BIRDING & WILDLIFE
Located along the Wisconsin River and blessed with woodlands, wetlands, and grasslands, the Wisconsin Rapids area is one of the nation’s top birding hot spots. Wisconsin Rapids is located in an ecological landscape known as the Central Sand Plains. This vast, sandy plain was once Glacial Lake Wisconsin, a large body of water formed by glacial runoff which once covered 1,800 square miles. There are 437 species of birds known to inhabit Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Rapids area offers opportunities for birders to see up to 200 bird species. The top birds in the Wisconsin Rapids area are; Sandhill Crane, Bald Eagles, Trumpeter Swan, Whopping Crane, Acadian Flycatcher, Cerulean Warbler, Greater Prairie Chicken, Henslow’s Sparrow, Osprey and the Red-Shouldered Hawk.
For more information on birds and birding in Wisconsin visit:
Wisconsin Society for Ornithology
Bird City Wisconsin
Great Wisconsin Birding & Nature Trail
George W. Mead Wildlife Area
201517 County Highway S, Milladore, WI 54454
(715) 457-6771 | Website | Facebook
Largest wildlife area in the state of Wisconsin with 33,000 acres of recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Property located is in the 3 counties of Marathon, Wood, and Portage. Hunt waterfowl, deer, bear, turkey and small game. Trapping is also permitted. Excellent birdwatching with over 273 species documented. 35 miles of trails for hiking, including new walking trails around the “Green Design” building.
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Necedah National Wildlife Refuge
N11385 Headquarter Road, Necedah, WI 54646
(608) 565-2551 | Website | Facebook
Hike, hunt, fish, view wildlife, take pictures, or join a naturalist led program! Explore almost 44,000 acres of wildlife habitat at Necedah National Wildlife Refuge! The Visitor Center and Karner Korner store are located off of Highway 21, west of Necedah. Year-round fun for all ages!
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Sandhill Wildlife Area
1715 County Road X, Babcock, WI 54413
(715) 884-2437 | Website | Facebook
Sandhill Wildlife Area lies within the bed of ancient Glacial Lake Wisconsin and is comprised of over 9,000 acres. It is managed to sustain wildlife and natural communities. The property provides a full range of outdoor recreational uses and serves as a wildlife research and demonstration area. Enjoy the Trumpeter Trail, a 14-mile, one-way auto tour route that provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography. Deer, coyotes, and small mammals such as porcupines, squirrels, raccoons, and cottontail rabbits are common. Many species of turtles, snakes, and frogs call Sandhill Wildlife Area home, and there is an abundance of birds, including ruffed grouse, sandhill cranes, owls, hawks, eagles, trumpeter swans, Canada geese, turkeys, and songbirds. There are many threatened or endangered species that depend on the habitat provided at Sandhill. These include frosted elfin, Karner blue butterflies, Blanding’s turtles, redheaded woodpeckers, whooping cranes, dotted blazing star and dwarf milkweed. Interpretive signs line the auto-tour route, and there area opportunities for hiking, biking, and picnicking along the way. Get out and climb one of three observation towers, located throughout the area to catch a bird’s eye view of the bison herd or the scenic Gallagher Marsh. The auto trail closes in October, but that’s when the real magic begins. Bring your snowshoes or cross-country skis and discover Sandhill’s winter secrets.
Walk-in gates open year-round. Seasonal auto tour / vehicle access opens early spring and closes in late October or early November. Please check the website or call ahead to verify the status of the trail if planning a visit in the spring or fall.