Grassland birding habitat

L. H. Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

L. H. Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 231 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, and Cooper's Hawk 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

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

7/12/2026West Shores SWA1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

7/12/2026Cat Island Causeway (restricted access)1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

7/9/2026Ken Euers Nature Area1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

7/4/2026Sensiba SWA2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

17/12/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/12/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/12/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

27/12/2026

Northern Flicker

27/12/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

27/12/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

47/12/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/12/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

17/12/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

27/12/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

47/12/2026

Cliff Swallow

57/12/2026

Northern House Wren

27/12/2026

Gray Catbird

17/12/2026

Veery

17/12/2026

Wood Thrush

27/12/2026

American Robin

57/12/2026

Cedar Waxwing

87/12/2026

American Goldfinch

27/12/2026

Song Sparrow

17/12/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  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 L. H. Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit L. H. Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at L. H. Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve?
Notable species at L. H. Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve include Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at L. H. Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve?
Birding at L. H. Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at L. H. Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve?
L. H. Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.