Birding
Rome is home to one of Wisconsin’s most distinctive landscapes, with rare sand barrens, rolling pine forests, and habitat that draws birders and nature lovers from across the region. From scenic wildlife areas to unforgettable species sightings, this is a place to slow down, explore, and keep your ears open for birdsong.
Why Birders Love Rome
Rome offers a rare mix of habitat, scenic beauty, and memorable wildlife sightings. From sand barrens and rolling pines to grasslands, marshes, and wetlands, the area gives birders a chance to explore several distinct landscapes in one trip.
Rare Natural Habitat
Rome’s landscape was once the bed of a glacial lake and is now known for its spectacular sand barrens and rolling pines.
Notable Species
Birders are drawn here for the chance to spot species such as the Kirtland’s warbler, whooping crane, clay-colored sparrow, and other birds tied to rare and protected habitat.
More Ways to Explore
Walk, hike, bike, or drive your way through nearby wildlife areas and enjoy the beauty of the region at your own pace.
Rome is a Bird City Wisconsin Community
Rome has once again earned “Sustained Flight” status through Bird City Wisconsin. First recognized as a Bird City in 2016, Rome has continued to receive annual renewal and remains part of a growing statewide network of Bird City communities.
Featured Birding Experiences
Necedah National Wildlife Refuge
One of the region’s most expansive wildlife destinations, with diverse habitat, scenic views, and plenty of ways to explore.
Good for spotting: Whooping cranes, eagles, red-headed woodpeckers, hawks, and owls
More than 43,000 acres
Located near Necedah off State Highway 21
Explore by foot, car, skis, or snowshoes
Buena Vista Grasslands
A wide-open grassland landscape that offers a very different birding experience from forest or marsh habitat.
Good for spotting: Grassland birds and species that thrive in wide-open habitat
12,700 acres
Located in southwestern Portage County
Predominantly grassland with some woodland
Quincy Bluff and Wetlands
A scenic preserve with dramatic overlooks, wooded ridges, cliffs, and wetlands that create a memorable day outdoors.
Good for spotting: Birds that use wetland, woodland, and bluff habitat
3,792 protected acres
Located in Adams County
Known for its striking natural views and remote feel
More Places to Explore
Colburn Wildlife Area
A peaceful mix of marshes and forest, ideal for birders looking for a variety of species in one stop.
Good for spotting: Sandhill cranes, bald eagles, ruffed grouse, sedge wrens, veery, and pileated woodpeckers
Nearly 5,000 acres
Located in Adams County
Access from Highway C, Highway G, and Chicago Avenue
Paul Olson State Wildlife Area
A strong grassland birding destination and one of central Wisconsin’s important greater prairie chicken management areas.
Good for spotting: Greater prairie chickens, sedge wrens, clay-colored sparrows, savannah sparrows, and vesper sparrows
1,650 acres
Includes parcels in Wood County and Portage County
Open year-round
Leola Marsh Wildlife Area
A former marshland turned grassland habitat that now supports prairie chickens and other grassland species.
Good for spotting: Prairie chickens and other grassland birds
1,860 acres
Located 15 miles southeast of Wisconsin Rapids
Hosts an annual Prairie Chicken Festival each spring
Wild Rose Fish Hatchery
A worthwhile stop for visitors interested in wildlife, conservation, and a family-friendly outing beyond traditional birding.
Good for spotting: Wildlife around the hatchery grounds and nearby habitat
Long-running state hatchery
Seasonal visitor hours and guided tours
Located in Wild Rose, Wisconsin
Plan Your Bird-Watching Trip
Whether you’re planning a dedicated birding weekend or simply adding a nature stop to your getaway, Rome offers easy access to a range of wildlife areas and scenic natural spaces. Bring binoculars, dress for the season, and give yourself time to explore more than one stop while you’re here.
Helpful notes:
Different locations offer different habitat and viewing experiences
Some sites are best explored slowly and quietly
Seasonal conditions may affect access and sightings
Pair your outing with hiking, biking, or a scenic drive
Unexpected Visitors: The Rome Flamingos
Most bird watchers expect to see songbirds, cranes, or raptors in Wisconsin, but in September and October 2023, five flamingos made an unexpected stop in Rome on Petenwell Lake. The unusual sighting quickly became one of the area’s most memorable birding stories. While it is not fully proven, the birds are widely believed to have been pushed off course by Hurricane Idalia as flamingo flocks moved through the southeastern United States.
Keep Exploring Rome
Find more activities, attractions, and local favorites to round out your visit.
Parks
Hiking & Biking
