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

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

4/18/2026Liege Lake1 observed

House Finch

Haemorhous mexicanus

4/17/20269032 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/15/2026Woodboro1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

4/13/2026Lake Thompson - Lehman's Sugar Shack1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

4/10/2026Apperson Dr Boat Launch1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

34/18/2026

Mallard

24/18/2026

Common Merganser

24/18/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

24/18/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/18/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

214/18/2026

Song Sparrow

14/18/2026

Common Grackle

54/18/2026

Common Loon

14/17/2026

Canada Goose

24/17/2026

Bufflehead

54/17/2026

Common Goldeneye

14/17/2026

Hooded Merganser

14/17/2026

Killdeer

24/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/17/2026

Eastern Phoebe

24/17/2026

Tree Swallow

54/17/2026

American Robin

44/17/2026

Chipping Sparrow

14/17/2026

Ring-necked Duck

254/17/2026

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.