https://ebird.org/hotspot/L715578
Habitat: Hemlock-Hardwood Forest, Mixed Coniferous Forest, Northern Hardwood Forest, Pine Plantation, Young Conifers, Marsh, and Alder Swamp.
Best Birds: from the ski chalet, trails venture off to the west or south, or if you stay along the main road there are areas where trails cross the road. Explore any of these trails for primarily woodland birds like; Great Crested Flycatcher, Blue-headed Vireo (rare in summer, but a few are around), Red-breasted Nuthatch, Veery, Nashville Warbler and more. Eastern Towhee can be found in young tree growth areas. From late April until late summer, Whip-poor-will and American Woodcock can be found at dusk and dawn along the both Red Bud and Fawn Roads, Also from late winter to early spring, Northern Saw-whet Owl can be heard at dusk or just after darkness.
The winter season can hold some nice surprises, especially if winter finches are around. Common Redpoll, both White-winged and Red Crossbill, and Pine Siskin can all be present, and on rare occasions both Pine and Evening Grosbeak can make a showing. Occasionally Purple Finch will overwinter, and American Goldfinch is found during most winters. Added to this are occasional sightings of Bohemian Waxwing and Golden-crowned Kinglet.
Directions: Twelve miles southwest of Wausau. From County Highway N, turn south onto Red Bud Road and go 1.5 miles to the ski chalet parking lot (44.879429, -89.711843). Park here or continue south along Red Bud Road (which turns into Fawn Road after the first road curve) another 2.1 miles to another parking lot (44.858611, -89.690994) to explore areas along the road.
Site Address & Additional Information:
8704 Red Bud Road. Wausau, WI
http://wisconsintrailguide.com/cross-country-skiing/pdf/map-nine-mile.pdf
Dan Belter
