Bird City
Milwaukee has been recognized as a Bird City since 2012. The city’s renewal will be announced in 2024. The 'Bird City Wisconsin' designation provides highly visible public recognition for communities that go above and beyond in their dedication to local conservation and education. The following municipalities also come with the 'Bird City Wisconsin' status:
Why Milwaukee?
Bird is the word in Milwaukee. Perched on the west coast of Lake Michigan, our city sits in the Mississippi Flyway. The many wooded lakefront parks provide the prime habitat for migrating birds. There are over 250 hotspots around Milwaukee with over 350 species to be seen. With over six miles of bird-able Lake Michigan shore, numerous trails and parks that border the three rivers that flow through Milwaukee as well as wooded parks with trails and ponds, it’s no wonder birds flock here year-round.
When and Where?
They say the early bird gets the worm, but birding is always a hoot in Milwaukee. Anytime is a good time to spot your favorite winged friends around town. During spring and fall migration, the wooded parks on the bluffs above Lake Michigan are fabulous for spotting Thrushes, Flycatchers, and Warblers. Check out Lake Park, Sheridan Park, Grant Park, and Warnimont Park along the lake.
Parks along a river like Lincoln Park, Estabrook Park, Riverside Park, Honey Creek Park, and Menomonee Valley provide great birding from spring through fall. Migrating Sandpipers, Ruddy Turnstones, and Terns can also be spotted in lakefront parks.
Winter means ice across many inland ponds, however, the nearby water in Lake Michigan stays open for fowl from around the region. It is not unusual to see thousands of Red-Breasted Mergansers, Common Goldeneyes, and Scaups along with the occasional vagrant, such as a Tufted Duck. Look for Snowy Owls along the breakwaters.
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This is a big park with many different birding opportunities. The south end of the lake outlet and beach, the bird feeder and Oak Leaf Trail are all good spots to check year-round. The bird feeder often has Evening Grosbeaks throughout the winter.
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Where else can you see three herons in one place? Green, Great Blue and Black-Crowned Night Herons can be found at this pond in the summer. The tall tree canopy and location near Lake Michigan make it a migratory stopover for songbirds.
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Tall trees attract Woodpeckers, vireos, warblers and more. The central pond draws in migrating ducks during spring and fall.
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With four ravines and four bridges, Lake Park has fabulous Warbler viewing without warbler-neck. Walking in the ravines and along the tree line, one can find a variety of Thrushes and on occasion, a Connecticut Warbler. Red-Headed Woodpeckers are also present most summers. Start at the playground and wander south to the North Point Lighthouse and back.
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The rocks along Lake Michigan and the small beach area attract sandpipers, shorebirds, and a variety of sparrows in spring and fall migration. A Purple Martin house and Bluebird boxes mean activity all summer long.
The houses designed for bluebirds are in fact occupied by tree swallows in the summer (they’re fun to watch as they catch insects on the wing!). With the lack of trees near the open area of the park, it is hard to attract blue birds, but the Friends of Lakeshore State Park are hopeful!
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With the Milwaukee River, pond and winding trails this park has everything from Sandpipers and Yellowlegs to Flycatchers and Swallows. Walk or bike along the Oak Leaf Trail to spot them all.
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Positioned along Lake Michigan, this park offers sublime Shorebird spotting near the beach and on the rocks.
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From wooded bluffs along Lake Michigan to acres of prairie and ponds, all the habitats are here. Wood Thrush, Blue Jays and Indigo Buntings can be found throughout the summer.
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Sheridan Park features a pond on the bluffs of Lake Michigan, making for a great migrating bird spot. Warblers often in the conifers around the pond.
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Feeders behind Kelly Senior Center are a great birding spot for a variety of Warblers and Thrushes. Walk north along the path for even more great habitat and chances to peep these birds. Or park near the golf course and take the trails there. A walk along Sheridan Road (starting at the archery area and heading north) can also yield some special finds in the trees and shrubs.
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Featuring five miles of trails through woodland, a restored prairie, an oak savanna and a lake means a variety of bird-spotting opportunities year-round. During migration, Warblers especially enjoy the lake and the creek-side trail. Woodcocks perform their sky dance in spring.
Red-Headed Woodpeckers are recent additions to the nesting birds here. Many Duck species visit the lake during migration and an occasional Swan makes a visit.
Birding Groups & Resources
Live Birding Cameras in Milwaukee
Birding Events in Milwaukee
