Lake birding habitat

Mud Lake State Wildlife Area

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Mud Lake State Wildlife Area is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 214 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Red-tailed Hawk, and Red-headed Woodpecker 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

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

5/31/2026Gibraltar Rock SNA1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/31/2026Parfrey's Glen SNA1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

5/27/2026Old Amsterdam Park1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

5/26/2026N2332 Pleasant View Park Rd, Lodi US-WI 43.36008, -89.632781 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

5/25/2026Hyslop Rd.(Dane Co.)1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

5/25/2026Patton Rd./Oak Ln. Ponds2 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

5/25/2026Schoeneberg Marsh1 observed

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

5/24/2026Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park--North Unit1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

5/23/2026907 Menomonie Lane, Madison, Wisconsin, US (43.154, -89.384)1 observed

Eared Grebe

Podiceps nigricollis

5/23/2026DM and Hahn Pond (Dane Co.)1 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

5/22/2026Rocky Run Oak Savannah SNA2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

25/30/2026

Mourning Dove

15/30/2026

Sandhill Crane

15/30/2026

American Woodcock

15/30/2026

Black Tern

25/30/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/30/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/30/2026

Northern House Wren

15/30/2026

American Robin

35/30/2026

Song Sparrow

25/30/2026

Swamp Sparrow

15/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

65/30/2026

Common Grackle

25/30/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

15/30/2026

Northern Cardinal

25/30/2026

Canada Goose

405/25/2026

Wild Turkey

15/25/2026

Virginia Rail

25/25/2026

Green Heron

15/25/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

15/25/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  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 Mud Lake State Wildlife Area for birding?
The best months to visit Mud Lake State Wildlife Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Mud Lake State Wildlife Area?
Notable species at Mud Lake State Wildlife Area include Canada Goose, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Mud Lake State Wildlife Area?
Birding at Mud Lake State Wildlife Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Mud Lake State Wildlife Area?
Mud Lake State Wildlife Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.