Retzer Nature Center, Waukesha County, WI, US - eBird Hotspot
Habitat: Four hundred acres of Restored Prairie, Pine Plantation, White Cedar Swamp, Marsh, Wet Prairie Fen, Successional Oldfield, Oak-Hickory Forest, Oak Savanna, and Open Water.
Best Birds: The White Cedar Swamp and Brandy Brook provide habitat for migrating and over-wintering Winter Wren. The Hayfield is maintained for grassland birds and attracts nesting Bobolink and sparrows such as Song, Field, Clay-colored and Henslow. Successional habitat bordered by trees attracts Clay-colored Sparrow and Orchard Oriole. In Brown’s Fen, Sandhill Crane, American Woodcock, and Wilson’s Snipe display in early spring.
Willow Flycatcher and Swamp Sparrow nest here. There are 2 small ponds on the property that attract a few ducks and also herons. The Oak-Hickory Forests attract summer residents such as Pileated Woodpecker, Great-crested Flycatcher, Wood Thrush, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher andScarlet Tanager The Pine Plantations attract Cooper’s Hawk, Red-breasted Nuthatch, and owls such as Great-horned, Barred, Screech and occasionally, Northern Saw-whet. Various raptors soar above the open areas may include, Red-shouldered Hawk, Northern Harrier, Bald Eagle, Turkey Vulture and Osprey. Bird Feeders are located on the east side of the building.
Directions: 24 miles W of Milwaukee. Retzer is located about halfway between Waukesha and Wales. From Hwy 18 turn south on County Hwy DT then in 0.2 miles take Madison Street another 0.1 mile to the entrance. Parking is adjacent to the trail system. An accessible trail was recently added to the system.
Site address & Additional Information:
Waukesha County - Retzer Nature Center
S14 W28167 Madison St., Waukesha, WI
Anne Moretti
