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Nine Springs Natural Area (MMSD Wildlife Observation Area)

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Nine Springs Natural Area (MMSD Wildlife Observation Area) is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 267 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Bufflehead 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

Merlin

Falco columbarius

5/31/2026Solid #21 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

5/31/2026Solid #21 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

5/31/2026Sub-Zero Pkwy ponds1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

5/31/2026Washburn Observatory1 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

5/31/2026Black Earth Creek Natural Resource Area (Black Earth Creek Headwaters)1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

5/30/2026Indian Springs Park/Baxter Park/Baxter Park Spur Trail1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

5/30/2026UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve--Biocore Prairie1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

5/29/2026Warner Park (Dane Co.)8 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

265/31/2026

Wood Duck

185/31/2026

Mallard

375/31/2026

Mourning Dove

25/31/2026

Killdeer

35/31/2026

Green Heron

15/31/2026

Great Egret

15/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/31/2026

Osprey

45/31/2026

Cooper's Hawk

15/31/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Northern Flicker

25/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/31/2026

Willow Flycatcher

25/31/2026

Eastern Phoebe

15/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/31/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/31/2026

American Crow

15/31/2026

Barn Swallow

25/31/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Waterproof boots are recommended as trails near marshes can be muddy, especially after rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Nine Springs Natural Area (MMSD Wildlife Observation Area) for birding?
The best months to visit Nine Springs Natural Area (MMSD Wildlife Observation Area) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Nine Springs Natural Area (MMSD Wildlife Observation Area)?
Notable species at Nine Springs Natural Area (MMSD Wildlife Observation Area) include Canada Goose, Mallard, Bufflehead, Sandhill Crane, Cackling Goose, Great Horned Owl, Eastern Screech-Owl, American Robin, House Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Northern Cardinal. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Nine Springs Natural Area (MMSD Wildlife Observation Area)?
Birding at Nine Springs Natural Area (MMSD Wildlife Observation Area) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Nine Springs Natural Area (MMSD Wildlife Observation Area)?
There is no entrance fee at Nine Springs Natural Area (MMSD Wildlife Observation Area). Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Nine Springs Natural Area (MMSD Wildlife Observation Area)?
Nine Springs Natural Area (MMSD Wildlife Observation Area) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.