Muskeg Creek Area, Bayfield County, WI, US - eBird Hotspot
Habitat: Conifer Bog, Northern Hardwood Forest, Willow/Alder Swamp.
Best Birds: Starting from the east access point, there is a mixture of hardwoods and low shrubs on the north side and alder on the south which may hold Mourning and Golden-winged Warbler. As the hardwoods end, there is open water on the north side which may hold Ring-necked Duck. At the bridge across Muskeg Creek a small area of cattails has frequently hostedSora, Virginia Rail, and Least Bittern. Continuing west along the corridor will often result in Wilson’ Snipe, Sedge Wren, Swamp Sparrow, and Nashville Warbler. Often there will be a Northern Harrier cruising the bog. Bank Swallow can sometimes be observed foraging over the area.
As you approach the west end of the bog, listen for American Bittern on the south side of the corridor in the early morning. Scan the high perches on dead timber for Alder Flycatcher.
As you approach Hollander Road, a grassy area with scattered Jack Pine on the south side of the corridor is a good spot for sparrows.
Directions: The Muskeg Creek Area lies approximately 5 miles west of Iron River, WI or 5 miles east of Brule, WI on the north side of Highway 2. Access can be gained from Hollander Road on the west side (46.56251, -91.51133) or Stephan’s Road 0.1 mile north of Hwy 2 on the east side (46.56757, -91.49757). The bog is easily traversed for approximately 0.75 mile between these points by the Tri-County Corridor, which is an abandoned railroad grade, now used as a snowmobile/4-wheeler trail.
Site Address & Additional Information:
Stephans Road and Hwy 2 Intersection, Iron River WI
September Hotspot of the Month-Muskeg Creek Bog - Wisconsin eBird
The bog is at its best early in the morning during the spring and summer starting at the east end with the rising sun at your back. Late morning birders will often have to contend with the noise and dust from 4-wheelers using the corridor and the traffic noise from Highway 2.
Nearby unpaved roads offer similar birding opportunities to Muskeg Creek Bog, either by vehicle or walking. For example Skerbeck Road, about ½ mile east of the bog off of Stephan’s Road.
Tim Oksiuta
