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Promoting the enjoyment, study, and conservation of Wisconsin's birds.

Rock River at Monterey City Park

https://ebird.org/wi/hotspot/L1330501

Habitats: 42 acres of Open Water and Urban/Residential/Industrial habitats.

Best Birds: In winter, large number of Common Goldeneye occur in the park. Cackling Goose are fairly regular in winter and early spring. Other waterfowl of note have been Greater Scaup and White-winged Scoter. A few American White Pelican winter in the park and may occur in the hundreds in spring and early summer. Since recent removal of the dam from the eastern edge of the park, several semi-permanent mudflats, sandbars, and islands have formed. Shorebirds may include Semipalmated Plover, Baird’s Sandpiper, and Wilson’s Phalarope. Species of gull may include Franklin’s, Lesser Black-backed, and Glaucous, and two terns Caspian and Forster’s have been reported. Cattle Egret and Black-crowned Night-Heron have also been reported.

Directions: Monterey Park is along the Rock River in central Janesville on Riverside Street, one block east of Center Avenue (Hwy 51). From Center Avenue, follow Riverside Street along the shoreline, scouting for birds along the shorelines, on islands and sandbars, and in the trees on the far shoreline.

Site Address & Additional Information:

Though there are several portions of the Rock River in Janesville that are good for birding, Monterey City Park produces the greatest diversity of birds and the most frequent rarities. It also provides the best vantages for viewing water birds.

501 Rockport Rd., Janesville WI

Tom Klubertanz