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

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

4/18/2026Mathy Rd6 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

4/17/2026Newport SP1 observed

Bohemian Waxwing

Bombycilla garrulus

4/15/2026Meadowland20 observed

Great Crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus crinitus

4/15/202654235, Sturgeon Bay US-WI 44.91186, -87.394561 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

4/14/202610625 N Highland Rd, Sister Bay US-WI 45.18691, -87.1313574 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

4/9/2026doorcountypaul home1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

4/6/2026Sevastopol, WI

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/17/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/17/2026

Brown Creeper

24/17/2026

Common Grackle

74/17/2026

Mourning Dove

14/17/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

14/17/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

24/17/2026

American Robin

24/17/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

24/17/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

24/17/2026

Northern Cardinal

24/17/2026

American Woodcock

4/16/2026

Ring-billed Gull

4/16/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

4/16/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

4/16/2026

Winter Wren

4/16/2026

Song Sparrow

14/11/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/9/2026

Sandhill Crane

14/5/2026

American Crow

14/5/2026

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.