https://ebird.org/hotspot/L13901939
Habitat: Bottomland Hardwoods, Restored Grassland, Open Water.
Best Birds: Look for waterfowl, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, gulls, and herons. At both bridges to the island look for gulls, herons, Belted Kingfisher, and Cliff Swallow. In the prairie plot northwest of the Blackhawk Ave bridge look for Sora Rail and Sedge Wren. On the other side of the road in the bottomland forest check for Hooded Merganser, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Louisiana Waterthrush, and Prothonotary Warbler. At the Dousman House Hotel watch Chimney Swifts as they use any of the 12 chimneys of this historic building. Common Nighthawk may also use the roof.
At the Villa Louis Boat Landing watch for shorebirds and gulls on a mud bar across and a short distance up river. Walk on the bike and hiking trail along the wooded area to the north to find waterfowl, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, and Prothonotary Warbler. In the open park you may see sapsucker, woodpeckers, and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. If the water is high look for shorebirds and gulls throughout the flooded areas of the park.
Directions: 59 miles S of LaCrosse/On the west side of Prairie du Chien. The route for this site starts at the Blackhawk Ave bridge at 43.051446, -91.152184. Most of the island is city or state owned property. You can exit the island on the Washington St. Bridge at 43.056318, -91.150906, near the marina. Parking is available at St. Feriole Island Park (43.050931, -91.156259)
Address and Additional Informatio
W. Blackhawk Ave., Prairie Du Chien WI
Dennis Kirschbaum
