Devilish Trails Lead to Blood-colored Birds
July 24, 2008
Article in: Birding
Devil’s Lake State Park near Baraboo, Wisconsin is the most visited in the state, and may very well be the most gorgeous. The best views require a rough hike that gains large amounts of elevation in a fairly short stretch. Perhaps it isn’t the lake that is the Devil’s, but the trails.
By the time we reached the top, dripping of sweat and trying to catch our breath, we were rewarded with a blood-red Scarlet Tanager, serenading us (or telling us to leave his hilltop).
Scarlet Tanager
In a momentary lapse of proper birding judgment mixed with hopefulness, we mistook a overzealous Chipping Sparrow for our long sought-after Worm-eating Warbler (can you say nemesis bird?). This diabolical sparrow was probably laughing the entire time as we descended the rocky hills.
Despite Devil’s Lake being extremely popular and a bit evil, the views will take your breath away (or what’s left after reaching the top).
American Crow
Yeah…it was steep
Hemlock Draw – Sauk County Wisconsin
July 23, 2008
Article in: Birding
A draw or hollow refers to a valley or long narrow gorge between two clefts of rock. – The Nature Conservancy
In our south central Wisconsin search for the Worm-eating Warbler (and other great birds), we took a hike at Hemlock Draw Nature Preserve. Many species found here are typical of northern Wisconsin, making it a unique and interesting habitat.
Cedar Waxwing – Looking for Berries
We started off through a wooded area and when we reached the creek, the trail appeared to end. There was considerable erosion of the creek bank (where the trail should have been) because of recent flooding. The creek was low, however, and we had a splendid time exploring. Cool rocks, frogs, water striders, Acadian Flycatchers, and a Winter Wren were some of the highlights, almost making up for the fact that Worm-eating Warblers were absent.
The Birdfreak Team performed a hiking no-no on this trail and forgot to bring water. This cut the hike short and we had to head back. The best bird sighting occurred right near the beginning of the trail at the end of our hike. A Hooded Warbler scolded us from a few feet away and we all got a great look.
Hooded Warbler
Birding Baxter’s Hollow
July 22, 2008
Article in: Birding
Nestled in the Baraboo Hills in south-central Wisconsin is a magical place called Baxter’s Hollow. Owned by the Nature Conservancy, this wooded creek corridor is not what many expect to find in Wisconsin. The rocky, rough terrain, rushing water, and the wildlife all feel either western or northern, not exactly midwestern.
Singing Ovenbird
This spectacular setting provides for a wonderful birding experience. While we were searching for Worm-eating Warblers (none found), the constant chant of Ovenbirds and Acadian Flycatchers accompanied us throughout our trek.
Heavy rainfall had had its toll on the road, making it impassable near the start. However, we were able to hike along the road, which hugs Otter Creek, and see or hear a wonderful array of birds.
We were even delighted to hear the ongoing sound of a Winter Wren, its tinkling song echoing off the rocks and trees.
Baxter’s Hollow is the largest of the Nature Conservancy’s preserves in Wisconsin, over five thousand acres to explore and enjoy.
