Governor's Island
Governor's Island, Dane County, WI, US - eBird Hotspot
Habitat: Open Water, Oak Savannah, Southern Hardwood Forest,
Best Birds: Governor’s Island is known as a reliable migrant trap and is also great for open water viewing of Lake Mendota. In spring migration the area is vibrant with an excellent diversity of warblers, vireos, flycatchers and other passerines. In breeding season, the island is reliable for Yellow-Billed Cuckoo, Cooper’s Hawk,Barred Owl, and Red-Headed Woodpecker. Prothonotary Warbler are also found here along the mucky edges and have bred in the past.
Projecting into northern Lake Mendota, the island provides excellent waterfowl viewing opportunities in migration and over winter (before the lake ices over and after it begins to thaw). In addition to the usual Red-Breasted and Common Merganser and Common Goldeneye, all three species of scoter are possible, as well as possible Greater Scaup, Long-Tailed Duck, and Red-Necked Grebe.
Explore the public grounds on the mainland near the island around the Mendota Mental Health Institute. The large trees here attract Red-Headed Woodpeckers and in winter the conifer trees will attract crossbills in an irruption year. The conifers also hold an occasional Northern Saw-Whet Owl in winter.
Directions: 8 miles north of downtown Madison. Enter the property on Governor’s Island Parkway and proceed to the gravel parking area (43.12687, -89.40017). A 3/4 mile paved walking path circumnavigates the island.
Site Address & Additional Information:
1 Governors Island Pkwy, Madison, WI
https://wisconsin-explorer.blogspot.com/2018/08/walking-governors-island-in-madison-wi.html
Shawn Miller
