https://ebird.org/wi/hotspot/L1221499
Habitat: Open Water, Willow Thicket, Marsh
Best Birds: An observation deck is located on the west side of Smoky Hill Road that will allow an almost full view of South Rice Lake while scanning to the west. An impressive variety of waterfowl, grebes, and more can be seen from this vantage point. In early spring, Bald Eagle can be seen in impressive numbers. Pied-billed Greb does nest on the lake, and both Horned and Red-necked Grebe are migrants. Common Loon will occasionally be seen as well, as they nest at nearby flowages, and American White Pelican will often appear on the lake, sometimes in large numbers.
A trail (dike) also runs along the north side of South Rice Lake where more marsh habitat is easily accessed. Park in the small parking lot next to the bridge on Smoky Hill Road, and walk west about one-half mile. In summer, watch for nesting Virginia Rail, American Coot, Common Gallinule, Black Tern, Marsh Wren, and Swamp Sparrow.
The shallow areas around the lake are also good for bitterns, herons and Great Egrets, which usually show up after breeding in late summer. Both Least and American Bittern are occasionally seen flying over the marshy areas, and at dusk along the north side of the lake, watch for Black-crowned Night-Heron that hunt prey in the cattail marshes.
In some years, the water level on South Rice Lake is lowered, which then becomes a great place for viewing shorebirds including American Avocet, Black-bellied Plover, Hudsonian Godwit, Stilt Sandpiper, and Red-necked Phalarope.
Directions: 31 miles SW of Wausau/approximately 16.5 driving miles southwest of Mosinee. South Rice Lake is located along Smoky Hill Road, 2.5 miles south of Highway C.
Site Address & Additional Information:
Observation deck 44.709010, -89.926058
Dike Trail parking 44.712744, -89.926515
A spotting scope is recommended for viewing distant birds on the lake. Ticks are possible, expect mosquitoes in summer.
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Lands/WildlifeAreas/mead.html
https://www.stevenspointarea.com/listing/george-w-mead-wildlife-area/1011/
Dan Belter
