Dike 17 SWA, Jackson County, WI, US - eBird Hotspot
Habitat: Marsh, Sedge Meadow, Open Water, Willow/Alder/Dogwood Swamp, Non-native Grasslands.
Best Birds: Large numbers of migratory waterfowl and shorebirds use this area, depending on water level. Ring-necked Duck nest on the flowages, along with Trumpeter Swan, Pied-billed Grebe, and Black Tern.
In April witness spectacular display flights of American Woodcock and Wilson’s Snipe while listening to the “bog-pumping” American Bittern in the early morning or at dusk. Ruffed Grouse drumming can be heard throughout April and May. This area once supported Sharp-tailed Grouse though unfortunately, their population has crashed and they are now seen very rarely.
Late spring/summer the open meadows holdwith Sedge Wren and Bobolink. The brushy wetlands and wooded edges have breeding Black-billed Cuckoo, both Alder and Willow Flycatcher, Veery, and Golden-winged Warbler. Nocturnal birders can expect to hear numerous Whip-poor-will as well as Barred, Great Horned, Northern Saw-whet and possibly Long-eared Owl. Short-eared Owl have been seen hunting the open marsh at dusk in summer suggesting that they probably breed.
In late fall and winter check the area for Golden Eagle, Northern Goshawk, Rough-legged Hawk, Common Raven, and Northern Shrike, .
Directions: 66 miles SE of Eau Claire. Dike 17 Wildlife Area is located 16 miles east of the city of Black River Falls. It can be accessed by taking Hwy 54 and turning south either on Wildcat Road and then East on Battlepoint, or by turning south on North Settlement Road. There is parking just north of the intersections of N. Settlement Road and Potter Road (44.30945, -90.56217). There are also multiple access points from the west side via Battlepoint Road.
Site Address and Additional Information:
North Settlement Road and Potter Road, Millston WI
Dike 17 Wildlife Area | Wisconsin DNR
Hotspot of the Month--Dike 17 SWA (Jackson County) - Wisconsin eBird
Andy Paulios, Carl Schroeder
