Summer is a quiet time of the year in Milwaukee. Since most species have moved on north, we’re left with fewer, yet very interesting species. Since the leaves are out in full force in summer, you will also have to rely more on hearing the birds singing rather than seeing them, but most species will continue to sing through June and early July, until the chicks from their first (or only) broods have hatched.

Havenwoods SF

Havenwoods has historically been the spot to find Henslow’s Sparrows in Milwaukee, but they were absent last year. They were present again this year for a few days, so hopefully they are back to nest here again. Both cuckoos, especially Yellow-billed, are quite reliable here as well.

Key species: Henslow’s Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Bobolink, Dickcissel, Virginia Rail, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Black-billed Cuckoo, Sedge Wren.

Mangan Woods

Although Mangan doesn’t have as many species as other hotspots, the Acadian Flycatcher, which is difficult to find anywhere else in Milwaukee, nests here every year. Hooded Warblers have also nested here in the past, although no reports last year.

Key species: Acadian Flycatcher, Scarlet Tanager, Hooded Warbler, Barred Owl.

Bender Park/Lake Vista Park

In addition to having a summer record of a Yellow-breasted Chat, Bender is one of the best places overall for grassland birds, getting most expected summer species in Milwaukee. The main trails can be accessed from Oakwood, Fitzsimmons, and Old Ryan roads. Nearby Lake Vista has become a very reliable spot to find nesting Dickcissels, and the occasional Bobolink too.

Key species: Yellow-breasted Chat, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Black-billed Cuckoo, Dickcissel, Vesper Sparrow, Henslow’s Sparrow, American White Pelican, Bobolink, Sedge Wren, Blue-winged Warbler.

McKinley Beach/Breakwall

McKinley is probably the best spot to find any shorebirds in Milwaukee in the summer, and the breakwall has had some rare gulls as well, although a scope is definitely needed.

Key species: American White Pelican, Laughing Gull, Franklin’s Gull, Ruddy Turnstone, Dunlin, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Semipalmated Plover, Sanderling, Least Sandpiper, White-rumped Sandpiper, Willet, Lesser Yellowlegs.

Franklin Landfill

The surrounding roads by the landfill are a great place to listen for grassland birds, as when the Henslow’s Sparrows were absent from Havenwoods, this was the place that had them, and they came back this year as well. The nearby Dumkes Lake (map above) gets egrets and herons, and across the street on 116th, there is an Osprey platform, which Ebird shows records of them using it dating back to 2007.

Key species: Great Egret, Osprey, Eastern Meadowlark, Henslow’s Sparrow, Bobolink, Dickcissel.

Grant Park

Grant’s beach is another place to check for rare gulls, as well as for any late/early shorebirds. A Snowy Egret even stayed here for a couple of days in 2018. The feeder area should get Red-headed Woodpeckers all summer too.

Key species: Laughing Gull, Franklin’s Gull, Snowy Egret, American White Pelican, Red-headed Woodpecker.