https://ebird.org/wi/hotspot/L694585
Habitat: Hemlock-Hardwood, Northern Hardwood, Bottomland Hardwoods, Conifer Bog, Successional Oldfields, Marsh, Open Water, Beaches and Mudflats, Cropland.
Best Birds: The Hemlock-Hardwood and Northern Hardwood areas share many of the same species. Look for both Yellow-billed and Black-billed Cuckoo, and Yellow-throated and Blue-headed Vireo. Among the many warbler species, watch for Golden-winged and Black-throated Blue. The former may also be found in the bottomlands. Look for the Yellow-bellied Flycatcher there and also in the conifer bog.
Possible Marsh species include SAmerican Bittern and Great Egret. The open water, including on the north side of County Road M, may yield Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, and several species of grebe. Nesting birds include Trumpeter Swan and Common Loon, as well as Bald Eagle and Osprey. Large numbers of terns, including Forster’s, may be seen during spring migration. The extent of the Mudflats is dependent on the water level in the flowage.
Croplands near the intersection of County Road G and County Road M are a good place to look for gulls, especially during migration.
As you drive the loop, take time to pull into the several boat landings along County Road G to look for waterfowl and loons and also to check wetland /pool areas on both sides of County Road G for waterfowl, grebes, and wading birds. A side road goes north from Forest Road 121/Beaver Creek Rd to the dam that creates the flowage. Look there and at the river crossings for waterfowl and Belted Kingfisher. Just west of the causeway where FR121 crosses the Flowage, there is a small parking lot with a short walking trail through the woods that goes to a viewing platform over a small bay and an Osprey nest platform. The trail is a good place to look for forest species such as Least Flycatcher and Black-throated Green Warbler. FR 1417/Chippewa Rd is mostly wooded and has access to a campground and trails that provide an opportunity to find many of the previously listed songbirds.
Directions: 65 miles NE of Eau Claire/5 miles east of Gilman. Fifteen-mile loop drive around Chequamegon Waters Flowage, known locally as Miller Dam. A good starting point is the junction of County Roads G and M (45.241635, -90.720208)) northwest of the flowage. South on County Rd G to Forest Road 121/Beaver Creek Rd. East to FR1417/Chippewa Rd. North to County Rd M. West back to the starting point.
Address and Additional Information:
Intersection of County Roads G and M, Gilman WI
Perkinstown boat landing, 45.19148, -90.70158
Miller Dam, 45.20028, -90.71215
Cathy Mauer
