https://ebird.org/wi/hotspot/L14261977
Habitat: 3,181 acres of Northern Hardwood Forest, Oak Savanna, Bottomland Hardwoods, Native Grassland, Marsh, Willow, Alder and Dogwood Swamp, Open Water.
Best Birds: Severe blowdown in 2019 followed by timber salvage in the northern half of this wildlife area. Extensive logging roads from lot on County Hwy G provide easy access to stands of Quaking Aspen, Tamarack, small ponds, and logged areas. Look for Ruffed Grouse, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Barred Owl, flycatchers, Eastern Towhee, sparrows, and Blue-winged Warbler, Golden-winged Warbler, Mourning Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Northern Parula in this area.
Check the Tamarack stands for Alder Flycatcher, Nashville Warbler, and Northern Parula. Multiple ponds and wetlands hold nesting waterfowl, Sora, and Sandhill Crane. Walking on 195th Ave provides good views of native grasslands and associated birds.
A canoe/kayak launch on County Highway V provides excellent views of birds on the Apple River including Broad-winged Hawk, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Alder Flycatcher, Common Raven, Swamp Sparrow, Northern Waterthrush, and Scarlet Tanager. Social trails and bushwhacking from the nearby lots on Cty Hwy D and V can provide additional species including Hermit and Wood Thrush.
Directions: 62 miles NE of Hudson/Six miles northwest of Turtle Lake.
Site Address and Additional Information:
401 200th Ave, Comstock
195th Ave parking: 45.487855, -92.260284
County Hwy D – Apple River canoe/kayak launch: 45.451533, -92.284312
Parking on Cty Hwy V: 45.453606, -92.274268
Parking on Cty Hwy D: 45.456697, -92.284180
Be aware of active timber salvage scheduled through 2021. Hiking in active logging areas prohibited.
WI DNR: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Lands/WildlifeAreas/ricebeds.html
WI DNR PDF Map: https://p.widencdn.net/uyrwkc/8290ricebedscreek
Robin Maercklein
