Buena Vista Park & Overlook (Alma), Buffalo County, WI, US - eBird Hotspot
Mississippi River Lock and Dam 4 (Buffalo Co., WI), Buffalo County, WI, US - eBird Hotspot
Habitat: Open Water, Southern Hardwood Forest.
Best Birds: During the coldest parts of winter, the Mississippi River freezes over, except for areas immediately downstream from Lock & Dam #4 where many Bald Eagle congregate around this open water to feed. Peregrine Falcon nest on the tower at the Dairyland Power Generating Plant beginning with courtship behavior in March continuing to young fledging in July.
On the bluff above Alma at Buena Vista Park is an expansive view of the Mississippi River for many miles to the north and south. The handicapped accessible park is a great birding spot during spring and fall songbird migration. The raptor migration can be strong along the bluff. Breeding birds in the woods here includes Yellow-billed Cuckoo and Scarlet Tanager.
Directions: 55 miles northwest of La Crosse. Watch the eagles at Lock and Dam No. 4 from the Wings Over Alma viewing deck on Main Street or watch from River Street or the parking lot near the lock further north on Main Street (44.32556, -91.91815). The power plant entrance is south of town on Old State Hwy 35, (44.30421, -91.90925). To reach Buena Vista Park drive County Road E up the bluff to Buena Vista Road or hike up from the trail head below on Second Street (44.32469, -91.91571).
Site Address & Additional Information:
Lock and Dam No. 4, 420 Main Street, Alma WI, 44.32556, -91.91815
Wings over Alma Viewing Deck, 118 N Main Street, 44.32316, -91.91655
Dairyland Power Generating Station, 500 Old State Hwy 35, 44.30421, -91.90925
Buena Vista Park: S1857 Buena Vista Rd., 44.32416, -91.91017
Carl Schroeder
