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

Merlin

Falco columbarius

5/31/2026Solid #21 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

5/31/2026Solid #21 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

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

5/30/2026Indian Springs Park/Baxter Park/Baxter Park Spur Trail1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

5/30/2026UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve--Biocore Prairie1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

5/29/2026Warner Park (Dane Co.)8 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Tree Swallow

15/31/2026

Northern House Wren

15/31/2026

Mallard

45/31/2026

Chimney Swift

25/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/31/2026

Belted Kingfisher

15/31/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/31/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

25/31/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

15/31/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

15/31/2026

Gray Catbird

15/31/2026

American Robin

35/31/2026

House Finch

15/31/2026

American Goldfinch

15/31/2026

Song Sparrow

35/31/2026

Baltimore Oriole

15/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

205/31/2026

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.