Lake birding habitat

Rush Lake

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Rush Lake is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Common Raven

Corvus corax

7/15/2026TRS neighborhood1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/14/2026N5747 Spaulding Hill Road, Ripon, Wisconsin, US (43.836, -88.91)1 observed

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Regulus satrapa

7/14/2026Northwestern Trail--Cass St. to Cty PP1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

7/10/2026White River Marsh SWA--White River Bridge/Cty D1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

7/10/2026White River Marsh SWA--Dead End Rd1 observed

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

7/6/2026Hiestand Park1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

7/5/2026White River Marsh SWA--White River Bridge/Cty D1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

57/10/2026

Chimney Swift

47/10/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/10/2026

Northern Flicker

17/10/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

27/10/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/10/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/10/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/10/2026

Horned Lark

17/10/2026

Tree Swallow

67/10/2026

Barn Swallow

37/10/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/10/2026

Northern House Wren

27/10/2026

Sedge Wren

27/10/2026

Marsh Wren

17/10/2026

Gray Catbird

17/10/2026

Eastern Bluebird

17/10/2026

American Robin

37/10/2026

Cedar Waxwing

17/10/2026

American Goldfinch

27/10/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  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 Rush Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Rush Lake for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Rush Lake?
Notable species at Rush Lake include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Rush Lake?
Birding at Rush Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Rush Lake?
Rush Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.