https://ebird.org/wi/hotspot/L5892370
https://ebird.org/wi/hotspot/L325238
Habitat: Northern Hardwood Forest, Mixed Coniferous Forest, Pine Plantation, Open Water, Sedge Meadow, Alder Swamp, Hardwood Swamp, Successional Old Field, Wet Prairie Fen, Marsh.
Best Birds: Trumpeter Swan, Common Loon, and Bald Eagle nest along Straight Lake. From the 120th St. parking lot at the south end of the lake, look for sparrows, warblers, including Blue-winged Warbler and Golden-winged. Hike the trail to 230th Ave following the north shore, a portion of which includes the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Watch for cuckoos, Red-shouldered Hawk, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, owls, Alder Flycatcher, vireos, Cerulean Warbler, Northern Waterthrush, Scarlet Tanager, and other songbirds along the trail. At the wetlands at the northwest end of the lake watch for waterfowl, American Bittern, Wilson’s Snipe, and Sedge Wren.
A carry-in canoe/kayak launch at the southeast end of the lake is a short distance from the 120th St. parking lot for access to Straight Lake. There are two state natural areas that are located within the boundaries of the state park that are worth exploring.
Straight Lake SWA abuts the park to the north with several parking areas and trails (110th St.) through native and non-native grasslands, hardwood forest, several ponds, and wetlands where waterfowl, grebes, herons, flycatchers, swallows, sparrows, and warblers may be found.
Bobolink and Eastern Meadowlark can be found at the Cty Rd I parking lot.
Directions: 61 miles NNE of Hudson/Three miles northeast of Luck.
Site Address and Additional Information:
State Park
2700 120th St, Luck
Straight Lake SP: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/straightlake
Straight Lake Tamarack Fen SNA: https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Lands/naturalareas/index.asp?SNA=593
Tunnel Woods Channel SNA: https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Lands/naturalareas/index.asp?SNA=592
Wildlife Area
Straight Lake SWA parking: 100th Street; 45.606116, -92.376588
Straight Lake SWA parking with trails: 2825 110th St., Frederic; 45.614915, -92.386694
Straight Lake SWA: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Lands/WildlifeAreas/straight.html
Robin Maercklein
