Iron River National Fish Hatchery, Bayfield County, WI, US - eBird Hotspot
Habitat: Mixed Coniferous Forest, Cedar Swamp, Conifer Bog, Non-Native Grassland and Pasture, Open Water.
Best Birds: The main attraction here is an extensive network of trails through excellent forest and shrub habitat. Listen and look for Cape May, Canada, Mourning, Golden-winged, and many other warbler species, as well as Ruffed Grouse, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Blue-headed Vireo, Winter Wren, Wood Thrush, and Scarlet Tanager.
Check for redpolls, crossbills, and grosbeaks while snowshoeing or skiing the trails during winter. Feeders outside the office building host a variety of sparrows during migration. Cliff Swallow nests on the buildings, and Savannah Sparrow in surrounding grasslands. The small ponds to the west are worth checking for migrant shorebirds, and occasionally a few waterfowl.
Directions: 35 miles west of Ashland. From Highway 2 in Iron River take County Highway A nearly 7 miles north. Turn east onto Fairview Rd and travel just over one mile to the hatchery entrance.
Site Address & Additional Information:
10325 Fairview Rd, Iron River, WI
https://www.fws.gov/midwest/ironriver/
Ryan Brady
