Mud Lake State Wildlife Area

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Mud Lake State Wildlife Area is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 214 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Red-tailed Hawk, and Red-headed Woodpecker 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

3/3/2026Burning Wood Way, Madison US-WI1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

2/26/2026Lower Baraboo River Floodplain Forest--Long Lake Area1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

2/21/2026Hwy DM & I ponds (east of I-94)12 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

2/21/2026Lake Wisconsin--Okee Bay17 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

2/21/2026Lake Wisconsin--Okee Bay8 observed

Redpoll

Acanthis flammea

2/20/2026Paradocs1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

2/20/2026Bluff Road1 observed

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

2/20/2026Merrimac1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

902/23/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

12/23/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

12/23/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

22/23/2026

Downy Woodpecker

22/23/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

12/23/2026

Blue Jay

12/23/2026

American Crow

32/23/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

62/23/2026

American Robin

262/23/2026

Cedar Waxwing

12/23/2026

American Tree Sparrow

162/23/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

222/23/2026

Northern Cardinal

12/23/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Mud Lake State Wildlife Area for birding?
The best months to visit Mud Lake State Wildlife Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Mud Lake State Wildlife Area?
Notable species at Mud Lake State Wildlife Area include Canada Goose, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Mud Lake State Wildlife Area?
Birding at Mud Lake State Wildlife Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Mud Lake State Wildlife Area?
Mud Lake State Wildlife Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.