Point Beach State Forest

Wisconsin · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

CoastalForest

Best Seasons

SpringFall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Point Beach State Forest is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 213 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and forest habitat attracts Great Horned Owl, Canada Goose, and Greater Scaup 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

Great Horned Owl Canada Goose Greater Scaup Long-tailed Duck Common Goldeneye

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

3/5/2026Manitowoc Lakefront2 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

2/28/2026Marquette Park1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

2/28/2026Woodland Dunes Nature Center--HQ & Cattail Trail1 observed

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensis

2/27/2026Manitowoc Yacht Club1 observed

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

2/27/2026Manitowoc Impoundment4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Great Horned Owl

12/23/2026

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

Horicon Marsh

Largest US cattail marsh with massive fall goose concentrations and breeding marsh birds.

6th Avenue Marsh

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 227 recorded species.

Adam Birding Conservancy

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 217 recorded species.

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 Point Beach State Forest for birding?▼

The best months to visit Point Beach State Forest for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Point Beach State Forest?▼

Notable species at Point Beach State Forest include Great Horned Owl, Canada Goose, Greater Scaup, Long-tailed Duck, Common Goldeneye. The area supports coastal, forest habitats.

How difficult is birding at Point Beach State Forest?▼

Birding at Point Beach State Forest is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Point Beach State Forest?▼

Point Beach State Forest offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.