https://ebird.org/hotspot/L2629461
Habitat: Open Water, Marsh area, Hardwood Swamp,and Northern Hardwood, and Mixed Coniferous Forest.
Best birds: Marsh has Sora, and Virginia Rail, American and Least Bittern, and Northern Harrier. Sandhill Crane nest here, but large numbers of non-breeding cranes roost here as well. Open water has migratory waterfowl and shorebirds when water levels are appropriate. Forest has Ruffed Grouse, American Woodcock, Barred Owl, Whip-poor-will, Brown Creeper, and Hermit Thrush with Alder and Willow Flycatcher, Nashville and Golden-winged Warbler at edges.
Directions: 26 miles SE of Eau Claire. From Augusta, take Hwy 12 east, turn left on County CF and then left on Kelly Rd. The best access to the interior is on Wildlife Road (44.72353, -91.07405), which can be muddy and soft during spring thaw. Continue about a mile to the parking area (44.727076, -91.092411), then hike past the gate down the trail into the marsh. Continuing straight west brings you to the first dike; taking the right turn north brings you to the second dike. You can continue hiking along the second dike and then through the woods to get to the third dike. For quicker access to the third dike, enter the wildlife area from County G/GG by going west at the north end of Kelly Rd and in 1.5 miles south on Wildlife Rd (44.74185, -91.10533) to a parking area on the north side. Hike south past the gate to the third impoundment. Other parking areas can be found along Kelly Rd (44.73421, -91.07414) and along County G (44.73970, -91.11494) adjacent to another small open water area.
Site address & Additional Information:
County Road G and Kelly Road, Augusta, WI
Augusta Wildlife Area | Wisconsin DNR
Anne Geraghty
