Wetland birding habitat

Odana Marsh

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Odana Marsh is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 205 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Downy 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

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

6/3/2026UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve--Picnic Point1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

6/3/2026Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park--North Unit1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

6/3/2026UW Madison--Central Campus1 observed

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

6/3/2026Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park--South Unit1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

6/3/2026Shovelers Sink (use separate hotspot for pond to the south)2 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

6/3/2026Fish Camp Park, Lake Kegonsa1 observed

Brown Creeper

Certhia americana

6/2/2026UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve--Picnic Point1 observed

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

6/2/20266195 Purcell Rd, Oregon US-WI 42.94309, -89.475811 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

6/2/2026UW Madison Arboretum (general)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American White Pelican

6/1/2026

Canada Goose

175/28/2026

Wood Duck

25/28/2026

Mallard

35/28/2026

Mourning Dove

25/28/2026

Green Heron

15/28/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/28/2026

Bald Eagle

15/28/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/28/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/28/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/28/2026

Blue Jay

25/28/2026

American Crow

15/28/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

15/28/2026

Gray Catbird

35/28/2026

American Robin

65/28/2026

Cedar Waxwing

45/28/2026

American Goldfinch

55/28/2026

Song Sparrow

25/28/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

35/28/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

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