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

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

5/31/2026Dewey Marsh SWA5 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

5/31/2026Dewey Marsh SWA2 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

5/31/2026Dewey Marsh SWA1 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

5/30/2026Lost Creek Wetland (Stevens Point)2 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

5/30/2026Lost Creek Wetland (Stevens Point)2 observed

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

5/29/2026Nepco Lake County Park1 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

5/28/2026Buena Vista Grasslands/Marsh--Townline Rd. (south)1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

5/28/2026Schmeeckle Reserve (general)1 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

5/28/20269001-8201 Townline Road, Bancroft, Wisconsin, US (44.309, -89.607)1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

5/27/2026Buena Vista Grasslands/Marsh--Townline Rd. (south)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Red-headed Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

15/31/2026

House Finch

15/31/2026

Chipping Sparrow

15/31/2026

Baltimore Oriole

15/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

15/31/2026

Mallard

45/30/2026

Mourning Dove

75/30/2026

Chimney Swift

15/30/2026

Belted Kingfisher

15/30/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

45/30/2026

Northern Flicker

15/30/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/30/2026

Least Flycatcher

15/30/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/30/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

105/30/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

25/30/2026

Blue Jay

65/30/2026

American Crow

25/30/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

25/30/2026

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.