Devils Lake SP, Sauk County, WI, US - eBird Hotspot
Devil's Lake SP--East Bluff Trl and SNA, Sauk County, WI, US - eBird Hotspot
Habitat: Southern Hardwood Forest, Oak-Hickory Forest, Native and Restored Grasslands, Open Water.
Best Birds: In Winter and Early Spring look for Golden Eagle along the cliff edges, especially as can be viewed from South Lake Drive. Look for wintering Townsend’s Solitaire among the cedars at the top of the bluff along the southern part of the East Bluff Trail. Spring through fall look for Peregrine Falcon along the southern slopes of the east bluff. Breeding warblers along the East Bluff SNA may include Worm Eating and Kentucky. Scarlet Tanager also nest here .
On the lake in spring and fall check for a variety of waterfowl including Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Long-tailed Duck, Ruddy Duck, Red-breasted Merganser, Common Merganser, Pied-billed Grebe, Horned Grebe, and Common Loon. In late summer American Avocet sometimes occur. In Spring and early summer Winter Wren can be found along the trees that line the Tumbled Rock Trail and a variety of migrating warblers can be spotted along the southwest corner of the lake where the willows grow along Messenger Creek.
Directions: 39 miles NW of Madison. Enter the park from Hwy 113 on to South Lake Drive and scan the bluffs for raptors. The East Bluff trails can be accessed from the day use area on the south end of the lake, (43.41127, -89.72455). The East Bluff Trail, Balanced Rock Trail, Potholes Trail, CCC Trail, and Grottos Trail can all be found in the SNA. The ascent of the bluffs can be treacherous especially in winter; an alternative route is to park in Steinke Basin on Hwy DL (43.43065, -89.70998) and hike south to the top of the bluffs. The lake can be accessed both from the north and south day use areas and the Tumbled Rock Trail runs parallel to the lake.
Address and Additional Information:
S5975 Park Rd, Baraboo, WI
Devil’s Lake State Park – Wisconsin State Parks
East Bluff State Natural Area - Wisconsin DNR
Sue Johansen-Mayoleth
