https://ebird.org/wi/hotspot/L1273357
Habitat: At least 450 acres of Marsh, Open Water, Cropland, Native and Restored Grassland, and Willow, Alder, or Dogwood Swamp.
Best Birds: This area provides good views of waterfowl during migration, including Greater White-fronted Goose, Cackling Goose, and Snow Goose, and a good diversity of ducks. Large numbers of Rusty Blackbird and an occasional Brewer’s Blackbird occur during migration in the tree line along the road. This same area is productive in spring for migrant songbirds that prefer wetter, less forested habitats.
When mudflats are exposed and can be viewed from the road, this area is productive for shorebirds, including Dunlin, Pectoral Sandpiper, and Short-billed Dowitcher.
Winter birds include Northern Shrike and birds Great Blue Heron and Wilson’s Snipe when open water is available.
Directions: Located 5 miles SW Janesville on S. Johnson Road between Plymouth Church Road and W. Lowry Road. The only, and limited, parking available is at the entrance to the 13-acre Kessler Railroad Prairie State Natural Area (42.626661, -89.130190). From the parking area there is a trail on an abandoned railroad bed from which wet-prairie birds may be viewed. The SNA extends for at least a mile along the railroad bed, though the trail is in good condition only for about 500 yards. Most birding, though, is done by car or by foot along S. Johnson Road south of the parking area for about 1.5 miles. An additional vantage point of the wetlands is on W. Stuart Road (42.613777, -89.134869)
Site Address & Additional Information:
S. Johnson Road Wetlands and Sod Farm
Kessler Railroad Prairie State Natural Area parking, 42.626661, -89.130190
Stuart Road vantage, 42.613777, -89.134869
https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Lands/naturalareas/index.asp?SNA=199
Tom Klubertanz
