Featured Image By: Jeannine Anne Warnke
Weather has been cold in the Grantsburg area as of late. Temperatures have been below zero, with wind chills making it feel even colder. However, the 10-day forecast seems to suggest some “warmer” weather is on the way , which may also mean more wildlife activity.
Even though it’s winter, there are still plenty of things to see on Crex Meadows! There are several birds that are winter residents or visitors to the area, including Snowy Owls, Snow Buntings, Golden Eagles, Pine Grosbeaks, and Common Redpolls- al of which are on our sightings list for the past week!
This is also a great time of year to get out and search for mammal tracks on our roads and trails. Some species of interest that you may want to look out for are Bobcat, Fisher, and Red Fox!
Roads in Crex Meadows, Fish Lake and Amsterdam Sloughs can be a bit tough to travel on this time of the year, but especially after a snowstorm. Our roads are maintained and plowed by the township, but are not the first priority in the immediate hours following winter weather. It is a good idea to check in with staff at the Visitor Center prior to your trip, just to be sure you can access viewing areas!
Mammals seen in the area within the last week:
| Bobcat (tracks) | Grey Wolf (tracks) | White-tailed Deer |
| Coyote (tracks) | Red Fox (tracks) | |
| Fisher |
Bird sightings within the last week on Crex Meadows, Fish Lake, Amsterdam Sloughs, and surrounding area:
| American Crow | European Starling | Common Redpoll |
| American Goldfinch | Golden Eagle | Ring-necked Pheasant |
| American Tree Sparrow | Hairy Woodpecker | Rock Pigeon |
| Bald Eagle | House Sparrow | Rough-legged Hawk |
| Black-capped Chickadee | Mourning Dove | Ruffed Grouse |
| Blue Jay | Northern Cardinal | Sharp-tailed Grouse |
| Canada Goose | Northern Flicker | Snow Bunting |
| Cedar Waxwing | Pileated Woodpecker | Snowy Owl |
| Common Raven | Pine Grosbeak | Trumpeter Swan |
| Dark-eyed Junco | Purple Finch | White-breasted Nuthatch |
| Downy Woodpecker | Red-bellied Woodpecker | Wild Turkey |
| Eastern Screech-Owl | Red-breasted Nuthatch |