Lower Chippewa River SNA--Tyrone Tract, Dunn County, WI, US - eBird Hotspot
[Hotspot requested for north end of route at 44.72395, -91.82518]
Habitats: Bottomland Hardwood Forest, Native Prairie, Oak Savanna, Open Water.
Best Birds: This diverse habitat supports a myriad of grassland songbirds, like Henslow’s, Grasshopper, Vesper, Clay-colored, Field, and Lark Sparrow, Orchard Oriole, Eastern Meadowlark, and Bobolink. It is also favorable habitat for American Woodcock, Red-shouldered Hawk, Barred Owl, Pine Warbler, and Scarlet Tanager.
Directions: 19 miles west of Eau Claire. This area can be birded by car with frequent stops or on foot on the Chippewa River State Trail. The northeast end of this drive is at the intersection of County Rd O and 160th Avenue in the little town of Meridean. The road wanders southwest on 160th Ave, then 650th St and 50th Ave before ending at the intersection with County M at the Pepin County line. Much of 50th Ave parallels the Chippewa River State Trail access to which is found at the county line (44.68383, -91.88799) and several points to the north. There is also access to the trail at Tyrone’s Trail Park on 650th St with close views of the river (44.71348, -91.84289). The trail intersects this rustic road in Meridean (44.73794, -91.79520).
Site Address and Additional Information:
160th Ave and 730th St, Mondovi WI
Lower Chippewa River State Natural Area - Wisconsin DNR
Carl Schroeder, Steve Betchkal
