https://ebird.org/hotspot/L17468699
Habitat: Open Water.
Best Birds: Red-shouldered Hawk, Bald Eagle and Osprey nest in the area and can be seen around the lake. After breeding season until the lake freezes and as the lake thaws early in the spring, large numbers of gulls form roosting flocks at the west end of the lake in the evening. Bonaparte's, Franklin's, Lesser Black-backed and Iceland Gull occasionally mix in with thousands of Ring-billed and Herring. Migrant species include most ducks and occasional scoters, Red-necked and Horned Grebe, Common Loon, and American White Pelican. The best location to scope the lake is at Lake Front Park. Many birds congregate at the east end of the lake where there is no public access, but they can be viewed with a quick paddle or boat ride from the landing in Lake Altoona Park. Both parks have nesting Tufted Titmouse.
Directions: 5 miles E of Eau Claire. Free public access is at Lake Front Park (44.811867, -91.430807) at the west end of Kewin Rd. From Lake Rd in Altoona, turn north on Park Rd towards the lake, and then right on Kewin Rd. Just past the turn is the boat landing (44.810624, -91.426286) in Lake Altoona Park. Continue on Park Rd past Kewin Rd to get to the beach area (44.810645, -91.422369) in Lake Altoona Park for an additional vantage point on the lake. Lake Altoona Park is a fee area.
Site Address and Additional Information:
Lake Front Park (44.811867, -91.430807)
1104 Kewin Street C/O, 1303 Lynn Ave, Altoona, WI 54720
(715) 839-6092
Lake Altoona Park (44.810645, -91.422369)
604 N Beach Rd, Altoona, WI 54720
(715) 834-9042
Anne Geraghty
