Grassland birding habitat

Mascoutin Valley State Trail

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Mascoutin Valley State Trail is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 202 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

Loading map...

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

Common Raven

Corvus corax

7/15/2026TRS neighborhood1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/14/2026N5747 Spaulding Hill Road, Ripon, Wisconsin, US (43.836, -88.91)1 observed

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Regulus satrapa

7/14/2026Northwestern Trail--Cass St. to Cty PP1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

7/10/2026White River Marsh SWA--White River Bridge/Cty D1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

7/10/2026White River Marsh SWA--Dead End Rd1 observed

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

7/6/2026Hiestand Park1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

7/5/2026White River Marsh SWA--White River Bridge/Cty D1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

117/18/2026

Wood Duck

267/18/2026

Blue-winged Teal

37/18/2026

Mallard

847/18/2026

Green-winged Teal

17/18/2026

Wild Turkey

67/18/2026

Mourning Dove

37/18/2026

Sandhill Crane

47/18/2026

Killdeer

37/18/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/18/2026

Solitary Sandpiper

17/18/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

37/18/2026

Ring-billed Gull

57/18/2026

Black Tern

47/18/2026

Green Heron

17/18/2026

Great Egret

37/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/18/2026

American White Pelican

677/18/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/18/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/18/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  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 Mascoutin Valley State Trail for birding?
The best months to visit Mascoutin Valley State Trail for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Mascoutin Valley State Trail?
Notable species at Mascoutin Valley State Trail include Eastern Meadowlark, Dickcissel, Grasshopper Sparrow, Northern Harrier, Bobolink. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Mascoutin Valley State Trail?
Birding at Mascoutin Valley State Trail is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Mascoutin Valley State Trail?
Mascoutin Valley State Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.