https://ebird.org/wi/hotspot/L7186409
Habitat: Oak-Hickory Forest, Hardwood Swamp, Conifer Bog, Cedar Swamp, Native and Restored Grassland, Marsh, Sedge Meadow, Willow/Dogwood Swamp, Open Water, Cropland.
Best Birds: The hardwood swamp on Hillview Rd. is a very good spot to find Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Least Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Winter Wren (rare), Northern Waterthrush, and migrant Rusty Blackbird. In the Willow/Dogwoods and sedges look for American Woodcock, Alder Flycatcher, Willow Flycatcher, Sedge Wren, and Blue-winged Warbler. The cattail marsh is where Swamp Sparrow and Marsh Wren are abundant but also good for Virginia Rail, Sora, Wilson’s Snipe, American Bittern, Least Bittern, Northern Harrier, Rough-legged Hawk (winter), Northern Shrike (winter) and Yellow-headed Blackbird.
At the bridge where Mullet Creek crosses is an area of open water or mudflats depending on season and rainfall. From April through mid-May, waterfowl frequent this location. Once the water levels recede, June through August, the mudflats can be good for shorebirds.
Around the parking lot Alder and Willow Flycatcher can be found.The oak-hickory forest on Deerview Rd.may hold Red-headed Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Wood Thrush, Least Flycatcher, Great Crested Flycatcher, Yellow-throated Vireo, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Cerulean Warbler, and Scarlet Tanager. Further west on Deerview Road expect Virginia Rail, Sora, Veery, Marsh Wren, Sedge Wren, Winter Wren, Northern Waterthrush, and Alder Flycatcher.
Grassland species here include Vesper, Field, Clay-colored, and Henslow’s Sparrow, and Eastern and Western Meadowlark. The hedgerows and thickets also have Brown Thrasher and Blue-winged Warbler.
Mullet Creek White Cedar Wetland State Natural Area has no trails so exploring this swamp is easiest from the roadside along Banner Road. Species likely here include Barred Owl, Pileated Woodpecker, Alder Flycatcher, Northern Shrike (Winter), Winter Wren (rare), Veery, Northern Waterthrush (uncommon), Black-and-white Warbler, Nashville Warbler, and Mourning Warbler.
Directions: 60 miles SE of Appleton/15 miles east of Fond du Lac on Hwy 23, take Hillview Road south. There are no designated trails but hiking from various parking sites can be rewarding. The best place to start birding this site is along Hillview Road. From its intersection with Hwy 23, traveling south on Hillview Road about 0.2 mi., after descending the hill, a Hardwood Swamp is to the west (43.76526, -88.19149). South of the Hardwood Swamp 0.3 mi. the habitat gives way to Willow/Dogwood Swamp (west side) and Sedge Meadow (east side) (43.76003, -88.19185). Continuing south is a Cattail Marsh for the next 0.9 miles. There is a parking lot along Hillview Road 0.3 miles south of the bridge (43.74778, -88.19139). On Deerview Road within 0.2 mi. of Hillview there is Oak-Hickory Forest to the north and a parking area (43.73942, -88.19638). Grasslands are found on County G, 1 mile south of Highway 23 (43.75647, -88.17129) and on County T, 1.5 miles west of County Highway G (43.73257, -88.19944). There are parking lots at each of these sites. The Mullet Creek White Cedar Wetland State Natural Area (43.75398, -88.20861) lies south of Banner Rd. and is most easily birded from the roadside. There is a small parking area at end of Banner Road.
Site Address and Additional Information:
N. Hillview Road, St. Cloud WI
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Lands/WildlifeAreas/mullet.html
Mullet Creek White Cedar Wetland State Natural Area - Wisconsin DNR
Jeff Baughman
