Grassland birding habitat

Richard Bong State Recreation Area

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Richard Bong State Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 254 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Hooded Merganser, Canada Goose, and Mute Swan 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

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

7/17/2026Wind Lake (Racine Co.)1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

7/17/2026Home1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

7/15/2026Richard Bong SRA--Observation Tower5 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

7/15/2026Richard Bong SRA--Red Trail1 observed

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

7/11/20264 Mile Rd.-Private Residence1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

7/10/2026North Branch Conservation Area1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

7/10/2026Petrifying Springs Park2 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

7/7/2026Tichigan Lake (Racine Co.)

European Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

7/6/2026Grand Geneva Resort5 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

17/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/18/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

17/18/2026

American Robin

67/18/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

17/18/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/18/2026

Wild Turkey

17/16/2026

Canada Goose

327/16/2026

Wood Duck

67/16/2026

Mallard

127/16/2026

Sandhill Crane

27/16/2026

Killdeer

47/16/2026

Least Bittern

17/16/2026

Green Heron

27/16/2026

Great Egret

57/16/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/16/2026

Osprey

27/16/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/16/2026

Northern Flicker

37/16/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/16/2026

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 Richard Bong State Recreation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Richard Bong State Recreation Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Richard Bong State Recreation Area?
Notable species at Richard Bong State Recreation Area include Hooded Merganser, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Mallard, Redhead. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Richard Bong State Recreation Area?
Birding at Richard Bong State Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Richard Bong State Recreation Area?
Richard Bong State Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.