Grassland birding habitat

Ridges Sanctuary

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Ridges Sanctuary is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 209 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Great Horned Owl, and Northern Saw-whet Owl 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

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

5/31/2026Newport SP1 observed

Anhinga

Anhinga anhinga

5/26/2026Sister Bay Waterfront Park and Marina1 observed

Connecticut Warbler

Oporornis agilis

5/24/2026Peninsula SP--Weborg Point1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/20/2026Peninsula SP--Weborg Point1 observed

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus americanus

5/19/2026Peninsula SP--Weborg Point1 observed

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

5/19/2026Baileys Harbor Point1 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

5/19/2026Mathey Rd and TT1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

5/19/2026Mathey Rd and TT1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

5/18/2026North Bay Drive1 observed

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

5/18/2026County I Ponds (Door Co.)1 observed

Brewster's Warbler (hybrid)

Vermivora chrysoptera x cyanoptera (F1 hybrid)

5/18/2026Peninsula SP--Weborg Point1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

15/27/2026

Common Merganser

15/27/2026

Mourning Dove

5/27/2026

Ring-billed Gull

35/27/2026

Caspian Tern

85/27/2026

Bald Eagle

15/27/2026

Northern Flicker

5/27/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

5/27/2026

Blue Jay

15/27/2026

American Crow

15/27/2026

Winter Wren

5/27/2026

American Robin

15/27/2026

Purple Finch

5/27/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

5/27/2026

Common Grackle

15/27/2026

Ovenbird

5/27/2026

Northern Waterthrush

5/27/2026

Black-and-white Warbler

5/27/2026

Nashville Warbler

5/27/2026

American Redstart

15/27/2026

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 Ridges Sanctuary for birding?
The best months to visit Ridges Sanctuary for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Ridges Sanctuary?
Notable species at Ridges Sanctuary include Canada Goose, Great Horned Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Black-capped Chickadee, Red-bellied Woodpecker. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ridges Sanctuary?
Birding at Ridges Sanctuary is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Ridges Sanctuary?
Ridges Sanctuary offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.