The Birding Hub
The Birding Hub

Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area - Phantom Lake Road

Wisconsin · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird
Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area - Phantom Lake Road is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 237 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Trumpeter Swan, Bald Eagle, and Red-tailed Hawk 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

Trumpeter SwanBald EagleRed-tailed HawkBlue JayAmerican Crow

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

3/4/2026Wood River/Lake area1 observed

Northern Flicker

Colaptes auratus

2/24/202622180 Spirit Lake Rd E, Frederic US-WI 45.71984, -92.556571 observed

Fox Sparrow

Passerella iliaca

2/21/2026River Wood Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Trumpeter Swan

132/27/2026

Bald Eagle

22/27/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

12/27/2026

Blue Jay

52/27/2026

American Crow

42/27/2026

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.

Amenities

Parking
Trails

More in Wisconsin

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Largest US cattail marsh with massive fall goose concentrations and breeding marsh birds.

6th Avenue Marsh

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 227 recorded species.

Adam Birding Conservancy

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 217 recorded species.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Where to See Bald Eagles in North America: A Seasonal Viewing Guide

11 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area - Phantom Lake Road for birding?▼
The best months to visit Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area - Phantom Lake Road for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area - Phantom Lake Road?▼
Notable species at Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area - Phantom Lake Road include Trumpeter Swan, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Blue Jay, American Crow. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area - Phantom Lake Road?▼
Birding at Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area - Phantom Lake Road is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area - Phantom Lake Road?▼
Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area - Phantom Lake Road offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.