Coastal birding habitat

Point Beach State Forest

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
CoastalForest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Point Beach State Forest is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 213 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and forest habitat attracts Great Horned Owl, Canada Goose, and Greater Scaup 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

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

6/2/2026Beuhler Preserve (Restricted Access)1 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

6/1/2026Manitowoc Impoundment1 observed

Glaucous Gull

Larus hyperboreus

6/1/2026Manitowoc Lakefront1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

6/1/2026Henry Schuette Park1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

6/1/2026Van der Brohe Arboretum1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

5/30/2026Manitowoc Impoundment1 observed

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

5/29/2026South Breakwater Two Rivers1 observed

Little Gull

Hydrocoloeus minutus

5/29/2026Manitowoc Impoundment1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/29/2026tr stopover site 11 (Yellow Birch Trail - back of loop)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American White Pelican

36/1/2026

Mourning Dove

15/31/2026

Chimney Swift

65/31/2026

Ring-billed Gull

1005/31/2026

American Herring Gull

205/31/2026

Northern Flicker

15/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/31/2026

Eastern Phoebe

15/31/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/31/2026

Blue Jay

45/31/2026

Barn Swallow

45/31/2026

Gray Catbird

25/31/2026

Wood Thrush

15/31/2026

American Robin

25/31/2026

Cedar Waxwing

35/31/2026

Chipping Sparrow

25/31/2026

Song Sparrow

15/31/2026

Eastern Towhee

15/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

25/31/2026

Ovenbird

15/31/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  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 Point Beach State Forest for birding?
The best months to visit Point Beach State Forest for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Point Beach State Forest?
Notable species at Point Beach State Forest include Great Horned Owl, Canada Goose, Greater Scaup, Long-tailed Duck, Common Goldeneye. The area supports coastal, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Point Beach State Forest?
Birding at Point Beach State Forest is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Point Beach State Forest?
Point Beach State Forest offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.