Apple Creek Trail/Thrivent Ponds, Outagamie County, WI, US - eBird Hotspot
Habitat: Open Water, Native and Restored Grassland, Marsh, Cropland, Urban/Residential/Industrial, Successional Oldfield.
Best Birds: The ponds, which are the primary feature of this area, are 0.3 mi. west of the parking lot on the paved trail. Trumpeter and Tundra Swan, and ducks including Greater Scaup and White-winged Scoter have been reported. At low water levels exposed muddy shores attract shorebirds including Wilson’s and Red-necked Phalarope, Semipalmated Plover, Short-billed Dowitcher, Sanderling, Stilt, Baird’s and White-rumped Sandpiper. Look for American Pipit. Caspian Tern is a regular flyover.
The grassland areas attract Savannah and Field Sparrow, Eastern Meadowlark, and Dickcissel. In winter look for Northern Shrike and Snow Bunting.
In the wooded areas (accessed by connecting trails north of the Apple Creek Trail) look for Orchard Oriole. In winter, check the Crabapple trees surrounding the main Thrivent complex for Cedar Waxwing – rarely Bohemian Waxwing - and Pine Grosbeak.
To the east of the parking area, the trail follows a stream bordered by grasses and marsh. Black-crowned Night Heron, especially immatures in fall, Green Heron and Great Egret are regular.
In Fall and Winter, the grassy fields of a neighboring sports complex often attract large numbers of gulls from the nearby landfill. Iceland, Great and Lesser Black-Backed have been noted.
Directions: In Appleton at the S.E. corner of N. Ballard Rd. and E. Evergreen Drive. Use the WisDOT park and ride. 44.30133, -88.37446.
Site Address and Additional Information:
The ponds, 44.30044, -88.37908
The 4 mile trail from Meade Street on the west to E. Edgewood Drive is paved and handicapped accessible. Connecting trails circle the N. side of the Thrivent Building accessed via Meade St. and N. Ballard Rd.
Appleton Parks and Recreation | Trails (appletonparkandrec.org)
Ross Mueller
