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​Trailside Birding Guide

Explore the Wildlife

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Birds found along the Trail are a reflection of the habitat that it passes, so be prepared to add raptors, waterfowl, shorebirds, warblers, and other songbirds to your list.  The map of birding hotspots included in this guide, along with the kingfisher logo signs, are intended to direct you to the locations that offer the greatest birding success.  So pack your binoculars and field guide, and head outdoors to hike, bike, in-line skate, or cross-country ski to see your favorite species!

On-Trail Birding Hotspots

 

  • Trinity Creek Wildlife Habitat-Wetland habitat in the City of Mequon

    • Species: Shorebirds, waterfowl, marsh birds, cranes, swallows

    • Directions: (MM 0-0.5) County Line Road west to Riebs Lane, north to dead end (.5 mi)

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  • Pigeon Creek Bridge-Riverine habitat in the Village of Thiensville and City of Mequon

    • Species​: Eastern Phoebe, blue-winged and golden-winged warbler

    • Directions: (MM 3.5-4) Trial bridge in Thiensville, between Freistadt Road and Highland Road

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  • Highland Woods-Woodland habitat in the City of Mequon

    • Species: Migrant warblers and vireos, kinglets, woodpeckers, and nuthatches

    • Directions: (MM 4-4.5) Exit Trial east on Highland Road to Green Bay Road south (.5 mi)

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  • Milwaukee River Trail Bridge-Riverine habitat in the Village of Grafton and  Town of Grafton

    • Species:​ Wood duck and other waterfowl, belted kingfisher, herons, swallows

    • Directions: (MM 11.5-12) Just past Green Bay Road in Grafton

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  • Bratt Woods-Woodland habitat in the Town of Grafton

    • Species:​ Scarlet tanager, indigo bunting, migrant warblers, woodpeckers

    • Directions: (MM 11.5-12) Just past Milwaukee River bridge, look for Ozaukee-Washington Land Trust sign on west side

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  • I-43 Trail Bridge Woodlands-Woodland habitat in the Town of Grafton​

    • Species: Baltimore oriole, brown thrasher, wood thrush, other migrant birds

    • Directions: (MM 13-14) Terminal Road north to I-43 bridge, I-43 bridge east to Ridgewood

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  • Ridgewood Wetland-Wetland Habitat in Town of Grafton

    • Species: waterfowl, green heron, cedar waxwing, red-winged blackbird

    • Directions: (MM 14-14.5) Just past Ridewood Road along east side of the Trail

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  • Port Washington Harbor-Lake Michigan habitat in the City of Port Washington

    • Species: 16 species of gulls, waterfowl, shorebirds, peregrine falcon

    • Directions: (MM 17-18) Follow Trail or Hwy 32/33 straight east to Lake

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  • Port Washington Ravine-Woodland habitat in the City of Port Washington

    • Species: Migrant flycatchers, vireos, warblers, Carolina wren

    • Directions: (MM 17.5-18.5) Along Trail north of Jackson Street

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  • Upper Lake Park-Lake Michigan habitat in the City of Port Washington

    • Species: migrant loons, scoters and other waterfowl, gulls, swallows

    • Directions: (MM 17.5-18) Take Lake Street north from harbor at Jackson Street

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  • Cedar Grove WPA-Wetland habitat in the Town of Belgium

    • Species: Sandhill crane, bobolink, indigo bunting, green heron, flycatchers

    • Directions: (MM 29-29.5) Northern end of the Trail at Hwy K on east side

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