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

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

4/18/202627916 County Highway X, Cashton, Wisconsin1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

4/18/2026Crane Count Site 331 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

4/14/2026Grandad Bluff Park1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

4/11/2026Coulee Experimental State Forest1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

4/6/2026Upper Mississippi River NWR--Goose Island1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

4/13/2026

Wood Duck

4/13/2026

Blue-winged Teal

4/13/2026

Northern Shoveler

4/13/2026

Gadwall

4/13/2026

Mallard

24/13/2026

Lesser Scaup

4/13/2026

Great Egret

24/13/2026

American White Pelican

14/13/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/13/2026

Bald Eagle

14/13/2026

Northern Flicker

4/13/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

4/13/2026

Tree Swallow

34/13/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

14/13/2026

American Robin

4/13/2026

American Goldfinch

24/13/2026

Field Sparrow

14/13/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

4/13/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

4/13/2026

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.