Lake Helane SNA, Sawyer County, WI, US - eBird Hotspot
Habitat: Mixed Coniferous Forest, Northern Hardwood Forest, Conifer Bog, Open Water.
Best Birds: Check Lake Helane for Hooded Merganser, Bald Eagle, Common Loon and Belted Kingfisher.
Among the species to be found in the surrounding forest are Ruffed Grouse, Sharp-shinned and Broad-winged Hawk, Barred Owl, Pileated Woodpecker, Least Flycatcher, Blue-headed Vireo, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Wood Thrush, and Purple Finch. Warblers found here include Northern Waterthrush, Nashville, Northern Parula, Blackburnian, Pine, Yellow-rumped, Black-throated Green, and Canada.
Black-throated Blue Warbler might be present along the road at the top of the hill before the steep descent to the lake.
The Tamarack bog at the north end of the lake provides habitat for Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. Olive-sided Flycatcher and Lincoln’s Sparrow are possibilities here as well.
Directions: Located 55 miles SW of Ashland/six miles east of Seeley on Lake Helane Road, this is a quiet, secluded area with great birding. Limited parking is available where the road turns away from the north side of the lake (46.126027, - 91.240851). Much of the lake can be seen from the road, but a canoe or kayak can be launched if further exploration is desired.
Site Address and Additional Information:
Lake Helane State Natural Area - Wisconsin DNR
Keith Merkel
