Birding or Bird Watching

Wisconsin's great outdoors offers a wide variety of settings for bird observation and study. The following locations characterize the diverse geographic settings in the state, and the birds and habitats associated with each. Each site is numbered. The numbers reference the locator map included with this section. Many of these preserves and sanctuaries offer naturalist programs, displays and exhibits at fully-staffed environmental centers.

Birding in Adams, WI at Quincy Bluff & Wetlands Preserve

This 1,705-acre preserve in Adams County, 20 miles north of Wisconsin Dells offers a variety of terrains with bluffs, buttes and mesas, pine forest and sedge meadows, tamarack swamps, bogs and wetlands. Bird species include northern harrier hawks, turkey vultures and sandhill cranes. Because wild lupine grows in the area, this is a good potential habitat for the Karner blue butterfly. Bluebirds, yellow warblers and other songbirds also flourish in the barrens.

Birding in Madison, WI at Avon Bottoms

Avon Bottoms for Bird Watching or Birding in Madison City- Rock County, WI (Southeast Wisconsin)

1,600 acres of Wisconsin DNR land along the Sugar River near the town of Avon (between Beloit and Janesville in south-central Wisconsin). The site is  primitive, but has a wide range of habitats including prairie, swamp and oak savannah. Avon Bottoms features a lowland hardwood forest in the floodplain of  the meandering Sugar River.

Birding in Grantsburg, WI at Crex Meadows Wildlife Area

Crex Meadows Wildlife Area for Bird Watching or Birding in Grantsburg City- Bayfield County, WI (Northwest Wisconsin)
 
This state-owned 27,000-acre complex of marsh, woodlands and prairies is located in Burnett County north of Grantsburg. Crex Meadows features colonies of nesting herons, breeding eagles and osprey, sharp-tailed grouse and trumpeter swans as well as large concentrations of sandhill cranes, waterfowl and eagles in the fall. It is home to  270 species of birds and  600 species of plants.

Birding in Black Creek, WI at Mack Wildlife & Observation Area

Mack Wildlife & Observation Area for Bird Watching or Birding in Black Creek City- Outagamie County, WI (Northeast Wisconsin)
 
Located 2.5 miles west of Black Creek on Hwy. 54 and Bishkoff Road. This 1,829-acre site includes a newly-created 500-acre wildlife observation area. It is one of the few areas in the state where migrating swans can be seen along with Canada geese, ducks and shore birds.