Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
Canyon
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 248 species recorded on eBird. This canyon habitat attracts American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, and American Tree Sparrow 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

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/2/202610532 Cedar Creek Rd, Cedarburg US-WI 43.33689, -88.044052 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)

Junco hyemalis

3/1/2026Estabrook Park1 observed

Common Goldeneye x Hooded Merganser (hybrid)

Bucephala clangula x Lophodytes cucullatus

2/26/2026Hwy. County W1 observed

Killdeer

Charadrius vociferus

2/22/2026Estabrook Park1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

2/21/2026Sandy Beach Lane from Sandy Beach Rd to its northern terminus , Belgium, Wisconsin, US (43.471, -87.803)1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

2/21/2026Sandy Beach Lane from Sandy Beach Rd to its northern terminus , Belgium, Wisconsin, US (43.471, -87.803)1 observed

Green-winged Teal (American)

Anas crecca

2/20/2026Six Mile Rd.--South of Jay Rd.2 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

2/20/2026The Nest on Shirlcrest1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

83/6/2026

Ring-billed Gull

73/6/2026

American Herring Gull

83/6/2026

American Crow

33/6/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

13/6/2026

American Robin

173/6/2026

Cedar Waxwing

193/6/2026

Song Sparrow

13/6/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

423/6/2026

Common Grackle

13/6/2026

Northern Cardinal

73/6/2026

American Tree Sparrow

23/1/2026

Common Merganser

62/27/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

152/27/2026

Eastern Bluebird

22/27/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

12/26/2026

Downy Woodpecker

12/26/2026

Blue Jay

22/26/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

12/26/2026

House Finch

32/26/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for echoing calls of Canyon Wren and other canyon specialties.

  2. 2

    Check rocky ledges and cliff faces for nesting raptors.

  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 Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve?
Notable species at Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve include American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, American Tree Sparrow, Canada Goose, Common Merganser. The area supports canyon habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve?
Birding at Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve?
Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.