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

House Finch

Haemorhous mexicanus

5/31/2026Eagle River1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

5/29/2026Rainbow Flowage--Swamp Creek Landing9 observed

Tufted Titmouse

Baeolophus bicolor

5/29/2026Woodboro1 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

5/24/2026Rainbow Flowage--Swamp Creek Landing1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

5/23/2026Crawling Stone Lake, Lac Du Flambeau US-WI 45.92946, -89.881091 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Loon

25/31/2026

Belted Kingfisher

15/31/2026

Eastern Phoebe

35/31/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/31/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

45/31/2026

Blue Jay

25/31/2026

American Robin

65/31/2026

Chipping Sparrow

45/31/2026

Song Sparrow

25/31/2026

Ovenbird

55/31/2026

Nashville Warbler

25/31/2026

Common Yellowthroat

35/31/2026

Pine Warbler

15/31/2026

Black-throated Green Warbler

45/31/2026

Canada Goose

845/31/2026

Wood Duck

75/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/31/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

15/31/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Northern Flicker

15/31/2026

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.