Hot Pond (Xcel Energy), Ashland
Lakefront Trail Retention Ponds
Oredock/Kreher Park/Marina Vicinity
Habitat: Open Water, Beach, Urban
Best Birds: Peregrine Falcon nest on the power plant, and the “Hot Pond” there is the only open water from January–March. Common Tern are frequent along the waterfront. Scope the end of the ore dock base for sandpipers including Baird’s Sandpiper in fall. The lakefront trail holds warblers in spring, and sparrows in fall including Harris’s Sparrow. Waterfowl can be found anywhere along this stretch (a scope is helpful) including American Black Duck, and in fall Cackling Goose, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, and Black Scoter. Anywhere along the lake has vagrant landbird potential with Northern Mockingbird occurring multiple times. Snowy Owl are possible in winter, often roosting on the ice. They become active and fly inland at dusk, perching on almost anything, including very high vantages.
Directions: In downtown Ashland, a lakefront walking path runs the length of the waterfront. There are several parking areas along Hwy 2: The Hot Pond parking is accessed off 11th Ave W (46.58696 -90.89829). There is a small parking lot east of the coal dock at 6th Ave W (46.590484 -90.89055). For Kreher Park and the Oredock Base park off Prentice Ave (46.59667, -90.88121).
Site Address & Additional Information:
Kreher Park
200 Prentice Ave N, Ashland, WI 54806
Nick Anich
