Lake birding habitat

Shovelers Sink (use separate hotspot for pond to the south)

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Shovelers Sink (use separate hotspot for pond to the south) is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, and Red-tailed Hawk 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

Merlin

Falco columbarius

5/31/2026Solid #21 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

5/31/2026Solid #21 observed

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

5/31/2026Perry/Primrose BCA--Sherven Unit2 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

5/31/2026Walking Iron County Park4 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

5/31/2026Sub-Zero Pkwy ponds1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

5/31/2026Washburn Observatory1 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

5/31/2026Black Earth Creek Natural Resource Area (Black Earth Creek Headwaters)1 observed

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

5/31/2026Blue Mounds SP (Dane Co)1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

5/31/2026Blue Mounds SP (Dane Co)3 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

5/31/2026Mazomanie Oak Barrens SNA2 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

5/31/2026Mazomanie Oak Barrens SNA1 observed

Northern Bobwhite

Colinus virginianus

5/31/2026Mounds View Grassland--Schurch-Thomson Prairie1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

45/23/2026

Mallard

85/23/2026

Common Nighthawk

15/23/2026

Killdeer

15/23/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/23/2026

Willow Flycatcher

15/23/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/23/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

35/23/2026

Barn Swallow

105/23/2026

European Starling

45/23/2026

Gray Catbird

35/23/2026

Eastern Bluebird

25/23/2026

American Robin

55/23/2026

Cedar Waxwing

45/23/2026

Song Sparrow

25/23/2026

Orchard Oriole

15/23/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

305/23/2026

Common Yellowthroat

25/23/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

35/23/2026

Trumpeter Swan

25/23/2026

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 Shovelers Sink (use separate hotspot for pond to the south) for birding?
The best months to visit Shovelers Sink (use separate hotspot for pond to the south) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Shovelers Sink (use separate hotspot for pond to the south)?
Notable species at Shovelers Sink (use separate hotspot for pond to the south) include Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Red-tailed Hawk, American Crow, American Tree Sparrow. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Shovelers Sink (use separate hotspot for pond to the south)?
Birding at Shovelers Sink (use separate hotspot for pond to the south) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Shovelers Sink (use separate hotspot for pond to the south)?
Shovelers Sink (use separate hotspot for pond to the south) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.