding?▼

The best months to visit Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit?▼

Notable species at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit include Red-breasted Nuthatch, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch. The area supports forest, lake habitats.

How difficult is birding at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit?▼

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

What amenities are available at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit?▼

Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.