Coastal birding habitat

Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Goose Island

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
CoastalRiver/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Goose Island is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and river/riparian habitat attracts Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser, and Mourning Dove 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

Common Raven

Corvus corax

5/30/2026Coulee Experimental State Forest2 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/30/2026Wiegel 21 observed

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

5/24/2026State forest Russlan West trail1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

5/24/2026Holland Sand Prairie SNA1 observed

Winter Wren

Troglodytes hiemalis

5/23/2026Hixon Forest (La Crosse)1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

5/21/2026Richard J. Dorer State Forest--Reno Recreation Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

25/31/2026

Chimney Swift

35/31/2026

Killdeer

15/31/2026

Ring-billed Gull

35/31/2026

Black Tern

55/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

505/31/2026

American White Pelican

2005/31/2026

Osprey

15/31/2026

Bald Eagle

15/31/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

45/31/2026

Purple Martin

65/31/2026

Northern House Wren

15/31/2026

Gray Catbird

15/31/2026

American Robin

35/31/2026

House Sparrow

35/31/2026

American Goldfinch

15/31/2026

Prothonotary Warbler

25/31/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  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 Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Goose Island for birding?
The best months to visit Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Goose Island for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Goose Island?
Notable species at Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Goose Island include Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser, Mourning Dove, Sandhill Crane, Bald Eagle. The area supports coastal, river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Goose Island?
Birding at Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Goose Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Goose Island?
Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Goose Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.