The Birding Hub
The Birding Hub

George W. Mead State Wildlife Area - Smoky Hill Road

Wisconsin · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird
Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

George W. Mead State Wildlife Area - Smoky Hill Road is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 213 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Great Blue HeronRed-winged BlackbirdMallardGreen HeronVirginia Rail

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/4/2026Our Homestead/Farm1 observed

Eastern Bluebird

Sialia sialis

3/4/2026Our Homestead/Farm1 observed

Redpoll

Acanthis flammea

3/3/2026201517 County Road S, Milladore, Wisconsin, US (44.617, -89.792)1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

2/22/20261470 Wuertzburg Rd, Athens US-WI (44.9605,-90.0972)1 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

2/20/20262135–2145 Morrison Ave, Rothschild US-WI 44.86194, -89.648451 observed

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.

Amenities

Parking
Trails

More in Wisconsin

Horicon Marsh

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

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

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit George W. Mead State Wildlife Area - Smoky Hill Road for birding?▼
The best months to visit George W. Mead State Wildlife Area - Smoky Hill Road for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at George W. Mead State Wildlife Area - Smoky Hill Road?▼
Notable species at George W. Mead State Wildlife Area - Smoky Hill Road include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at George W. Mead State Wildlife Area - Smoky Hill Road?▼
Birding at George W. Mead State Wildlife Area - Smoky Hill Road is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at George W. Mead State Wildlife Area - Smoky Hill Road?▼
George W. Mead State Wildlife Area - Smoky Hill Road offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.