A river running through a lush green forest

Wehr Nature Center

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Trails: dawn to dusk daily; Center: 8 AM - 4:30 PM

About This Location

Wehr Nature Center is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 228 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, 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

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

5/31/2026Vernon Marsh--River Rd. Entrance1 observed

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Aegolius acadicus

5/31/2026Vernon Marsh--Benson Ave.1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

5/31/2026Vernon Marsh--Benson Ave.1 observed

Kelp Gull

Larus dominicanus

5/31/2026stakeout Kelp Gull, Milwaukee (2025)1 observed

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

5/31/20267820 N Fairchild Rd, Fox Point US-WI 43.15835, -87.907691 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

5/31/2026Menomonee River PKWY #81 observed

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

5/31/202616290 W Crescent Dr, New Berlin US-WI 42.96841, -88.117321 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

25/31/2026

Mallard

45/31/2026

Wild Turkey

65/31/2026

Mourning Dove

25/31/2026

Green Heron

15/31/2026

Downy Woodpecker

25/31/2026

Blue Jay

25/31/2026

Tree Swallow

125/31/2026

Eastern Bluebird

15/31/2026

American Goldfinch

25/31/2026

Baltimore Oriole

25/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

65/31/2026

Common Grackle

15/31/2026

Northern Cardinal

25/31/2026

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

35/31/2026

Indigo Bunting

15/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

15/31/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

15/31/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Waterproof boots are recommended as trails near marshes can be muddy, especially after rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Wehr Nature Center for birding?
The best months to visit Wehr Nature Center for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Wehr Nature Center?
Notable species at Wehr Nature Center include Canada Goose, Mallard, Mourning Dove, American Herring Gull, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Cooper's Hawk, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, American Robin, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Wehr Nature Center?
Birding at Wehr Nature Center is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Wehr Nature Center?
There is no entrance fee at Wehr Nature Center. Hours: Trails: dawn to dusk daily; Center: 8 AM - 4:30 PM.
What amenities are available at Wehr Nature Center?
Wehr Nature Center offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.