Featured image by Teresa Testroet
Weather is slowly becoming more spring-like in the Grantsburg area; with most days over the last week had been in the high 40’s and 50’s. We have had a couple days that were in the 60’s, but those have been few so far. This week we also have more cold days with incoming snow in the forecast. Because we have had many warmer days, all the snow has melted from Crex Meadows, Fish Lake, and Amsterdam Sloughs (but not for long), and most of our flowages have little ice left on them.
With water opening up around the county, there are different migrating birds showing up every week, including a variety of waterfowl, the first shorebirds, and more.
Springtime also means mating season for birds, and there have been several species participating in mating displays observed this week, including Sharp-tailed Grouse, Sandhill Cranes, Trumpeter Swans, and Wild Turkeys.
Highlights this past week include American Herring Gull, Common Loon, Fox Sparrow, Gadwall, Great Blue Heron, Greater White-fronted Goose, Northern Shoveler, Snow Goose, and Tundra Swan.
Most roads in Crex Meadows, Fish Lake and Amsterdam Sloughs have been holding up quite well for the most part, but some have been extremely muddy. It is a good idea to check in with Visitor Center staff before making a trip to the area so we can give you the most current information.
Top viewing locations this week: Dike 6 (open water, and lots of ducks, geese and swans), Refuge Extension Flowage and along Hilda’s Corner Road (some open water, dozens of Bald Eagles), Phantom Lake (the best place to view Trumpeter Swans AND Tundra Swans).
In the springtime, the Wisconsin DNR conducts a number of prescribed burns on State Wildlife Areas. While you are visiting Crex Meadows, Fish Lake, and Amsterdam Sloughs, you may notice smoke in the air. These fires are likely controlled by DNR fire staff monitoring them the entire time until they are confirmed to be out. However, springtime is also wildfire season in our area, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings.
Bird sightings within the last week on Crex Meadows, Fish Lake, Amsterdam Sloughs, and surrounding area:
| American Black Duck | Eastern Bluebird | Pileated Woodpecker |
| American Coot | Eastern Meadowlark | Purple Finch |
| American Crow | European Starling | Red-bellied Woodpecker |
| American Goldfinch | Fox Sparrow | Red-breasted Nuthatch |
| American Herring Gull | Gadwall | Redpoll |
| American Kestrel | Golden-crowned Sparrow | Red-shouldered Hawk |
| American Robin | Great Blue Heron | Red-tailed Hawk |
| American Tree Sparrow | Great Horned Owl | Red-winged Blackbird |
| American Wigeon | Greater White-fronted Goose | Ring-billed Gull |
| American Woodcock | Green-winged Teal | Ring-necked Duck |
| Bald Eagle | Hairy Woodpecker | Ring-necked Pheasant |
| Barred Owl | Hooded Merganser | Rock Pigeon |
| Belted Kingfisher | Horned Lark | Rough-legged Hawk |
| Black-capped Chickadee | House Finch | Ruffed Grouse |
| Blue Jay | House Sparrow | Sandhill Crane |
| Blue-winged Teal | Killdeer | Sharp-tailed Grouse |
| Brown Creeper | Lesser Scaup | Snow Goose |
| Bufflehead | Mallard | Song Sparrow |
| Canada Goose | Mourning Dove | Trumpeter Swan |
| Common Goldeneye | Northern Cardinal | Tundra Swan |
| Common Grackle | Northern Flicker | Turkey Vulture |
| Common Loon | Northern Harrier | White-breasted Nuthatch |
| Common Merganser | Northern Pintail | Wild Turkey |
| Common Raven | Northern Shoveler | Wood Duck |
| Dark-eyed Junco | Northern Shrike | |
| Downy Woodpecker | Pied-billed Grebe |
Mammals seen in the area within the last week:
| American Badger | Coyote (tracks) | River Otter |
| Beaver | Grey Squirrel | Striped Skunk |
| Black Bear | Grey Wolf (tracks) | White-tailed Deer |
| Bobcat (tracks) | Raccoon | Woodchuck |