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

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

7/10/2026Yard1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

7/1/2026Reno Bottoms--Dike Road2 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck (Northern)

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/1/2026Bangor1 observed

Western Meadowlark

Sturnella neglecta

6/30/2026Holland Sand Prairie SNA1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

27/8/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/8/2026

Bald Eagle

27/8/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/8/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

27/8/2026

Baltimore Oriole

17/8/2026

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.