Birdwatching Sites in Racine County

With nesting season over, many species of birds have begun their migration back to their wintering grounds. Fall migration is a trickle compared to the rush of spring migration and makes for an enjoyable and exciting time of year to view birds in Racine County. I thought I’d put together a “top 5” list of places to birdwatch in this area.

Shoop Park in Wind Point is tops on the list due to the fact that it is situated on a peninsula that extends well into the lake, giving it potential to be a migratory magnet. The rocky shoreline provides feeding areas for gulls and shorebirds, while the brushy areas along the beach provide food and shelter for passerines. The lake itself hosts numerous ducks, loons, grebes and other water loving birds. 

Also along the lake is Samuel Myers Park at the east end of 11^th Street in Racine. The protected sandy shoreline at this park provides shelter for migrating shorebirds like the avocet, willets and the state endangered piping plovers seen this past spring. Gulls congregate on and off shore on the shallow sand bars, while ducks of a variety of species feed along the shore, breakwater and open water. The beach vegetation and the brushy areas at the western edge of the park often harbor interesting passerines.

Lying at the end of West High Street along Root River is Colonial Park in Racine. This park is the local favorite for enjoying “warbler walks” in late April and May when the warblers are passing through. All thirty-seven species of warblers seen in Racine County have been seen at Colonial Park including the federally endangered Kirtland’s warbler. Though you wouldn’t go to this park if you wanted to see ducks and shorebirds, for the smaller woodland perching birds it’s hard to beat. 

Cliffside Park in Caledonia with its wooded, sheltered ravines offers similar opportunities as Colonial Park but the grassland areas north of the campground provide habitat Colonial does not have. Birds like bobolink, Henslow’s sparrow and clay-colored sparrow can often be found here. Keep an eye on the sky while you’re here, not only for resident raptors but also migrating hawks that hug the lakeshore on stiff westerly winds. The ravines and coniferous plantings at Cliffside provide habitat that can hold migrants into early winter and bluebirds have been known to spend the entire winter here.

Rounding out the various habitats is Nicholson Wildlife Area on 5 Mile Rd. The wetland areas provide ducks and shorebirds critical habitat during migration, while the small stream and wooded areas on the north end attract migrant woodland birds. This past spring produced an unprecedented opportunity to see and photograph many species as they lingered here.

From now into December the migration can be enjoyed. Grab your binoculars and head out to one of these locations or your own favorite birding spot. I’d love to hear what you’re seeing!