Grassland birding habitat

Schmeeckle Reserve

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Schmeeckle Reserve is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, and Red-bellied Woodpecker 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

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

4/18/20268201–8599 Elm Rd, Bancroft US-WI 44.30653, -89.588934 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/17/2026Schmeeckle Reserve (general)1 observed

Henslow's Sparrow

Centronyx henslowii

4/17/2026Buena Vista Kiosk Area1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

4/16/2026Burdette and Sarah Eagon Nature Education Preserve1 observed

Eastern Whip-poor-will

Antrostomus vociferus

4/16/2026Burdette and Sarah Eagon Nature Education Preserve1 observed

Northern Shrike

Lanius borealis

4/16/2026Buena Vista Grasslands/Marsh--Swamp Rd.1 observed

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Contopus virens

4/16/2026UW-SP Central WI Environmental Station (restricted access)1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

4/14/202610 & 161 Wetland8 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

4/14/2026Bukolt Park9 observed

Sora

Porzana carolina

4/13/2026Lost Creek Wetland (Stevens Point)1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

4/13/2026Bukolt Park1 observed

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

4/13/2026Whitefeather1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

144/17/2026

Mallard

64/17/2026

Mourning Dove

74/17/2026

Sandhill Crane

24/17/2026

Bald Eagle

24/17/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

14/17/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

34/17/2026

Downy Woodpecker

44/17/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

24/17/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/17/2026

Northern Flicker

74/17/2026

Eastern Phoebe

24/17/2026

Blue Jay

144/17/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

154/17/2026

Tree Swallow

124/17/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

34/17/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

44/17/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

24/17/2026

American Robin

164/17/2026

House Finch

24/17/2026

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 Schmeeckle Reserve for birding?
The best months to visit Schmeeckle Reserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Schmeeckle Reserve?
Notable species at Schmeeckle Reserve include Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Blue Jay, Black-capped Chickadee. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Schmeeckle Reserve?
Birding at Schmeeckle Reserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Schmeeckle Reserve?
Schmeeckle Reserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.