https://ebird.org/hotspot/L506471
Habitat: Open Water, Beach.
Best Birds: There is a small beach south of the dock with views of the sandy shore. Watch for shorebirds along this private beach beyond the breakwall. Scope the open water for Tundra Swan (winter). Long-tailed and other ducks, gulls and Caspian Tern, cormorants, and American White Pelican. During migration seasons, watch the skies for kettles of mixed hawk species, in particular, Broad-winged. If you’re lucky, you may observe in excess of 500 hawks island hopping on thermals. Bald Eagle nest on Plum Island, the island northeast of the ferry dock. Warblers like Pine, and Northern Parula are found in the mixed forest throughout the parking lot area.
Directions: 87 miles NE of Green Bay. From Sturgeon Bay, take Highway 42 or 57 north to Northport, approximately 40 miles. Park and walk back to the ferry dock area. (45.29031, -86.97760)
Site Address & Additional Information:
213 Highway 42, Ellison Bay
The Northport Ferry Dock land is managed by the Washington Island Ferry Line. Please be respectful and aware of people working and vehicular traffic. They are birder-friendly but it is best to ask permission to bird at the ticket booth on dock. If you have time, take the ferry back and forth and bird from the ferry. Near the dock, there is an information center with restrooms (when open).
If you’re going to Washington Island or Rock Island State Park to bird, this is the only ferry service that transports cars to Washington Island. Ferry is first come, first served. Earlier arrival is recommended for crossing, especially on weekends.
Paul Regnier
