Birding
Birds, birds, birds! If it’s birds you're looking for, then come birding to the George W. Mead State Wildlife Area! This 33,000+ acre state wildlife area is truly one of the best birding locations in central Wisconsin. With a wide variety of different habitats, many bird species can be found throughout the year.
A total of 273 species have been recorded for the Mead SWA, one of the largest bird lists for any State Wildlife Area in Wisconsin.
No matter what your interest and ability level, “birdwatching” at the Mead SWA promises many exciting moments for you and your friends. You can rent a pair of binoculars from the visitor center.
To report your sightings or see other birder’s observations around the world or right here at the Mead, please check out the eBird website to discover more.
Wildlife Viewing
The Mead boasts a diverse array of wildlife due to its rich ecosystems. From the forests to the wetlands, visitors are likely to encounter a variety of species. White-tailed deer, muskrats, painted turtles, and northern leopard frogs are commonly sighted. Black bears are even seen on rare occasion! These species barely scratch the surface of all the amazing animals the call the Mead home. You can learn more about Wisconsin wild life from the DNR’s website. Additionally, iNaturalist can be a great resource for seeing what has been spotted recently and reporting your own observations.