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

Loading map...

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

Western Meadowlark

Sturnella neglecta

7/13/2026American Family Insurance Trails1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

7/13/2026Lower Yahara River Trail1 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

7/12/2026Olbrich Park1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

7/12/2026Lake Kegonsa SP1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

7/11/2026County Road D Shorebird Pond1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

7/10/2026Maywood Park1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

7/9/2026Lower Yahara River Trail1 observed

Eastern Whip-poor-will

Antrostomus vociferus

6/30/2026Rock River1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

117/10/2026

Trumpeter Swan

47/10/2026

Wood Duck

97/10/2026

Sandhill Crane

67/10/2026

Great Blue Heron

67/10/2026

Osprey

17/10/2026

Willow Flycatcher

47/10/2026

Eastern Kingbird

27/10/2026

Tree Swallow

67/10/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

17/10/2026

Northern House Wren

17/10/2026

Marsh Wren

47/10/2026

European Starling

1007/10/2026

Gray Catbird

17/10/2026

American Goldfinch

37/10/2026

Song Sparrow

27/10/2026

Swamp Sparrow

67/10/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

1007/10/2026

Common Yellowthroat

87/10/2026

Indigo Bunting

17/10/2026

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.