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

Eastern Whip-poor-will

Antrostomus vociferus

4/18/2026Highway 23 Boat Launch, S2239A Wisconsin 23, Reedsburg, Wisconsin, US (43.564, -89.838)1 observed

Evening Grosbeak

Hesperiphona vespertina

4/18/2026Baxter's Hollow SNA1 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

4/18/2026Goose Pond6 observed

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

4/18/2026S10320–S10398 Roesser Rd, Sauk City US-WI 43.26690, -89.759202 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

4/18/2026Baxter's Hollow SNA3 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

4/17/2026Leopald Waterfowl Production Area1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

4/17/2026Devils Lake SP1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

4/17/2026Beaver/Fen/Roeser Rd.1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

4/17/2026Beaver/Fen/Roeser Rd.1 observed

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

4/16/2026Patton Rd./Oak Ln. Ponds1 observed

Brewer's Blackbird

Euphagus cyanocephalus

4/16/2026Shady Lane3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rock Pigeon

14/13/2026

Killdeer

24/13/2026

Turkey Vulture

64/13/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/13/2026

Northern Flicker

34/13/2026

American Crow

14/13/2026

Horned Lark

14/13/2026

European Starling

54/13/2026

American Robin

34/13/2026

Chipping Sparrow

14/13/2026

Field Sparrow

84/13/2026

American Tree Sparrow

14/13/2026

Song Sparrow

24/13/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

54/13/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

24/13/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

14/13/2026

Wood Duck

34/9/2026

Wild Turkey

14/9/2026

Mourning Dove

14/9/2026

Northern Harrier

14/9/2026

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.