UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve - Picnic Point

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve - Picnic Point is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 254 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Wild Turkey, Sandhill Crane, and Canada Goose 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

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

3/6/2026Tenney Park1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/5/2026Fish Camp Park, Lake Kegonsa3 observed

Iceland Gull (Thayer's)

Larus glaucoides

3/5/2026McDaniel Park1 observed

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

3/5/2026Yahara Heights County Park/Cherokee Marsh Natural Resource Area—West Trailhead1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wild Turkey

53/5/2026

Sandhill Crane

13/5/2026

Bald Eagle

13/5/2026

Barred Owl

13/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Blue Jay

13/5/2026

American Crow

23/5/2026

European Starling

93/5/2026

American Robin

83/5/2026

House Sparrow

23/5/2026

House Finch

23/5/2026

American Goldfinch

13/5/2026

American Tree Sparrow

53/5/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

183/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

73/5/2026

Northern Cardinal

43/5/2026

Canada Goose

43/2/2026

Killdeer

3/2/2026

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 UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve - Picnic Point for birding?
The best months to visit UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve - Picnic Point for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve - Picnic Point?
Notable species at UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve - Picnic Point include Wild Turkey, Sandhill Crane, Canada Goose, Killdeer, Red-tailed Hawk. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve - Picnic Point?
Birding at UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve - Picnic Point is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve - Picnic Point?
UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve - Picnic Point offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.