Nicholson Wildlife Refuge

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Nicholson Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 238 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Red-tailed Hawk, and Red-bellied 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

Glaucous-winged Gull

Larus glaucescens

3/4/2026Prairie Springs Park/Lake Andrea1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/1/2026Richard Bong SRA (general)2 observed

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

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

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/1/2026Roman’s Home 3055 Ruby Ave,Racine,WI1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)

Junco hyemalis

2/25/2026Grant Park Bird Feeders1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

2/21/202676th and Oakwood2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

23/2/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/2/2026

American Crow

33/2/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

13/2/2026

American Robin

13/2/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

13/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

53/2/2026

Sandhill Crane

23/1/2026

Blue Jay

33/1/2026

Horned Lark

53/1/2026

Northern Cardinal

23/1/2026

Mallard

22/25/2026

Ring-billed Gull

42/25/2026

Cooper's Hawk

12/25/2026

Bald Eagle

22/25/2026

European Starling

62/25/2026

House Finch

22/25/2026

American Goldfinch

12/25/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

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