Grassland birding habitat

UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve - Picnic Point

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve - Picnic Point is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 254 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Wild Turkey, Sandhill Crane, and Canada Goose 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 Loon

Gavia immer

7/21/2026Governor Nelson SP2 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/21/2026Confluence Pond & North Fork Marsh1 observed

Western Meadowlark

Sturnella neglecta

7/21/2026American Family Insurance Trails1 observed

Carolina Wren

Thryothorus ludovicianus

7/21/2026Sheffield site1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

7/21/2026BB Clarke Beach Park1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

7/18/2026US-14 W, Fitchburg US-WI (42.9836,-89.3857)1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

7/17/2026Lake Farm County Park1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

7/16/2026Military Ridge State Trail west of Town Hall Rd2 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

7/15/2026Sub-Zero Pkwy ponds1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

17/18/2026

Mallard

67/18/2026

Mourning Dove

17/18/2026

Chimney Swift

17/18/2026

Sandhill Crane

27/18/2026

Ring-billed Gull

107/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/18/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/18/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/18/2026

Downy Woodpecker

37/18/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

17/18/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/18/2026

Willow Flycatcher

17/18/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/18/2026

Eastern Kingbird

27/18/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

27/18/2026

Blue Jay

37/18/2026

American Crow

17/18/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

37/18/2026

Tufted Titmouse

17/18/2026

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 UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve - Picnic Point for birding?
The best months to visit UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve - Picnic Point for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve - Picnic Point?
Notable species at UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve - Picnic Point include Wild Turkey, Sandhill Crane, Canada Goose, Killdeer, Red-tailed Hawk. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve - Picnic Point?
Birding at UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve - Picnic Point is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve - Picnic Point?
UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve - Picnic Point offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.