Forest birding habitat

Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
ForestLake
Best Seasons
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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

6/1/2026Theresa Marsh SWA--Central Access1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

5/31/2026Home2 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

5/31/2026Mud Lake, Ozaukee Co.2 observed

Lapland Longspur

Calcarius lapponicus

5/30/2026Unnamed Road, Horicon, Wisconsin, US (43.478, -88.615)1 observed

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

5/30/2026Riveredge Nature Center - West1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

5/29/2026Craven Nature Nook (Home)1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

5/29/2026UW-Milwaukee Field Station--Upland Woods Area (restricted access)1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

5/27/2026Kettle Moraine SF--Ice Age Trail-Milwaukee River Segment1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

5/25/2026Menomonee Park1 observed

Connecticut Warbler

Oporornis agilis

5/25/2026Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Hartford US-WI 43.30994, -88.322411 observed

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

5/24/2026Horicon Marsh State Recreation Area, Horicon US-WI 43.47524, -88.601521 observed

Philadelphia Vireo

Vireo philadelphicus

5/24/2026Kettle Moraine SF--Pike Lake Unit1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

26/1/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

26/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

26/1/2026

Barred Owl

16/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

46/1/2026

Downy Woodpecker

26/1/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Northern Flicker

26/1/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

46/1/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

26/1/2026

Eastern Kingbird

26/1/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

36/1/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

86/1/2026

Blue Jay

26/1/2026

Tree Swallow

16/1/2026

Purple Martin

26/1/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

16/1/2026

Barn Swallow

16/1/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

26/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

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.