Governor Nelson State Park
Governor Nelson State Park, Dane County, WI, US - eBird Hotspot
Habitat: Open Water, Oak Savannah, Southern Hardwood Forest, Pine Plantation, Native and Restored Grassland.
Best Birds: In late-fall through early-spring, scope from the boat launch and beach areas to look through large waterfowl rafts which sometimes include rarities such as Greater Scaup, White-Winged Scoter, Black Scoter, Surf Scoter, Long-Tailed Duck or Red-Necked Grebe.
The beach and rip-rap area can be attractive for migrating shorebirds and annually attracts rarities. The pines and spruce along the shoreline are good for winter finches in irruption years such as Pine Siskin (annual) and Red Crossbill (as well as annual Red-Breasted Nuthatch).
In winter, the prairie may host American Tree-Sparrow and Northern Shrike. In spring and fall migration, the entire park is home to a diversity of warblers, vireos, thrushes and flycatchers. Summer residents on the prairie include Eastern Bluebird, Eastern Meadowlark, Orchard Oriole, Bobolink, and Dickcissel, and in some years Henslow’s Sparrow. The wooded areas closer to the lake have interesting resident birds such as Great-Crested Flycatcher, Yellow-Throated Vireo, and Eastern Towhee.
Directions: 10 miles northwest of Madison on the northwest shore of Lake Mendota. Park entrance is located off of Highway M. Beach parking area is centrally located at (43.131127, -89.435665). Park at the beach lot and either head out to the prairie trail system, into the wooded trail system or directly to the beach/boat-launch area.
Site Address & Additional Information:
Situated on the shores of Lake Mendota, Governor Nelson State Park’s mix of habitats makes it a great birding hotspot year-round.
5140 Co Hwy M, Waunakee, WI 53597
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/govnelson
Shawn Miller
