https://ebird.org/wi/hotspot/L305091
Habitat: Mixed Coniferous Forest, Cedar Swamp, Hardwood Forest, Marsh, Sedge Meadow, Willow/Dogwood Swamp, Open Water.
Best Birds: Both cuckoos, Virginia Rail, Wilson’s Snipe, American Woodcock, Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl, Eastern Screech Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl (winter), Long-eared Owl, and Short-eared Owl (rare), Pileated Woodpecker, Alder Flycatcher, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Winter Wren (uncommon), Sedge Wren, Marsh Wren, Northern Shrike (winter), Veery, Wood Thrush, Swamp Sparrow, Pine Siskin, Common Redpoll (winter), Northern Waterthrush, and Mourning Warbler.
The winter and nocturnal birding can be very productive along the first part of the trail. The dense pines and cedars here provide great cover for roosting/wintering Great Horned, Barred, Eastern Screech, Northern Saw-whet (winter), and Long-eared Owl. At other times during the year, a nice variety of species can be found here too.
In the mixed hardwood forest look for both cuckoos, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Great Crested Flycatcher, Yellow-throated Vireo, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Wood Thrush, and Scarlet Tanager are possible.
Beyond Pauly’s Lake the habitat changes to open marsh, sedge, and swamp, with scattered Tamaracks. Possible here are Virginia Rail, Wilson’s Snipe, American Woodcock, Alder Flycatcher, Sedge Wren, Marsh Wren, Northern Waterthrush, Mourning Warbler.
In winter Northern Flicker, Northern Shrike, and Rough-legged Hawk are possible.
Directions: From the small parking area and trailhead at the end of Church Street in the town of St. Cloud (43.82312, -88.16919), an old railroad grade transects west across this property for 2 miles. The trail is public but most of the lands it passes through are private so stay on the trail.
Site Address and Additional Information:
Church Street, St. Cloud, Wisconsin
Jeff Baughman
