Kettle Moraine State Forest - Ottawa Lake Recreation Area

Wisconsin · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

ForestLake

Best Seasons

SpringFall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Kettle Moraine State Forest - Ottawa Lake Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 201 species recorded on eBird. This forest and lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Sandhill Crane, and Blue Jay 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

Canada Goose Sandhill Crane Blue Jay American Crow American Robin

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/4/2026Beaver Dam Lake (Waukesha Co.)2 observed

Townsend's Solitaire

Myadestes townsendi

3/4/2026S4W32726 Government Hill Rd, Delafield US-WI (43.0312,-88.3970)1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

3/2/2026Frame Park1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

3/1/2026Rivers Crossing Park1 observed

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

3/1/2026Kohl's outlot, Johnson Creek4 observed

Iceland Gull (Thayer's)

Larus glaucoides

3/1/2026Kohl's outlot, Johnson Creek5 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

2/28/2026Vernon Marsh--Inner & Outer DU Dikes/Figure 82 observed

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

2/26/2026W349S3940–W349S4028 Waterville Rd, North Prairie US-WI 42.97342, -88.442481 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

2/22/2026Prince’s Point SWA--Hwy. 1061 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

123/5/2026

Sandhill Crane

23/5/2026

Blue Jay

13/5/2026

American Crow

23/5/2026

American Robin

173/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

13/5/2026

Birding Tips

1
Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.
2
Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.
3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Wisconsin

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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 Kettle Moraine State Forest - Ottawa Lake Recreation Area for birding?▼

The best months to visit Kettle Moraine State Forest - Ottawa Lake Recreation Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Ottawa Lake Recreation Area?▼

Notable species at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Ottawa Lake Recreation Area include Canada Goose, Sandhill Crane, Blue Jay, American Crow, American Robin. The area supports forest, lake habitats.

How difficult is birding at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Ottawa Lake Recreation Area?▼

Birding at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Ottawa Lake Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Ottawa Lake Recreation Area?▼

Kettle Moraine State Forest - Ottawa Lake Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.