https://ebird.org/wi/hotspot/L245173
Habitat: 197 acres of Southern Hardwood Forest, Open Water, Bottomland Hardwoods, Successional Oldfield, and Oak Savanna.
Best Birds: Southern forest birds and migrants are Big Hill Park’s best offerings. Uncommon birds that occur annually in the park are Acadian Flycatcher, White-eyed Vireo, Carolina Wren, and Hooded Warbler. The wide range of habitats in the park and large acreage results in high species counts. Rarities are reported from Big Hill Park more often than from most sites in the county.
Directions: Located 2 miles north of Beloit. Main entrance to park (42.556320, -89.051219) is on Big Hill Drive, ½ mile east of South Afton Road (Co. Rd. D). The Beloit Center, including the Welty Environmental Center, is just west of the main entrance. This area is mostly successional habitat, with several walking paths and access to a paved bike trail. The main part of the park consists of three areas: southern hardwoods and oak savanna near the main entrance, steep hillsides, and lowland river bottoms. Best birding in the park, in both migration and the breeding season, is along the Rock River and adjacent bottomland forest. This area may be accessed either by trail or car. Unfortunately, the road that winds down to the river is closed in winter and much of spring. Access to the lower elevations of the park is available year-round from the north entrance (42.565371, -89.047845). There is a small parking area on South Walters Road leading to a level, gravel trail, part of the Ice Age Trail, along the Rock River. All of the lower parts of the park are easily accessible from this entrance.
Site Address & Additional Information:
1101 Big Hill Road, Beloit, WI 53511
Main entrance, 42.556320, -89.051219
North entrance, 42.565371, -89.047845
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r34OBhdDlz0
Tom Klubertanz
