Lake Barney
Lake Barney, Dane County, WI, US - eBird Hotspot
Habitat: Open Water, Marsh, Hardwood Swamp, Non-Native Grassland and Pasture.
Best Birds: Lake Barney is primarily birded in late fall migration due to the prevalence of migratory LeConte’s Sparrow and Nelson’s Sparrow in the wet prairie section south of the Caine Road entrance. This area contains Sedge Wren as well as occasional Henslow’s and Grasshopper Sparrow. The horse pasture fencing on the way in has regular Eastern Meadowlark. It is also good to check the lake edges for smartweed patches for ammodramus sparrow species. The lake itself holds a good variety of migratory Double-Crested Cormorant, ducks and grebes including nearly annual sightings of Red-Necked Grebe. In migration, many Bonaparte’s Gull are seen and it is possible to find a rare gull such as Franklin’s or Lesser Black-Backed. Each year typically finds a migratory Peregrine Falcon or Merlin patrolling the area. In drier years the north cove of the lake near Highway M will have good mudflats for shorebirds.
Directions: 15 miles south of Madison at the intersection of Highway M and Caine Road. Park along the Highway M or along Caine Road (42.950317, -89.417338). Do not block the gate on the gravel path leading into property.
Site Address & Additional Information:
5398 County Hwy M, Fitchburg, WI 53575
https://dnr.wi.gov/lakes/lakepages/LakeDetail.aspx?wbic=777300
Shawn Miller
