https://ebird.org/hotspot/L16733852
Habitat: Mixed Coniferous Forest, Northern Hardwood Forest, Marsh.
Best Birds: The forest is a stronghold for nesting wood warblers. From the O’Neil Creek Parking lot, go 0.2 miles north to an aspen clearcut where Golden-winged Warbler is regular. After turning east onto Hickory Ridge Trail, look for an orange gate (marked #11) on the north side. This is a good place to search for nesting Cerulean Warbler. They nest sporadically throughout the forest, especially where tall oaks dominate openings. in another half mile or so, where the forest is thinned to aspen regrowth, look for Mourning, Golden-winged, and Chestnut-sided Warbler.
The wetlands around Hay Meadow Horse Camp has nesting Swamp Sparrow. Other regular breeders in the forest include Ruffed Grouse, Cooper’s Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Bald Eagle, Whip-poor-will, Barred Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Pileated Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Common Raven, Brown Creeper, Hermit Thrush, Purple Finch, Pine Siskin, Pine Warbler, Blackburnian, Black-throated Green, and Yellow-rumped Warbler, and Red Crossbill.
Directions: 34 miles north-northeast of Eau Claire. From Hwy 64 take AA 3.6 miles north to 226th. Continue east for 2.3 miles to 157th. On 157th continue 0.5 miles north to the O’Neil Creek parking lot on the left, where the pavement ends (45.17765, -91.36301). To reach Gate 11, continue north on 157th another 1/2 mile to the intersection with Hickory Ridge Trail and turn east. Gate 11 is 0.5 miles east of this intersection on the north side (45.18627, -91.35154). In another half mile, there is an aspen clearcut on the right side of the road. Still further east Hickory RIdge Trail forks (45.18491, -91.32494). Deer Fly Trail goes left, and Hay Meadow Trail veers right. The road between them leads to a dead end at Hay Meadow Horse Camp. All roads eventually lead to paved county highways, but it’s easiest just to go back out the way you came in.
Site Address & Additional Information:
157th Street, Bloomer WI
Gate 11, 45.18627, -91.35154
Deer Fly and Hay Meadow Trails 45.18491, -91.32494
https://www.co.chippewa.wi.us/government/land-conservation-forest-management/forest-trails
Steve Betchkal
