https://ebird.org/wi/hotspot/L386800
Habitat: Mixed Coniferous Forest, Northern Hardwood Forest, Open Water.
Best Birds: Near the park entrance check the lake for nesting Common Loon and occasionally a few ducks or shorebirds. Numerous trails throughout the park offer ample forest birding, though the Doughboys Trail loop is most scenic and popular. Extensive pine, fir, spruce, cedar, and hemlock attract Canada, Pine, Blackburnian, and Black-throated Green Warbler, as well as Merlin, Blue-headed Vireo, Winter Wren, Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned Kinglet, and Northern Parula,. Northern Goshawk breeds in the vicinity but is rarely encountered. Potential rarities from fall through spring include Black-backed Woodpecker, Townsend’s Solitaire, and Varied Thrush.
More commonly found along the river corridor are Common Merganser and Bald Eagle. During migration, look for Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, all of the thrushes, and Magnolia, Cape May, Bay-breasted, and Black-throated Blue Warbler. Birding by ear can be difficult near the rushing waters of the river.
Directions: 25 miles SE of Ashland. The entrance to the state park is ~1.5 miles northeast of Mellen off Hwy 169. Continue another 1.5. miles on the park road to the main parking lot for the Doughboys Trail loop.
Site Address & Additional Information:
36764 Copper Falls Road, Mellen, WI
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/copperfalls
Ryan Brady
