Lower Mud Lake--Lewis Park & Marsh Woods - eBird Hotspot
Habitat: Open Water, Marsh, Southern Hardwood Forest, Native and Restored Grasslands.
Best Birds: The lake holds a tremendous volume and diversity of waterfowl in the winter and early spring due to being one of the only continuously open-water locations in Dane County. In the depths of winter, hundreds of Tundra Swan overwinter as well as ducks such as American Black Duck, Northern Shoveler, Lesser Scaup, Common Goldeneye, Common and Hooded Merganser populate the lake. During migration thousands of ducks move in including Redhead, Canvasback, Ruddy Duck, Northern Pintail, Green-Winged Teal, Blue-Winged Teal, etc. American White Pelican and Forster’s Tern are common in migration. Least Bittern are rare in summer. Bald Eagle can be seen on the ice and trees in winter and at least one pair nests in the Marsh Woods area. The Marsh Woods Loop can be birdy in migration if the winds and midge hatch conditions are favorable. Other interesting resident birds include Willow Flycatcher, and Warbling Vireo.
Directions: 10 miles southeast of Madison. Park near the Lewis Park shelter (43.005210, -89.295397) and proceed to the viewing platform. Drive or walk east to Johnson Street (43.005233, -89.289076) and enter the trail system that accesses the Marsh Woods loop.
Site Address & Additional Information:
5007-5017 Highland Dr, McFarland, WI 53558
https://www.mcfarland.wi.us/Facilities/Facility/Details/Lewis-Park-15
Shawn Miller
