Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 245 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and American Black Duck 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

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

3/2/2026Ken Euers Nature Area1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

3/1/2026Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary1 observed

Killdeer

Charadrius vociferus

2/28/2026Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary1 observed

Brown-headed Cowbird

Molothrus ater

2/27/2026Osprey Point (East River Conservation Project)--Izaak Walton10 observed

Pied-billed Grebe

Podilymbus podiceps

2/27/2026De Pere Dam/Voyageur Park1 observed

Red-winged Blackbird

Agelaius phoeniceus

2/23/2026Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary6 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

803/3/2026

Mallard

3603/3/2026

American Black Duck

133/3/2026

Mallard x American Black Duck (hybrid)

23/3/2026

Common Goldeneye

23/3/2026

Wild Turkey

23/3/2026

Bald Eagle

23/3/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/3/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

33/3/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/3/2026

Northern Cardinal

33/3/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/1/2026

House Sparrow

73/1/2026

American Goldfinch

13/1/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

23/1/2026

Mourning Dove

52/28/2026

Blue Jay

12/28/2026

Rock Pigeon

82/28/2026

American Herring Gull

12/28/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

32/28/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  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 Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary for birding?
The best months to visit Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary?
Notable species at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary include Canada Goose, Mallard, American Black Duck, Mallard x American Black Duck (hybrid), Common Goldeneye. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary?
Birding at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary?
Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.