Canyon birding habitat

Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
Canyon
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 248 species recorded on eBird. This canyon habitat attracts American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, and American Tree Sparrow 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

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

7/21/2026Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

7/21/2026Forest Beach Migratory Preserve (Restoring Lands)1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

7/21/2026Freistadt1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

7/20/2026Mud Lake, Ozaukee Co.1 observed

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

7/20/2026Home 9277 N Lake Dr, Bayside3 observed

Brown Creeper

Certhia americana

7/19/2026Cedarburg Bog SNA--Watts Lake1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

7/19/2026Cedarburg Bog SNA--Watts Lake1 observed

Red Crossbill (Ponderosa Pine or type 2)

Loxia curvirostra

7/19/2026Cedarburg Bog SNA--Horn Lake1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

7/18/2026Covered Bridge Park1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/12/20261811-1813 East Kenwood blvd2 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

7/12/2026Coal Dock Park1 observed

Winter Wren

Troglodytes hiemalis

7/11/2026UW-Milwaukee Field Station--Upland Woods Area (restricted access)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

127/21/2026

Mallard

17/21/2026

Mourning Dove

67/21/2026

Killdeer

17/21/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/21/2026

Solitary Sandpiper

17/21/2026

Ring-billed Gull

27/21/2026

American Herring Gull

27/21/2026

Green Heron

17/21/2026

Great Egret

17/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

37/21/2026

Northern Flicker

17/21/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

27/21/2026

Blue Jay

17/21/2026

American Crow

17/21/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

77/21/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

27/21/2026

Northern House Wren

27/21/2026

Gray Catbird

27/21/2026

American Robin

167/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for echoing calls of Canyon Wren and other canyon specialties.

  2. 2

    Check rocky ledges and cliff faces for nesting raptors.

  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 Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve?
Notable species at Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve include American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, American Tree Sparrow, Canada Goose, Common Merganser. The area supports canyon habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve?
Birding at Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve?
Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.