Empire Swamp, Douglas County, WI, US - eBird Hotspot
Habitats: Conifer Bog, Sedge Meadow, Hardwood Swamp, Alder Swamp.
Best Birds: This is an underbirded area with few records more recent than 2010 when surveys showed bird diversity to be exceptional with many species of warbler including Nashville, Cape May and Canada and Northern Waterthrush. Other birds include Black-billed Cuckoo, American Bittern, Merlin, Northern Goshawk, Olive-sided and Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Canada Jay, Swainson’s Thrush, Golden-crowned Kinglet and Lincoln's Sparrow.
Directions: 31 miles south of Superior. From the intersection of State Highway 35 and County Trunk M in Moose Junction, go east on M 2.1 miles, then north on Empire Wilderness Road 2.2 miles to the first of several logging roads that penetrate the swamp (46.30986, -92.08599). There is a broad bog opening 4 miles north of M.
Site Address and Additional Information:
Empire Swamp is a vast peatland complex that serves as the headwaters of the Tamarack River.
Empire Wilderness Road, Dairyland WI
Empire Swamp State Natural Area - Wisconsin DNR
Carl Schroeder