Milwaukee Harbor

Wisconsin · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

Coastal

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Milwaukee Harbor is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 202 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Lesser Scaup, and Common Goldeneye 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 Lesser Scaup Common Goldeneye Red-breasted Merganser American Herring Gull

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

3/2/2026Frame Park1 observed

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

3/1/2026Breakwall at McKinley and Veterans Park1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)

Junco hyemalis

3/1/2026Estabrook Park1 observed

Killdeer

Charadrius vociferus

2/22/2026Estabrook Park1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

2/21/202676th and Oakwood2 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

2/21/202676th and Oakwood1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

2/21/20266835–7517 W Oakwood Rd, Franklin US-WI 42.85785, -88.006001 observed

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

2/21/20266835–7517 W Oakwood Rd, Franklin US-WI 42.85785, -88.006002 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

2/21/2026Amazon Warehouse1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

2/21/2026Grant Park--bird feeder1 observed

Birding Tips

1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
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

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Wisconsin Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Wisconsin →

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 Milwaukee Harbor for birding?▼

The best months to visit Milwaukee Harbor for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Milwaukee Harbor?▼

Notable species at Milwaukee Harbor include Canada Goose, Lesser Scaup, Common Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, American Herring Gull. The area supports coastal habitats.

How difficult is birding at Milwaukee Harbor?▼

Birding at Milwaukee Harbor is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Milwaukee Harbor?▼

Milwaukee Harbor offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.