River/Riparian birding habitat

Lower Yahara River Trail

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Lower Yahara River Trail is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 207 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Canvasback 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

Merlin

Falco columbarius

5/31/2026Solid #21 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

5/31/2026Solid #21 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

5/31/2026Sub-Zero Pkwy ponds1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

5/31/2026Washburn Observatory1 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

5/31/2026Black Earth Creek Natural Resource Area (Black Earth Creek Headwaters)1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

5/30/2026Indian Springs Park/Baxter Park/Baxter Park Spur Trail1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

5/30/2026UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve--Biocore Prairie1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

5/29/2026Warner Park (Dane Co.)8 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

55/31/2026

Mallard

15/31/2026

Mourning Dove

35/31/2026

Killdeer

45/31/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/31/2026

American Herring Gull

15/31/2026

Green Heron

15/31/2026

American White Pelican

55/31/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Northern Flicker

15/31/2026

Alder Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Willow Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

25/31/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

25/31/2026

Blue Jay

15/31/2026

Tree Swallow

55/31/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

25/31/2026

Barn Swallow

95/31/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  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 Lower Yahara River Trail for birding?
The best months to visit Lower Yahara River Trail for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Lower Yahara River Trail?
Notable species at Lower Yahara River Trail include Canada Goose, Mallard, Canvasback, Redhead, Bufflehead. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lower Yahara River Trail?
Birding at Lower Yahara River Trail is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lower Yahara River Trail?
Lower Yahara River Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.