Grassland birding habitat

Sauk Prairie Recreation Area

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
Grassland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Sauk Prairie Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 203 species recorded on eBird. This grassland habitat attracts Red-tailed Hawk, Northern Flicker, and Blue Jay 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

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

5/31/2026Walking Iron County Park4 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

5/31/2026Gibraltar Rock SNA1 observed

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

5/31/2026Sauk Prairie Recreation Area1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

5/31/2026Mazomanie Oak Barrens SNA2 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

5/31/2026Mazomanie Oak Barrens SNA1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/31/2026Parfrey's Glen SNA1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

5/31/2026South Bluff/Devil's Nose SNA2 observed

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorum

5/31/2026South Bluff/Devil's Nose SNA1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

5/31/2026Sauk Prairie Recreation Area1 observed

Western Meadowlark

Sturnella neglecta

5/30/2026Beaver/Fen/Roeser Rd.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rock Pigeon

35/31/2026

Mourning Dove

15/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/31/2026

Northern Flicker

25/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/31/2026

Willow Flycatcher

25/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

25/31/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/31/2026

American Crow

45/31/2026

Tufted Titmouse

15/31/2026

Barn Swallow

65/31/2026

Cliff Swallow

15/31/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

15/31/2026

Northern House Wren

75/31/2026

Gray Catbird

65/31/2026

Brown Thrasher

35/31/2026

American Robin

35/31/2026

American Goldfinch

45/31/2026

Clay-colored Sparrow

25/31/2026

Field Sparrow

115/31/2026

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 Sauk Prairie Recreation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Sauk Prairie Recreation Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Sauk Prairie Recreation Area?
Notable species at Sauk Prairie Recreation Area include Red-tailed Hawk, Northern Flicker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee. The area supports grassland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sauk Prairie Recreation Area?
Birding at Sauk Prairie Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Sauk Prairie Recreation Area?
Sauk Prairie Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.