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

5/31/2026stakeout Kelp Gull, Milwaukee (2025)1 observed

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

5/31/202616290 W Crescent Dr, New Berlin US-WI 42.96841, -88.117321 observed

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

5/30/2026Oak Creek Outlet to Lake Michigan1 observed

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

5/29/2026White River Bike Trail General2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

5/31/2026

Blue-winged Teal

5/31/2026

Ring-billed Gull

5/31/2026

American Crow

5/31/2026

Tree Swallow

5/31/2026

American Robin

5/31/2026

Swamp Sparrow

5/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

5/31/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

5/31/2026

Northern Cardinal

5/31/2026

Mallard

25/21/2026

Killdeer

15/21/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/21/2026

Bald Eagle

15/21/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/21/2026

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

15/21/2026

Blue-headed Vireo

15/21/2026

Blue Jay

25/21/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

25/21/2026

Horned Lark

15/21/2026

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.