Wetland birding habitat

Leola Marsh State Wildlife Area

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Leola Marsh State Wildlife Area is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 204 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, and Sandhill Crane 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

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

4/18/20268201–8599 Elm Rd, Bancroft US-WI 44.30653, -89.588934 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/18/2026Private Home, Hancock, Wisconsin, US (44.119, -89.463)1 observed

Henslow's Sparrow

Centronyx henslowii

4/17/2026Buena Vista Kiosk Area1 observed

Northern Shrike

Lanius borealis

4/16/2026Buena Vista Grasslands/Marsh--Swamp Rd.1 observed

Western Meadowlark

Sturnella neglecta

4/14/2026Leola Marsh SWA--Hwy. D & Hwy. W1 observed

Brewer's Blackbird

Euphagus cyanocephalus

4/13/2026Leola Marsh SWA (general)1 observed

Greater Prairie-Chicken

Tympanuchus cupido

4/13/2026Leola Marsh SWA (general)30 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

4/12/2026Buena Vista Grasslands/Marsh--Taft Ave. (north of W)8 observed

Black-crowned Night Heron

Nycticorax nycticorax

4/11/2026Buena Vista Grasslands/Marsh--Townline Rd. (north of Buena Vista Dr.)1 observed

Eastern Towhee

Pipilo erythrophthalmus

4/11/2026Buena Vista Grasslands/Marsh--Mill Rd.1 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

4/8/2026Brown Deer Dr Boat Launch and Observation Tower1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

2504/13/2026

Trumpeter Swan

24/13/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

14/13/2026

Sandhill Crane

404/13/2026

Northern Harrier

14/13/2026

Northern Flicker

14/13/2026

Song Sparrow

14/13/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

904/13/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

54/13/2026

Rusty Blackbird

14/13/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

14/13/2026

Common Grackle

104/13/2026

Tundra Swan

404/13/2026

Mallard

204/13/2026

Redhead

104/13/2026

Lesser Scaup

204/13/2026

Bufflehead

304/13/2026

Common Goldeneye

204/13/2026

Hooded Merganser

34/13/2026

Common Merganser

24/13/2026

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 Leola Marsh State Wildlife Area for birding?
The best months to visit Leola Marsh State Wildlife Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Leola Marsh State Wildlife Area?
Notable species at Leola Marsh State Wildlife Area include Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Sandhill Crane, Northern Harrier, Bald Eagle. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Leola Marsh State Wildlife Area?
Birding at Leola Marsh State Wildlife Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Leola Marsh State Wildlife Area?
Leola Marsh State Wildlife Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.