North Woods ideal for birdwatching

Northern Wisconsin offers birdwatchers a rich variety of habitats and species to explore, and Joel Flory, a forest biologist with the U.S. Forest Service in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, shares expert advice for making the most of birding adventures in the region.

For a successful birdwatching experience, Flory highlights that safety is key, especially when heading off-trail; it’s always a good idea to let someone know your plans. Proper preparation is essential, including wearing appropriate footwear, bringing water, and taking precautions against ticks. 

Patience is just as important as equipment, with binoculars being a must. Birders can also enhance their skills by using apps like eBird to identify species and Merlin to recognize bird songs and calls.

“Get the Merlin app to help you learn to recognize bird songs and calls. In spring and summer, many of our bird species are more likely to be heard than seen,” said Flory.

Northern Wisconsin is home to a rich variety of bird species, thanks to the diverse ecosystems found within the Chequamegon Nicolet National Forest. 

From open wetlands to dense hardwood forests, these habitats provide refuge for both migrating birds and year-round residents.

“The ideal time to see the most species in a short time is likely mid-late May when many of the more northern breeding species are either passing through on their migration to points further north, or summer residents are arriving to their breeding grounds,” Flory commented.

Among the many species to watch for in the North Woods, a few stand out for their rarity and significance. 

The spruce grouse, listed as Threatened in Wisconsin, is most commonly found in the Chequamegon Nicolet National Forest and Vilas County Forest, where it is known to have some of the highest concentrations in the state. 

Another bird to watch for is the black-backed woodpecker, which prefers areas of flooded lowland conifer, tamarack bogs, and regions affected by fire or disease. 

Although its distribution is unpredictable, it remains a Species of Special Concern in Wisconsin. Finally, the Canada jay is a favorite for many birders, typically seen in small groups in coniferous forests. This species, often spotted in black spruce-tamarack bogs, is also listed as a Species of Special Concern in the state.

Across Northern Wisconsin, birders can take part in a variety of events and utilize helpful resources throughout the year. 

Local Audubon Society chapters in Green Bay, Stevens Point and Washburn offer workshops, birdwatching outings, and volunteer opportunities aimed at enhancing bird conservation efforts. For those interested in community science, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count provides an excellent chance to help monitor bird populations, with multiple locations in Northern Wisconsin participating in the event.

One of the standout events for birders is the Great Backyard Bird Count, taking place Feb. 14-17, 2025. Birdwatchers across the globe are invited to observe and record species in their backyards or nearby parks, contributing to important bird conservation research. 

Spring brings two major festivals to the region: the Chequamegon Bay Birding and Nature Festival in Ashland and the Northwoods Birding Festival in Manitowish Waters. 

Both events offer guided birding hikes, educational talks, and chances to witness the spectacular spring migration.

For those looking to stay up-to-date on bird migration patterns, the Wisconsin BirdCast Migration Dashboard provides real-time data on bird movements across the state. eBird’s hotspot guide is another useful resource, allowing birders to discover prime birdwatching locations and see which species have recently been spotted in the area.

With the help of local birding events, real-time migration tools, and expert advice, birdwatchers in Northern Wisconsin can enjoy a unique and rewarding experience while spotting some of the state’s most iconic bird species.