Beaver Creek Hemlocks (NWLT), Iron County, WI, US - eBird Hotspot
Habitat: Hemlock-Hardwood Forest, Northern Hardwood Forest, Cedar Swamp, Conifer Bog, Marsh, Open Water.
Best Birds: The most notable aspect of the property is the pockets of old-growth Hemlock-Hardwood forest. This rare habitat holds the potential to support dense breeding populations of Blue-headed Vireo and Black-throated Green Warbler. At the more uncommon end of the spectrum of potential breeding birds is the state species of concern Northern Goshawk. During years of good cone crops the old-growth conifers are likely to harbor moving flocks of winter finches such as Common Redpoll and both species of Crossbill.In addition to old-growth habitat an old beaver dam has created a large flowage which has resulted in the creation of an expansive cattail marsh with pockets of sedge meadow. Species already documented utilizing these areas include Sora, and Virginia Rail, and Swamp Sparrow. The marsh holds the potential to support other secretive marsh birds such as Pied-billed Grebe and American Bittern. There is a slim chance of finding Black Tern or Yellow Rail here as well. A small unmanaged trail leads to an excellent overlook of the marsh less than a ¼ mile from the parking area. This natural high ground presents an opportunity to use spotting scopes to view the entirety of the flowage. A poor fen bordering a small bog lake is in the northern portion of the property. Poor fens are rare in Wisconsin and have been documented to support rare breeding species like LeConte’s Sparrow.
Directions: 72 miles SE of Ashland. From Eagle River, take Hwy 70 approximately 50 miles to Smith Rapids Rd. Turn north on Smith Rapids Rd. for 4.0 miles. Turn west (left) onto Shady Knoll Rd. for 1.9 miles. Turn north (right) onto Hwy 182 for 2.4 miles. Property is on the right immediately after road crosses over Beaver Creek. Parking area is north of Beaver Creek at turnout (45.991897, -90.170068).
Site Address and Additional Information:
State Highway 182, Park Falls, WI
Northwoods Land Trust - NWLT-Owned Properties - Northwoods Land Trust
Beaver Creek Hemlocks is one of Northwoods Land Trust’s (NWLT) newest properties open to the public. Acquired in 2021 from the Board of Commissioners of Public Land (BCPL), relatively little birding effort has taken place on the property; however, it is clear from early visits the conservation area holds the potential to support a multitude of year-round residents, migrants, and breeding birds. Plans to improve a natural surface trail system complete with boardwalks and signage will greatly increase the ability of birders to navigate this diverse property. The variety of relatively undisturbed habitat should hold the potential to support a large number of species throughout the year.
Frank Schroyer
