The Birding Hub

The Birding Hub

Richard Bong State Recreation Area

Wisconsin · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

GrasslandWetland

Best Seasons

SpringFall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Richard Bong State Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 254 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Hooded Merganser, Canada Goose, and Mute Swan 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

Hooded Merganser Canada Goose Mute Swan Mallard Redhead

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

3/5/2026Chain-o-Lakes State Park1 observed

Glaucous-winged Gull

Larus glaucescens

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

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/3/2026Fourth Lake--Millennium Trail Overlook1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/3/2026Fourth Lake--Millennium Trail Overlook1 observed

Glaucous-winged Gull

Larus glaucescens

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

Glaucous-winged Gull

Larus glaucescens

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

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/3/2026Fourth Lake1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

3/3/2026Chain-o-Lakes State Park1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

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

Common Gull

Larus canus

3/1/2026Pedersen Marina1 observed

Glaucous-winged Gull

Larus glaucescens

3/1/2026Prairie Springs Park/Lake Andrea1 observed

Common Gull

Larus canus

3/1/2026Lake Marie1 observed

Glaucous-winged Gull

Larus glaucescens

3/1/2026Prairie Springs Park/Lake Andrea1 observed

Glaucous-winged Gull

Larus glaucescens

3/1/2026Prairie Springs Park/Lake Andrea1 observed

Glaucous-winged Gull

Larus glaucescens

3/1/2026Prairie Springs Park/Lake Andrea1 observed

Glaucous-winged Gull

Larus glaucescens

3/1/2026Prairie Springs Park/Lake Andrea1 observed

Glaucous-winged Gull

Larus glaucescens

3/1/2026Prairie Springs Park/Lake Andrea1 observed

Glaucous-winged Gull

Larus glaucescens

3/1/2026Prairie Springs Park/Lake Andrea1 observed

Glaucous-winged Gull

Larus glaucescens

3/1/2026Prairie Springs Park/Lake Andrea1 observed

Glaucous-winged Gull

Larus glaucescens

3/1/2026Prairie Springs Park/Lake Andrea1 observed

Recent Observations

Hooded Merganser

Richard Bong SRA (general)

3/3/2026

4 birds

Canada Goose

Richard Bong SRA (general)

3/3/2026

50 birds

Mute Swan

Richard Bong SRA (general)

3/3/2026

1 birds

Mallard

Richard Bong SRA (general)

3/3/2026

4 birds

Redhead

Richard Bong SRA (general)

3/3/2026

30 birds

Ring-necked Duck

Richard Bong SRA (general)

3/3/2026

4 birds

Sandhill Crane

Richard Bong SRA (general)

3/3/2026

5 birds

Blue Jay

Richard Bong SRA (general)

3/3/2026

1 birds

American Crow

Richard Bong SRA (general)

3/3/2026

1 birds

Greater White-fronted Goose

Richard Bong SRA (general)

3/1/2026

50 birds

Trumpeter Swan

Richard Bong SRA (general)

3/1/2026

2 birds

Bufflehead

Richard Bong SRA (general)

3/1/2026

3 birds

American Coot

Richard Bong SRA (general)

3/1/2026

1 birds

Northern Harrier

Richard Bong SRA (general)

3/1/2026

1 birds

American Robin

Richard Bong SRA (general)

3/1/2026

1 birds

Red-winged Blackbird

Richard Bong SRA (general)

3/1/2026

4 birds

Cackling Goose

Richard Bong SRA (general)

3/1/2026

3 birds

Tundra Swan

Richard Bong SRA (general)

3/1/2026

2 birds

Ring-billed Gull

Richard Bong SRA (general)

3/1/2026

2 birds

American Herring Gull

Richard Bong SRA (general)

3/1/2026

1 birds

Birding Tips

1
Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.
2
Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.
3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Wisconsin

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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 Richard Bong State Recreation Area for birding?▼

The best months to visit Richard Bong State Recreation Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Richard Bong State Recreation Area?▼

Notable species at Richard Bong State Recreation Area include Hooded Merganser, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Mallard, Redhead. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Richard Bong State Recreation Area?▼

Birding at Richard Bong State Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Richard Bong State Recreation Area?▼

Richard Bong State Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.