https://ebird.org/hotspot/L2877214
Habitat: Native and Restored Prairie, Successional Oldfield, Southern Hardwood Forest, and Pine Plantation.
Best Birds: Nesting bird species that are common in the grasslands are Bell’s Vireo, Clay-colored, Grasshopper, and Henslow’s Sparrow, Bobolink, and Dickcissel. Less common grassland species during the breeding season include Northern Bobwhite, Upland Sandpiper, White-eyed Vireo, and Yellow-breasted Chat. In the forested recreation area species such as Yellow-billed and Black-billed Cuckoo, Pileated Woodpecker, Tufted Titmouse and Eastern Towhee can be found.
In winter look for Rough-legged Hawk, Golden Eagle, Short-eared Owl, and Northern Shrike, and Red Crossbill and Long-eared Owl in the pine plantations.
Directions: 33 miles NW of Madison. The entrance to the Sauk Prairie Recreation Area is 9 miles north of Sauk City on Hwy 12. Once in the recreation areas there are several miles of roads that can be traveled and trails to hike but obey signs that indicate areas closed to the public (Ho-Chuck Nation lands and USDA Dairy Forage Research lands). The Great Sauk bike trail also runs through the rec area, which is yet another way to access this property.
Site Address & Additional Information:
The Sauk Prairie Recreation Area is a 3,400-acre portion of the decommissioned Badger Ammunition Plant (which totaled 7,354 acres). Much of this Recreation Area is Natural Prairie and Successional Oldfield. Portions of the recreation area are Southern Hardwood Forest, and there are also a few Pine Plantations on this property.
S7560 US-12, North Freedom, WI
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/saukprairie
Aaron Holschbach
