Monroe County Flowage, Monroe County, WI, US - eBird Hotspot
Habitats: Marsh, Sedge Meadow, Alder, Willow and Dogwood Swamp, Hardwood Swamp, Mixed Conifer, Open Water.
Best Birds: Species of high interest include Ring-necked Duck, Sandhill Crane, Black Tern, Common Loon, American Bittern, Northern Harrier, Broad-winged Hawk, Whip-poor-will, Alder Flycatcher, Sedge Wren, Marsh Wren, Veery, Hermit Thrush,Golden-winged Warbler, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Pine Warbler, and Black and White Warbler.
During droughts or drawdowns, the wetlands are worth scanning for shorebirds. Winter birds may include finches, Rough-legged Hawk, Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle.
Directions: 58 miles NE of La Crosse/7 miles northeast of Tomah. From Hwy 173 turn east on Coyote Ave. to a locked gate and parking area, 44.072195, -90.382572. This is the southwestern corner of the site. Use dikes that border the south and west sides of the area to access the interior.
The east basin may be reached by taking Hwy 21 to Dragonfly Ave. then north on Dragonfly 3 miles to its end. Park (44.07037, -90.35250) and walk northwest on a gravel lane to the southeastern corner of the flowage.
Site Address & Additional Information:
Large basins flanking both sides of a deep ditch feature extensive sedge meadow, marsh, and shrub swamp (alder, willow, dogwood, mixed) habitats with minor areas of hardwood swamp. Open water is now much reduced from past conditions. Uplands are vegetated with a mixed conifer forest of White Pine, Red Pine, Jack Pine, Northern Pin Oak, White Oak, Quaking Aspen, Paper Birch and Red Maple. Young forest is emphasized in the management regime.
Coyote Ave., Warrens WI
Monroe County Flowage (wi.gov)
Ticks, Deer Flies, and mosquitoes are often exceptionally abundant here – bring repellent!
Eric Epstein
