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

Merlin

Falco columbarius

6/1/2026Home-ish2 observed

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

6/1/2026Eichleman Park1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

5/31/2026North Branch Conservation Area1 observed

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

5/29/2026White River Bike Trail General2 observed

Philadelphia Vireo

Vireo philadelphicus

5/29/2026West Kenosha Neighborhoods - Floodplain, 69th Street1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

5/26/2026Lake Denoon1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/26/2026Greenridge Cemetery1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

5/25/2026Richard Bong SRA--Observation Tower1 observed

Cerulean Warbler

Setophaga cerulea

5/25/2026Big Muskego Lake SWA (Milwaukee Co.)1 observed

Connecticut Warbler

Oporornis agilis

5/25/2026Richard Bong SRA (general)1 observed

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

5/25/20264307 Wilmot Road, Johnsburg, Illinois, US (42.39, -88.229)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

326/2/2026

Mallard

26/2/2026

Mourning Dove

16/2/2026

Sandhill Crane

26/2/2026

Killdeer

16/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

26/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/2/2026

American White Pelican

16/2/2026

Osprey

16/2/2026

Willow Flycatcher

66/2/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/2/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

36/2/2026

Tree Swallow

66/2/2026

Barn Swallow

86/2/2026

Marsh Wren

56/2/2026

Gray Catbird

16/2/2026

Brown Thrasher

16/2/2026

Eastern Bluebird

26/2/2026

American Robin

106/2/2026

Cedar Waxwing

66/2/2026

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.