https://ebird.org/wi/hotspot/L1883975
Habitat: Cedar Swamps, Hemlock-Hardwood Forest, Mixed Coniferous Forest, Northern Hardwood Forest.
Best Birds: From the parking lot, taking the trail north will lead you to one of two narrow boardwalks. The short walk to the first boardwalk, and for the next half-mile past the second boardwalk, has nesting Winter Wren, and Hermit Thrush, Canada and Blackburnian Warbler, in the summer months. Also be on the lookout for Black-billed Cuckoo, Common Raven, Veery, and Purple Finch.
Also go south from the parking lot, cross over Highway 52 and enter the woods to explore this part of the trail for the next two miles. Along this hike look for Ruffed Grouse, Broad-winged Hawk, Barred Owl, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Blue-headed Vireo, Chestnut-sided and Black-and-White Warbler, Scarlet Tanager and more.
During the winter season, winter finches like White-winged Crossbill and Common Redpoll might be found during irruption years. Also, Golden-crowned Kinglet overwinters in this area.
Directions: From Wausau, take State Highway 52 east for approximately 21 miles to a parking lot located just off the highway (45.030128, -89.244274). Park here and explore the trail north or south of the parking lot. Two miles south is another parking lot along Sportsman Drive (45.001148, -89.263652)
Site Address & Additional Information:
Expect Wood/Black-legged (Deer) ticks and mosquitoes anywhere along the trail.
https://www.iceagetrail.org/volunteer/chapters/central-moraines-chapter-marathon-county/
https://www.iceagetrail.org/wp-content/uploads/Day-Hikes-Plover-River.pdf
Dan Belter
