https://ebird.org/hotspot/L282890
Habitat: Northern Hardwood Forest, Oak Savanna, Open Water, Marsh, Sedge Meadow.
Best Birds: Forested areas are home to many species including Ruffed Grouse, Barred Owl, Pileated Woodpecker, Yellow-throated Vireo, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Veery and Black and White Warbler. Brushy areas provide habitat for xBlack-billed Cuckoo, Barred Owl, Brown Thrasher, Blue-winged and Golden-winged Warbler, and Eastern Towhee. Red-shouldered Hawk is also possible.
The oak savanna habitat within the bison enclosure is reliable for Eastern Kingbird and Field and Clay-colored Sparrow. American Kestrel, Red-headed Woodpecker, and Grasshopper and Vesper Sparrow are also present.
Extensive marshes and flowages are a primary feature of Sandhill. Representative species of these areas include Pied-billed Grebe, American Bittern, Trumpeter Swan, Ring-necked Duck, Virginia Rail, Sora, Sandhill Crane, and Black Tern. Bald Eagle and Northern Harrier utilize these areas for foraging and Whooping Crane is always a possibility here.Of special interest are the thousands of Sandhill Crane which congregate each evening from mid-October to mid-November at Gallagher Marsh. This impressive spectacle is best viewed from atop the Marsh Tower, which can be reached from the entrance gate in about 20 minutes. Calling ahead to confirm when the Trumpeter Trail will close for the season is recommended.
Directions: 38 miles SW of Stevens Point. Entrance located one mile west of Babcock on County Hwy X (44.307262, -90.129759). Self check-in required at the entrance gate. The 14 mile long Trumpeter Trail auto route provides excellent access to the area and is open dawn to dusk mid- April through early November. Additional access is provided by walking the miles of gated service roads or the three mile long Swamp Buck hiking trail. Three observation towers provide expansive views of oak savanna, forest, and marsh habitats.
Site Address and Additional Information:
1715 County Highway X, Babcock, WI
Sandhill Wildlife Area | Wisconsin DNR
April Hotspot of the Month--Ball Rd. (Wood Co.) - Wisconsin eBird
Keith Merkel
