https://ebird.org/hotspot/L17468015
Habitat: Hemlock-Hardwood Forest, Mixed Coniferous Forest, Northern Hardwood Forest, Conifer Swamp, Bog, Open Water, Urban Park.
Best Birds: The park area near the picnic shelter and beach is a good place to view the lake and look for waterfowl including Trumpeter Swan, Common Merganser, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Common Golden-eye, Lesser Scaup depending on the time of year. A trail around the lake passes through a variety of habitats. Traveling counterclockwise from the picnic area through the forest you may find Broad-winged Hawk, woodpeckers, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Black-throated Green Warbler, and Scarlet Tanager before getting to the boat landing. A short boardwalk traverses a conifer swamp south of the boat landing. Look for Red-breasted Nuthatch, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Veery, Hermit Thrush, Magnolia Warbler, Purple Finch.
Continuing counterclockwise on the trail will bring you to a young aspen stand on the right side of the trail. Look for Ruffed Grouse, Eastern Kingbird, Nashville Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Golden-winged Warbler, and Mourning Warbler. On the left side of the trail you will be looking down toward a large bog. A Bald Eagle nest, which has been used in recent years, is in a large dead tree toward the east end of the bog. The trail continues around the lake, passing through forest habitats, with some of the previously listed birds possible.
Directions: 54 miles NW of wausau/5 miles northeast of Rib Lake; three miles east of State Highway 102. The Ice Age Scenic Trail circles the lake. Parking is available near the lake and near the boat ramp.
Site Address and Additional Information:
N8380 Newood Ave, Rib Lake WI
Cathy Mauer
