Wolf River Bottoms Wildlife Area--Herb Behnke Unit, Outagamie County, WI, US - eBird Hotspot
Habitat: Bottomland Hardwoods, Northern Hardwood Forest, Pine Plantation (Spruce), Marsh, Open Water, Willow, Alder or Dogwood Swamp, Successional Oldfield.
Best Birds: The marsh and open water hold nesting Trumpeter Swan, Black Tern, Sora and Virginia Rail. Red-headed Woodpecker is reliable in the swampland with dead elms on the lane to the west of the parking area. The forested areas host a variety of flycatchers, vireos, thrushes, warblers (including migrant Connecticut) and sparrows. Look and listen for Ruffed Grouse and Common Raven.
In winter, check the skies for Golden Eagle and Rough-legged Hawk. White-winged Crossbill has been reported in the spruce plantations. Northern Shrike is regular.
On the approach to the bottoms, check the AGA Sod Farm at the intersection of Hwy 76 and County M for migrant American Golden Plover and Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Directions: 30 miles N.W. of Appleton. The parking area most commonly used by birders, is on County M northwest of Shiocton, turn left at the gravel drive into a grassy parking area, 44.53016, -88.59271. Additional parking areas are well-marked on County M.
Site Address and Additional Information:
County Road M, Shiocton WI
Wolf River Bottoms Wildlife Area - Herb Behnke Unit | Wisconsin DNR
Ross Mueller
