Birdwatching in Northern Wisconsin

Led by resident bird expert Troy, the resort is hospitable to many bird species. Feeders located throughout the grounds attract hummingbirds in the summer, and chickadees, nuthatches, and even big pileated woodpeckers, in winter. Also, Lower Kaubashine is home to a pair of loons and their babies. Jake, Ben and Grant are becoming experts at imitating loon calls, taking after Jenny, who won the Mercer loon calling contest many times.

Another great birding spot is the Rainbow Flowage, an official Wisconsin Important Bird Site. This 5,000-acre habitat is home to Merlins, spruce grouse, black-backed woodpeckers, gray jays, boreal chickadees, olive-sided flycatchers, yellow-bellied flycatchers, palm warblers, Canada warblers, Northern waterthrush and evening grosbeak. Bald eagles and osprey nest around the flowage; waterfowl congregate during migration; and shorebirds congregate in the fall, when flowage drawdowns expose mudflats.

The Powell Marsh Wildlife Area covers 4,300 acres, with a 1,800-acre refuge located in the middle of the property. Common bird species include great blue herons, songbirds, marsh hawks, eagles, sandhill cranes, Northern harriers, LeConte's sparrows, short-eared owls, Nelson's sharp tailed sparrows, sharp tailed grouse, Henslow's sparrows and Black Terns.

The North Lakeland Discovery Center is also a featured site along the Great Wisconsin Birding & Nature Trail. Diverse populations of nesting and migrating songbirds, raptors, and waterfowl can be found along the center’s 25 kilometer trail system. In addition to self-guided tours, the center offers many bird-related learning programs.