Emmons Creek Rustic Road, Waupaca County, WI, US - eBird Hotspot
Habitat: Oak and pine upland forest, Oak Savannah, Dry/Sand Prairie, Alder Swamp
Best Birds: Nesting birds include Brown Thrasher, Eastern Towhee, Wood Thrush, and Mourning and Chestnut-sided Warbler. Passing through in the pre-dawn hours should yield American Woodcock, Whip-poor-will, and Marsh Wren.
At the Waupaca Field Station early in the season, find Sharp-shinned Hawk, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Pileated Woodpecker, flycatchers, thrushes, Common Raven, Lincoln's and Fox Sparrow, Orchard Oriole, and Scarlet Tanager.
On a winter drive one can park on the south side of the road just beyond the field station buildings to wait for possible woodpeckers, Purple Finch, or Red-breasted Nuthatch visiting the feeders.The Emmons Creek Barrens is a good place to hear Ruffed Grouse and Blue-winged Warbler.
Directions: 33 miles SE of Stevens Point. Southwest of Waupaca on Hwy 22, turn right onto Rural Road and at about 2 miles, Rural Road meets Emmons Creek Road (44.31258, -89.17242). The Waupaca County share of Emmons Creek Rd ends along with the pavement shortly after the Waupaca Field Station (44.30646, -89.22415).
Traveling a quarter mile west of the field station there will be a small parking area off to the right (44.30494, -89.23111). There is a trail here heading north into the Emmons Creek Barrens SNA and which in less than ¼ mile connects onto the Ice Age Trail. Slightly further west the IAT intersects Emmons Creek Rd (44.304812, -89.23452). Walk north on the IAT to the barrens.
Site Address & Additional Information:
Most of the four-mile drive has mature deciduous trees over-arching the road. The best spot for birding may be at the intersection of Rural Road with Emmons Creek Road. There is a 300 foot stretch that ascends Emmons Creek Rd with open grassy steeps on one side and brushy second-growth on the other.
Rural Road and Emmons Creek Road, Waupaca WI
Emmons Creek Barrens State Natural Area - Wisconsin DNR
The Waupaca Field Station is privately owned and devoted to preservation of threatened and special-concern species. During migration, besides getting a tour, a birder might get an invitation to assist with banding. Waupaca Field Station, 110 Emmons Creek Road, Waupaca WI 54981
Michael O’Connell
