Lower Yahara River Trail

Wisconsin · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

River/Riparian

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

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

Canada Goose Mallard Canvasback Redhead Bufflehead

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Carolina Wren

Thryothorus ludovicianus

7/16/2026Sheffield Rd (Home)1 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

7/15/2026Sub-Zero Pkwy ponds1 observed

Western Meadowlark

Sturnella neglecta

7/15/2026American Family Insurance Trails1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

7/13/2026Garner Park, Madison US-WI 43.06165, -89.475791 observed

Northern Bobwhite

Colinus virginianus

7/13/20267402 Schaller, home1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

407/16/2026

Mallard

297/16/2026

Hooded Merganser

17/16/2026

Rock Pigeon

17/16/2026

Mourning Dove

67/16/2026

Sandhill Crane

27/16/2026

Killdeer

47/16/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

27/16/2026

Least Sandpiper

67/16/2026

Ring-billed Gull

47/16/2026

Green Heron

17/16/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/16/2026

Osprey

17/16/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/16/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

17/16/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

27/16/2026

Willow Flycatcher

47/16/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/16/2026

Eastern Kingbird

87/16/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

27/16/2026

Birding Tips

1
Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.
2
Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.
3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

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Wisconsin Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Wisconsin →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

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.