Lake birding habitat

Yellowstone Lake State Park

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Yellowstone Lake State Park is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 246 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Hooded Merganser 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

Western Meadowlark

Sturnella neglecta

4/18/20265701 County Road DD, Mineral Point, Wisconsin, US (42.858, -90.055)1 observed

Upland Sandpiper

Bartramia longicauda

4/17/2026Thomson Memorial Prairie (Dane Co.)1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

4/16/20262694 Walters Road Dodgeville,wi1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/14/2026Browntown-Cadiz Springs SRA1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/14/2026Kivikoski Farm - General1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

4/13/2026One Tree Hill1 observed

Henslow's Sparrow

Centronyx henslowii

4/12/2026Thousand's Rock Prairie (Dane Co.)1 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

4/12/2026Smith Conley Valley, Ridgeway, Wisconsin, US1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

174/17/2026

Wood Duck

24/17/2026

Blue-winged Teal

14/17/2026

Mallard

44/17/2026

Green-winged Teal

24/17/2026

Mourning Dove

34/17/2026

Sandhill Crane

24/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

94/17/2026

Green Heron

14/17/2026

American White Pelican

524/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

44/17/2026

Osprey

14/17/2026

Bald Eagle

14/17/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/17/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

14/17/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/17/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

14/17/2026

Northern Flicker

14/17/2026

Blue Jay

14/17/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

14/17/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  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 Yellowstone Lake State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Yellowstone Lake State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Yellowstone Lake State Park?
Notable species at Yellowstone Lake State Park include Canada Goose, Mallard, Hooded Merganser, Mourning Dove, Sandhill Crane. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Yellowstone Lake State Park?
Birding at Yellowstone Lake State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Yellowstone Lake State Park?
Yellowstone Lake State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.