Wetland birding habitat

Lake Mills State Wildlife Area - Zeloski Marsh

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
WetlandLake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Lake Mills State Wildlife Area - Zeloski Marsh is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 254 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, and Mallard 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

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

6/2/2026Lake Mills SWA--Zeloski Marsh2 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

6/1/2026Indian Mound Conservation Park (Dane Co)1 observed

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

6/1/2026KP Yard1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

5/30/2026Springer Rd. Lake Mills1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/30/2026Fish Camp1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

5/28/2026Lake Kegonsa SP1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

5/26/2026Nine Springs Natural Area (MMSD Wildlife Observation Area)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

406/2/2026

Trumpeter Swan

86/2/2026

Wood Duck

1206/2/2026

Blue-winged Teal

46/2/2026

Mallard

406/2/2026

Ruddy Duck

16/2/2026

Mourning Dove

26/2/2026

Chimney Swift

46/2/2026

American Coot

16/2/2026

Sandhill Crane

26/2/2026

Killdeer

16/2/2026

Black Tern

106/2/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

46/2/2026

Green Heron

16/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

46/2/2026

American White Pelican

206/2/2026

Osprey

26/2/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

16/2/2026

Belted Kingfisher

16/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  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 Lake Mills State Wildlife Area - Zeloski Marsh for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Mills State Wildlife Area - Zeloski Marsh for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Lake Mills State Wildlife Area - Zeloski Marsh?
Notable species at Lake Mills State Wildlife Area - Zeloski Marsh include Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Mallard, Ring-necked Pheasant, Mourning Dove. The area supports wetland, lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Mills State Wildlife Area - Zeloski Marsh?
Birding at Lake Mills State Wildlife Area - Zeloski Marsh is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Mills State Wildlife Area - Zeloski Marsh?
Lake Mills State Wildlife Area - Zeloski Marsh offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.