Paradise Valley State Wildlife Area - Bark River Unit

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
River/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Paradise Valley State Wildlife Area - Bark River Unit is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and American Herring Gull 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

3/4/2026Beaver 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

1752/27/2026

Mallard

52/27/2026

American Herring Gull

32/27/2026

Bald Eagle

12/27/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

22/27/2026

Downy Woodpecker

12/27/2026

American Crow

652/27/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

92/27/2026

Horned Lark

22/27/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

22/27/2026

European Starling

82/27/2026

American Tree Sparrow

32/27/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

22/27/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

82/27/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  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 Paradise Valley State Wildlife Area - Bark River Unit for birding?
The best months to visit Paradise Valley State Wildlife Area - Bark River Unit for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Paradise Valley State Wildlife Area - Bark River Unit?
Notable species at Paradise Valley State Wildlife Area - Bark River Unit include Canada Goose, Mallard, American Herring Gull, Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle. The area supports river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Paradise Valley State Wildlife Area - Bark River Unit?
Birding at Paradise Valley State Wildlife Area - Bark River Unit is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Paradise Valley State Wildlife Area - Bark River Unit?
Paradise Valley State Wildlife Area - Bark River Unit offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.