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
The George W. Mead Wildlife Area, the largest wildlife area in Wisconsin, spans 33,000 acres across Marathon, Wood, and Portage counties. It offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, including hunting for waterfowl, deer, bear, turkey, and small game, as well as trapping. The area is also renowned for birdwatching, with over 273 species documented. Mead features 35 miles of hiking trails, including new walking trails around the “Green Design” building. The property supports diverse wildlife, including deer, turkey, otters, wolves, and over 267 bird species, making it a crucial stop for migrating waterfowl. Additionally, it provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, and educational programs. The area is managed for both wildlife habitat and public recreation.
Necedah National Wildlife Refuge
N11385 Headquarter Road, Necedah, WI 54646
(608) 565-2551 | Website | Facebook
Necedah National Wildlife Refuge, covering almost 44,000 acres, is a diverse ecosystem with wetlands, oak savannas, and sand prairies. Originally set aside by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939 for migratory birds, it is a vital habitat for breeding and resident wildlife. The refuge offers year-round activities for all ages, including hiking, snowshoeing, hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, photography, and ungroomed cross-country skiing. Visitors can also join naturalist-led programs or explore the refuge's seasonal changes. The Visitor Center and Karner Korner store, located off Highway 21 west of Necedah, provide information on current activities. Necedah is a place for outdoor adventure and a connection to nature.
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.
Buena Vista Wildlife Area
Historical Marker 323 - County Rd W, Bancroft, WI 54921
Website
The Buena Vista Wildlife Area, spanning 12,700 acres in southwestern Portage County, Wisconsin, is mainly grassland with some woodland. Designated as an Important Bird Area in 2006, it includes state natural areas like the Buena Vista Quarry Prairie and Prairie Chicken Meadow. Historically a marsh, the area was drained for agriculture in the early 1900s. In the 1950s, efforts to protect grassland habitat for the greater prairie chicken, a threatened species, were successful. The site supports the largest concentration of these birds in Wisconsin, along with other important grassland species. Management practices such as prescribed burning and invasive species control maintain the habitat. The area offers recreational activities like birding, hiking, hunting, trapping, and wildlife viewing.
Paul J. Olson Wildlife Area
2000621, Milladore, WI 54454
Website
The Paul J. Olson Wildlife Area, covering 2,995 acres in western Portage and eastern Wood counties, consists of scattered parcels of grassland and shrub-carr. Historically a northern mesic forest, the land was cleared for agriculture in the late 1800s. In the 1970s, Paul J. Olson, a key figure in the Dane County Conservation League, helped secure funds to preserve the land for greater prairie chickens and other grassland species. The area is actively managed for grassland habitat. It offers various recreational activities, including birding, hiking, hunting, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, trapping, and wildlife viewing.