https://ebird.org/hotspot/L549205
Habitat: Open Water, Mudflats, Cropland.
Best Birds: Flooded agricultural fields north of Waunakee provide rest and feeding stops for a great diversity of waterfowl including Tundra Swan (migration/winter only) and Trumpeter Swan, Greater White-Fronted, Ross’s, Snow and Cackling Goose, Canvasback, Ruddy Duck, Redhead, Gadwall, American Black Duck, Northern Pintail, Lesser Scaup, Greater Scaup, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal and all three mergansers, and Horned and Eared Grebe
In addition to the common shorebird migrants, harder-to-find shorebirds that are found annually include Short-billed and Long-billed Dowitcher, Wilson’s Phalarope, Black-necked Stilt, Ruddy Turnstone, American Avocet, and occasionally Red-necked Phalarope. Plovers include Semipalmated Plover as well as harder to get Black-bellied Plover and American Golden-plover.
Rails found include Virginia.
In recent years there have been records of White-faced and Glossy Ibis. Other related species found regularly at these ponds are American Bittern, Least Bittern, Great Egret, and an occasional Snowy Egret.
Gulls include Bonaparte’s and occasionally Franklin’s Gull.
Directions: 18 miles north of Madison. The ponds can be viewed from roadside along Patton Rd and Oak Lane (43.29018, -89.42252).
Site Address & Additional Information:
7943-7877 Patton Rd, Dane, WI, 43.29018, -89.42252
Kristin Schmitt and Shawn Miller
