https://ebird.org/hotspot/L266979
Habitat: Open Water, Marsh, Hardwood Swamp, Successional Fields, and Cropland.
Best Birds: Scan the large pond behind the dam along County JJ. This is on the north side of the road opposite the Neustadter Nature Center with its tower topped by an Osprey nest. From this location five species of geese, nearly all species of puddle ducks, and most species of diving ducks can be seen along with other waterfowl and marsh birds.
American Bittern can be heard, and Trumpeter Swan is a seasonal regular. Black-necked Stilt has been seen and could eventually nest. Osprey, Bald Eagle, and American White Pelican are often present. Black Tern, Black-crowned Night-Heron, and Yellow-headed Blackbird are uncommon to rare.
In dry years or when the water levels are drawn down shorebirds can be found along Hwy JJ east of the nature center, and to the southwest where Collins Road crosses the Manitowoc River. When the river level is low, these locations have been reliable for a variety of shorebirds plus seasonal waterfowl. A half mile further south of this bridge is Woodcock Road. This short stretch of road is a good location in winter for Lapland Longspur and Snow Bunting. In irruption years, Collins has been good for Snowy Owl.
For passerines, walk the trail along the drainage ditch that leads from the parking lot on Collins Marsh Road. The bordering hardwood swamp can be fluttering with vireos, thrushes, and warblers. Resident woodland species include Brown Creeper and Veery. Warning: the open field part of this trail later in the season becomes overgrown with Poison Hemlock.
In the northwest corner of Collins Marsh, at the intersection of Hilltop Road and Old Highway 32, the brushy field has been reliable for Dickcissel.
Directions: 17 miles west of Manitowoc. East of the intersection of County JJ and W.
Site Address and Additional Information:
19002 County JJ, Collins WI
Manitowoc River crossing, 44.08119, -87.98965
Collin Marsh Road trailhead, 44.10914, -87.93347
Bob Domagalski
