Grassland birding habitat

Nicholson Wildlife Refuge

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Nicholson Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 238 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Red-tailed Hawk, and Red-bellied Woodpecker 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

Kelp Gull

Larus dominicanus

7/15/2026stakeout Kelp Gull, Milwaukee (2024-2026)1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

7/15/2026Richard Bong SRA--Observation Tower5 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

7/15/2026Richard Bong SRA--Red Trail1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

7/15/2026Richard Bong SRA--Red Trail1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

7/14/2026Oak Creek Outlet to Lake Michigan6 observed

Redhead

Aythya americana

7/13/2026Lakeshore SP/Harbor Island1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

7/13/2026Lakeshore SP/Harbor Island1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/13/2026Home1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Eastern Wood-Pewee

27/6/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

27/6/2026

American Crow

57/6/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

27/6/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

17/6/2026

Northern House Wren

27/6/2026

American Robin

37/6/2026

House Finch

37/6/2026

Song Sparrow

47/6/2026

Swamp Sparrow

57/6/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

107/6/2026

Common Yellowthroat

37/6/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

37/6/2026

Northern Cardinal

27/6/2026

Indigo Bunting

17/6/2026

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