River/Riparian birding habitat

Paradise Valley State Wildlife Area - Bark River Unit

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
River/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Paradise Valley State Wildlife Area - Bark River Unit is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and American Herring Gull 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

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

5/31/2026Vernon Marsh--River Rd. Entrance1 observed

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Aegolius acadicus

5/31/2026Vernon Marsh--Benson Ave.1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

5/31/2026Vernon Marsh--Benson Ave.1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

5/31/2026Newell & Ann Meyer Nature Preserve (TNC)1 observed

Brewer's Blackbird

Euphagus cyanocephalus

5/30/2026Prince’s Point SWA--Hwy. 1068 observed

Eastern Whip-poor-will

Antrostomus vociferus

5/29/2026Kettle Moraine SF--Mukwonago River Unit (Waukesha Co.)1 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

5/27/2026Prince’s Point SWA--Hwy. 1064 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

25/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/31/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

25/31/2026

Tree Swallow

15/31/2026

Barn Swallow

25/31/2026

Northern House Wren

15/31/2026

European Starling

15/31/2026

Gray Catbird

25/31/2026

Eastern Bluebird

25/31/2026

American Robin

75/31/2026

Cedar Waxwing

15/31/2026

House Finch

25/31/2026

American Goldfinch

15/31/2026

Baltimore Oriole

15/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

35/31/2026

Northern Cardinal

25/31/2026

Indigo Bunting

25/31/2026

Chimney Swift

55/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Downy Woodpecker

25/31/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  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 Paradise Valley State Wildlife Area - Bark River Unit for birding?
The best months to visit Paradise Valley State Wildlife Area - Bark River Unit for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Paradise Valley State Wildlife Area - Bark River Unit?
Notable species at Paradise Valley State Wildlife Area - Bark River Unit include Canada Goose, Mallard, American Herring Gull, Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle. The area supports river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Paradise Valley State Wildlife Area - Bark River Unit?
Birding at Paradise Valley State Wildlife Area - Bark River Unit is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Paradise Valley State Wildlife Area - Bark River Unit?
Paradise Valley State Wildlife Area - Bark River Unit offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.