https://ebird.org/wi/hotspot/L463654
Habitat: Northern Hardwood Forest, Jack Pine-Oak Barrens, Bottomland Hardwoods, Hardwood Swamp, Native and Restored Grassland, Oak Savanna, Dry and Sand Prairie, Marsh, Dogwood Swamp, Sedge Meadow, Open Water
Best Birds: Walk 250th Ave, three miles of sandy road, and look for Clay-colored Sparrow, Eastern Towhee, Blue-winged Warbler, Golden-winged Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Mourning Warbler, and Scarlet Tanager in the dry oak forest, oak savanna and prairie lining this road. This is also a very reliable site for Common Nighthawk and Eastern Whip-poor-will.
Explore the numerous logging roads north of 250th Ave with easy access by four wheel drive or on foot in the adjacent county and township forest lands. From the parking lot at the east end of 250th Ave, hike the horse trail east to the Trade River with social trails that follow the river to its mouth at the St. Croix River. In these bottomlands watch for Red-shouldered Hawk, Bald Eagle, numerous woodpeckers, owls, flycatchers, and Louisiana Waterthrush among the Silver Maple and Cottonwood trees.
Trumpeter Swan and other waterfowl and marsh birds nest in the wetlands at the base of the bluff. Launch a canoe or kayak at Sunrise Landing and float downstream to view birds before paddling back north to the landing. The sandy bottom is shallow but a small flat-bottomed boat and motor is also possible during normal water levels.
Directions: 59 miles N of Hudson/Nine miles west of Cushing. Best access is on 250th Ave.
Site Address & Additional Information:
Sunrise Landing on Ferry Drive: 45.568327, -92.864601
Park on side of the sandy roads. One parking lot at the east end of 250th Ave near the Trade River with access to horse trails and snowmobile trails. Numerous logging roads good for access to county and township forest lands.
Sterling Barrens SNA: https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Lands/naturalareas/index.asp?SNA=147
Governor Knowles State Forest: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/StateForests/govknowles
St. Croix National Scenic Riverway: https://www.nps.gov/sacn/index.htm
Robin Maercklein
