Buena Vista Grasslands/Marsh

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Buena Vista Grasslands/Marsh is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 241 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Eastern Screech-Owl, Canada Goose, and Greater Prairie-Chicken 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

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

3/6/2026Bahamas4 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

3/6/2026Industrial Patch Bridge1 observed

Ring-billed Gull

Larus delawarensis

3/5/2026Lower Whiting Park1 observed

Greater Prairie-Chicken

Tympanuchus cupido

3/4/2026Leola Marsh SWA (general)15 observed

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

3/4/2026Isherwood Rd (Portage Co.)1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/4/2026Our Homestead/Farm1 observed

Eastern Bluebird

Sialia sialis

3/4/2026Our Homestead/Farm1 observed

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

3/3/2026Lower Whiting Park1 observed

Pine Grosbeak

Pinicola enucleator

3/3/2026Atwell Park1 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

3/2/2026Lower Whiting Park1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

3/2/2026Schmeeckle Reserve--Student Memorial1 observed

Song Sparrow

Melospiza melodia

3/1/2026Green Circle Trail, Westside Loop Near Dam1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Eastern Screech-Owl

13/4/2026

Canada Goose

503/2/2026

Mourning Dove

13/2/2026

Rough-legged Hawk

13/2/2026

Northern Shrike

13/2/2026

American Crow

503/2/2026

Common Raven

33/2/2026

Horned Lark

93/2/2026

European Starling

153/2/2026

American Robin

13/2/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/2/2026

Rock Pigeon

103/2/2026

Trumpeter Swan

23/1/2026

Snow Bunting

403/1/2026

American Tree Sparrow

13/1/2026

Wild Turkey

82/27/2026

Bald Eagle

12/27/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

12/27/2026

Downy Woodpecker

12/27/2026

Blue Jay

42/27/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  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 Buena Vista Grasslands/Marsh for birding?
The best months to visit Buena Vista Grasslands/Marsh for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Buena Vista Grasslands/Marsh?
Notable species at Buena Vista Grasslands/Marsh include Eastern Screech-Owl, Canada Goose, Greater Prairie-Chicken, Mourning Dove, Rough-legged Hawk. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Buena Vista Grasslands/Marsh?
Birding at Buena Vista Grasslands/Marsh is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Buena Vista Grasslands/Marsh?
Buena Vista Grasslands/Marsh offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.