French Creek SWA, Columbia County, WI, US - eBird Hotspot
Habitat: Marsh, Sedge Meadow, Dogwood Swamp, Mudflats, Southern Hardwood Forest, Pine Plantation, Conifer Bog, Native and Restored Grassland, Oak Savanna, Wet Prairie/Fen, and Successional Oldfield.
Best Birds: In the wetland habitat one can find a wide diversity of geese,Tundra Swan, ducks, and shorebirds in migration along with non-breeding American White Pelican, and Great Egret. Breeding wetland species include Hooded Merganser, Virginia Rail, Sandhill Crane, Wilson’s Snipe, Black Tern, swallows, Marsh Wren, and Swamp Sparrow. Species breeding in the wooded or savanna include Bald Eagle, Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl, and Red-headed Woodpecker. Species nesting in the Restored Grassland and shrubby areas include American Woodcock, Northern Harrier, Willow Flycatcher, Sedge Wren, Grasshopper Sparrow, Clay-colored Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Henslow’s Sparrow, Eastern Meadowlark, and Dickcissel. In winter in the surrounding areas, you may find Rough-legged Hawk, Northern Shrike, and Horned Lark.
Directions: 47 miles N of Madison. From the intersection of Highway 33 and F one mile east of Portage, take Highway F north for 5.5 miles to a parking lot (43.629025, -89.412911). This is a large area to explore with 18 parking areas, two boat landings, and extensive management trails.
Site Address & Additional Information:
County Road F, Portage WI
French Creek Fen State Natural Area
French Creek North State Natural Area
Mark and Susan Foote-Martin and Graham Steinhauer
