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

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

5/29/2026Nepco Lake County Park1 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

5/28/2026Buena Vista Grasslands/Marsh--Townline Rd. (south)1 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

5/28/20269001-8201 Townline Road, Bancroft, Wisconsin, US (44.309, -89.607)1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

5/27/2026Buena Vista Grasslands/Marsh--Townline Rd. (south)1 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

5/26/2026Buena Vista Grasslands/Marsh--Townline Rd. (south)1 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

5/25/20269001-8201 Townline Road, Bancroft, Wisconsin, US (44.309, -89.607)1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

5/23/20268399-8201 Taft Avenue, Bancroft, Wisconsin, US (44.311, -89.547)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

26/1/2026

Wild Turkey

16/1/2026

Mourning Dove

66/1/2026

Sora

16/1/2026

Sandhill Crane

76/1/2026

Killdeer

16/1/2026

Green Heron

16/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

26/1/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Northern Flicker

16/1/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

26/1/2026

Willow Flycatcher

16/1/2026

Least Flycatcher

16/1/2026

Eastern Kingbird

56/1/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

16/1/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

36/1/2026

American Crow

136/1/2026

Common Raven

46/1/2026

Horned Lark

16/1/2026

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.