https://ebird.org/wi/hotspot/L453285
Habitat: Open Water, Urban/Residential.
Best Birds: waterbirds (geese, ducks, grebes), shorebirds, gulls, terns, Common Loon (migrant), Double-crested Cormorant, American White Pelican, Bald Eagle, Snowy Owl (winter), Lapland Longspur (winter), and Snow Bunting (winter) The shallow waters of the lake provide a stopping place for rafts of migrant waterbirds. These are primarily diving ducks, but nearly every Wisconsin waterfowl species has been seen. One of the best observation areas is at the mouth of the Fond du Lac River, on its west boundary, which is known as Frasier Point (formerly “Stinky Point”). Because of its shallowness, Lake Winnebago freezes completely by early winter. However the outflow from the water treatment plant warms the lake at Frasier Point, so there is often a variety of waterbirds and gulls in winter. The grassy area between the point and the water treatment plant often has nice congregations of gulls.
There is a series of canals that run through the center area of the park which have wooded borders. These should be checked for migrants. The Lakeside Park Pavillion offers visiting birders another vantage of the lake. At the east end of the park, there is Lakeside Park Marina, the lighthouse and De Neveu Creek. Cliff Swallow nest at the lighthouse and in winter the berry trees on the south side of the marina often have Cedar Waxwing.
Directions: 41 miles S of Appleton. Lakeside Park is located at the northern edge of the city of Fond du Lac and along the southern tip of Lake Winnebago. It is accessible via Park Avenue, Main Street, or Doty Street, all of which run north into the park. Frazier Point is in the northwest corner of the park (43.80067, -88.45157) and the marina in the northeast (43.79787, -88.43738).
Site Address and Additional Information:
555 N Park Ave, Fond du Lac, WI
https://www.fdl.wi.gov/parks/parks/
Jeff Baughman
