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

Blue-winged x Cinnamon Teal (hybrid)

Spatula discors x cyanoptera

4/18/202653142, Kenosha US-WI 42.55606, -87.847081 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

4/18/2026Raven Glen Forest Preserve1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

4/17/2026Wadsworth HuntClub Roundabout2 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/17/2026Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary1 observed

American Golden-Plover

Pluvialis dominica

4/17/2026Flooded field behind Festival, 30th1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

4/17/2026W941 Bell School Road, East Troy, Wisconsin, US (42.798, -88.349)1 observed

Marbled Godwit

Limosa fedoa

4/16/2026Farmfield, 2745 Chicory Road2 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

4/16/202611828 Kraut Rd, Mount Pleasant US-WI (42.7496,-87.9341)1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

4/16/202627420 Plank Road, Burlington, Wisconsin, US (42.726, -88.163)3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

74/12/2026

Wilson's Snipe

14/12/2026

Common Loon

14/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/12/2026

Osprey

24/12/2026

American Kestrel

14/12/2026

American Crow

24/12/2026

Tree Swallow

84/12/2026

American Robin

4/12/2026

Common Grackle

4/12/2026

Gadwall

64/11/2026

Mallard

44/11/2026

Ring-necked Duck

204/11/2026

Bufflehead

84/11/2026

Hooded Merganser

24/11/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

24/11/2026

Sandhill Crane

24/11/2026

Ring-billed Gull

24/11/2026

Great Egret

24/11/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/11/2026

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.