Springtime in Wisconsin is a treasured season for many reasons. Not only does the weather warm up to beautiful temperatures, but the birds of Wisconsin return from their migration. Old Rittenhouse Inn is located on the south shores of Lake Superior on Chequamegon Bay. The bay is considered one of the best birding locations in the state; the shores are home to more than 300 bird species making it a sought-after destination for nature and bird lovers. If this sounds appealing to you, consider visiting us during the Chequamegon Bay Birding and Nature Festival in May.
Chequamegon Bay Birding and Nature Festival
The Chequamegon Bay Birding and Nature Festival takes place a half-hour away from Bayfield in Ashland. This three-day event offers more than 40 field trip opportunities for bird lovers. There are several free trips where anyone can join local birders and naturalists as you look for an abundance of wildlife. The other activities are $20 a person, and you must register by calling 715-682-2500 ahead of time.
Join fellow nature lovers hiking and kayaking throughout Chequamegon Bay and explore the area’s diverse habitats. From open water to mudflats, coastal wetlands, open fields, and varied forest types, it’s not uncommon to see hundreds of birds during the festival! Refer to this 2022 activity schedule to choose which birding trip is right for you.
Common Birds of Wisconsin
The diverse environments of Chequamegon Bay are known for being home to various birds, from waterfowl to raptors. If you are wondering what kind of birds of Wisconsin you can see during the festival, we have you covered. Even if you can’t make it to the event, you can use the birding map to find the best bird watching in Bayfield County year-round.
- Waterfowl: This is among the most abundant birds in the area, with 35 species spotted at past festivals. Common waterfowl include geese, swans, ducks, loons, grebes, and pelicans.
- Raptors: There have been 26 species of raptors identified in our area. Common species include vultures, eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls.
- Shorebirds: Similar to waterfowl, shorebirds spend most of their time by the water, and 34 species have been recorded in our area. Common sightings include plovers, sandpipers, and yellowlegs.
- Warblers: Spot up to 31 species of warblers, including golden-winged, Tennessee, yellow, magnolia, pine, palm, and blackburnian warblers.
- Sparrows: There are nearly 20 species of sparrows to look out for in Chequamegon Bay. Keep an eye out for chipping, field, lark, Savannah, song, swamp, and fox sparrows.
Stay at Our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast
The Chequamegon Bay Birding Festival is one of the best places to see the diverse birds of Wisconsin. Even if you don’t join us for this Bayfield County event, you can enjoy bird watching here year-round. Old Rittenhouse Inn is near fantastic nature trails where you can grab your binoculars and witness the beautiful birds of the region. It’s time to get outside in Northern Wisconsin and check some new birds off your list!