Tom Bayou, Waupaca County, WI, US - eBird Hotspot
Habitat: Open Water, Bottomland Hardwoods, Marsh.
Best Birds: At some distance, there is an active Osprey platform. Red-shouldered Hawk call all summer. The area supports Pileated Woodpecker, Yellow-throated and Warbling Vireo, Wood Thrush, Sedge Wren, Swamp Sparrow, and Black-and-white Warbler. Before the water is obscured by rice, Ring-necked Duck and Bufflehead should be busy working the Bayou. Near the Ebert Road crossing, just before the descent down to the Bayou, it may be possible to hear Purple Martin off to the right. There is usually a summer colony occupying the apartment houses north off Ebert Road.
Directions:.31 miles NW of Appleton. Drive west out of New London on Hwy W and after about a mile, turn right onto Dey Road. The road ends at a boat ramp for the Wolf River. There is a parking lot across the road (44.37274, -88.80327) and toilets just in case. Bring a camp chair and walk back 100 yards on Dey Road to where there is an unobstructed view to the open water on either side of the road (44.37210, -88.80221). This is your stakeout spot. With no trails to deal with, this is a perfect spot for birders with limited mobility.
Site Address & Additional Information:
Tom Bayou is a shallow 20-acre backwater of the Wolf River bordered by Willow and Silver Maple. By August, duckweed has given way to a beautiful crop of wild rice.
8402 Dey Road, New London WI
Mike O’Connell
