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

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

7/17/2026Eagle Springs Golf Resort1 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

7/16/2026Prince’s Point SWA--Hwy. 1064 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

7/16/2026Prince’s Point SWA--Hwy. 1061 observed

Brewer's Blackbird

Euphagus cyanocephalus

7/16/2026Prince’s Point SWA--Hwy. 1061 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

7/15/2026Kettle Moraine SF--Ottawa Lake Recreation Area6 observed

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

7/15/2026Minooka County Park1 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

7/14/2026Lapham Peak SP--Tower Area1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

7/14/2026Swift Lake Yard & vicinity1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

7/14/2026Vernon Marsh--Inner & Outer DU Dikes/Figure 84 observed

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

7/13/2026Vernon Marsh--Inner & Outer DU Dikes/Figure 81 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

7/13/2026Harnischfeger Park1 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

7/12/2026Vernon Marsh--Inner & Outer DU Dikes/Figure 82 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Red-eyed Vireo

17/17/2026

Blue Jay

17/17/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/17/2026

Wood Thrush

17/17/2026

American Robin

17/17/2026

American Goldfinch

27/17/2026

Northern Cardinal

27/17/2026

Indigo Bunting

17/17/2026

Wild Turkey

127/16/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/16/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/16/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

27/16/2026

House Finch

27/16/2026

Sandhill Crane

27/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/15/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

17/15/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

27/15/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

37/15/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/15/2026

American Crow

17/15/2026

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.