Grassland birding habitat

Rainbow Flowage

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Rainbow Flowage is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 203 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Great Egret

Ardea alba

7/10/20264552 US-51, Boulder Junction US-WI (46.0651,-89.7542)1 observed

House Finch

Haemorhous mexicanus

7/7/2026Minocqua (Town)2 observed

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

7/2/2026Star Lake Nature Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Bald Eagle

27/12/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

27/12/2026

Blue Jay

17/12/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

37/12/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

27/12/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

17/12/2026

Brown Creeper

17/12/2026

Song Sparrow

17/12/2026

Chestnut-sided Warbler

17/12/2026

Pine Warbler

17/12/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

17/12/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/9/2026

Mourning Dove

17/9/2026

Common Loon

37/9/2026

Barred Owl

17/9/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/9/2026

Downy Woodpecker

27/9/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

17/9/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

17/9/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/9/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Rainbow Flowage for birding?
The best months to visit Rainbow Flowage for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Rainbow Flowage?
Notable species at Rainbow Flowage include Eastern Meadowlark, Dickcissel, Grasshopper Sparrow, Northern Harrier, Bobolink. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Rainbow Flowage?
Birding at Rainbow Flowage is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Rainbow Flowage?
Rainbow Flowage offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.