Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Goose Island

Wisconsin · Midwest

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
CoastalRiver/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Goose Island is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and river/riparian habitat attracts Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser, and Mourning Dove 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

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

3/4/2026Upper Mississippi River NWR--Genoa National Fish Hatchery1 observed

Winter Wren

Troglodytes hiemalis

3/2/2026Reno State Forest- MN Hwy 26 access1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

2/28/2026La Crosse Ridge Trails1 observed

Carolina Wren

Thryothorus ludovicianus

2/21/2026Grandad Bluff Park1 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

2/21/2026Downtown LaCrosse1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Hooded Merganser

43/4/2026

Common Merganser

53/4/2026

Mourning Dove

53/4/2026

Sandhill Crane

33/4/2026

Bald Eagle

103/4/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/4/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

23/4/2026

Downy Woodpecker

33/4/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

23/4/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Blue Jay

23/4/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

63/4/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

43/4/2026

European Starling

103/4/2026

American Robin

33/4/2026

House Sparrow

23/4/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

203/4/2026

Northern Cardinal

53/4/2026

Canada Goose

423/3/2026

Mallard

1883/3/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  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 Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Goose Island for birding?
The best months to visit Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Goose Island for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Goose Island?
Notable species at Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Goose Island include Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser, Mourning Dove, Sandhill Crane, Bald Eagle. The area supports coastal, river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Goose Island?
Birding at Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Goose Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Goose Island?
Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Goose Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.