adam birding conservancy - whitewater, wi
Sometimes I see a location on a map when I'm checking directions for someplace else, and it intrigues me. Like a YouTube rabbit hole, down I go, checking the web for what information I can find, zooming in on the map for a closer view. And then, my curiosity piqued, I plan a visit to check it out in person. Such was the case with Adam Birding Conservancy in Whitewater.
As a birder, especially during migration seasons, I aspire to go where the birds go. Adam Birding Conservancy was founded in 2015 by David Adam, along with support from various conservation organizations. It is a privately-held 331 acre mix of prairie, wetlands, and woods, along the Bark River, in Cold Spring, about three miles north of Whitewater. They have documented over 200 species of birds within the site, along with other wildlife such as: pheasants, deer, turkeys, coyotes, otters, badgers, least weasels, skunks, and many other Wisconsin native wildlife.
There are over 5 miles of trails mapped out through the habitat, that include surrounding prairie, waterfowl areas, and woodlands. The area along the Bark River can sometimes be impassable due to seasonal flooding. On our visit we stuck to the dry area to view the meandering river, and were treated to sightings of two Bald Eagles, Sandhill Cranes, and a Starling murmuration over distant treetops. What thrills!
At present there are two wildlife viewing blinds overlooking waterfowl areas where you can view swans, ducks, geese, shorebirds, and other waterfowl. We spotted a Yellow Warbler in the bushes near the bubbling springs, along with a chatty Blue jay, and several Red-winged Blackbirds. Soras called back and forth through the wetland reeds as we hiked along the Inner Peace Trail, where we saw some very animated Yellow-headed Blackbirds. Incredible! Song Sparrows dotted the trees and grasses as we followed the pathway.
The trail passes a small woodland which features White Oak and Hickory trees. One such tree is named Old Abe, and is noted to be 150 years old, and measures nearly 12 feet around. Walking by the woodlands we saw some American Redstarts and a few unidentified Warblers.
On the tip of a bare tree branch, across the wetlands, we watched as an Osprey scanned the horizon. There are Osprey nesting platforms along the trails as well.
A prescribed burn was done on the prairie early this spring, so summer should bring with it amazing prairie blooms. Currently there are lots of green shoots sprouting from the soil, soon to become native prairie flowers and grasses.
The Conservancy is open to the public, however, registration/permission is required in advance of a visit. Please visit their website to join the visitor list, and you will receive a confirming email with the necessary visiting information and guidelines.
If you're a birdwatcher, I would encourage you to make the trip to Adam Birding Conservancy. If you go, be sure to add your sightings to the e-bird hotspot species list. Parking is available at the southern end of the preserve at 1636 Findlay Road. There is no street parking, or parking at the main entrance to the conservancy. There are no restroom facilities on site. The site is open daily, and there is no fee. Donations and volunteers are always welcome.
Location: Please park in the parking lot at 1636 Findlay Road, Whitewater, WI (Jefferson County)
For more information, click here.
As a birder, especially during migration seasons, I aspire to go where the birds go. Adam Birding Conservancy was founded in 2015 by David Adam, along with support from various conservation organizations. It is a privately-held 331 acre mix of prairie, wetlands, and woods, along the Bark River, in Cold Spring, about three miles north of Whitewater. They have documented over 200 species of birds within the site, along with other wildlife such as: pheasants, deer, turkeys, coyotes, otters, badgers, least weasels, skunks, and many other Wisconsin native wildlife.
There are over 5 miles of trails mapped out through the habitat, that include surrounding prairie, waterfowl areas, and woodlands. The area along the Bark River can sometimes be impassable due to seasonal flooding. On our visit we stuck to the dry area to view the meandering river, and were treated to sightings of two Bald Eagles, Sandhill Cranes, and a Starling murmuration over distant treetops. What thrills!
At present there are two wildlife viewing blinds overlooking waterfowl areas where you can view swans, ducks, geese, shorebirds, and other waterfowl. We spotted a Yellow Warbler in the bushes near the bubbling springs, along with a chatty Blue jay, and several Red-winged Blackbirds. Soras called back and forth through the wetland reeds as we hiked along the Inner Peace Trail, where we saw some very animated Yellow-headed Blackbirds. Incredible! Song Sparrows dotted the trees and grasses as we followed the pathway.
The trail passes a small woodland which features White Oak and Hickory trees. One such tree is named Old Abe, and is noted to be 150 years old, and measures nearly 12 feet around. Walking by the woodlands we saw some American Redstarts and a few unidentified Warblers.
On the tip of a bare tree branch, across the wetlands, we watched as an Osprey scanned the horizon. There are Osprey nesting platforms along the trails as well.
A prescribed burn was done on the prairie early this spring, so summer should bring with it amazing prairie blooms. Currently there are lots of green shoots sprouting from the soil, soon to become native prairie flowers and grasses.
The Conservancy is open to the public, however, registration/permission is required in advance of a visit. Please visit their website to join the visitor list, and you will receive a confirming email with the necessary visiting information and guidelines.
If you're a birdwatcher, I would encourage you to make the trip to Adam Birding Conservancy. If you go, be sure to add your sightings to the e-bird hotspot species list. Parking is available at the southern end of the preserve at 1636 Findlay Road. There is no street parking, or parking at the main entrance to the conservancy. There are no restroom facilities on site. The site is open daily, and there is no fee. Donations and volunteers are always welcome.
Location: Please park in the parking lot at 1636 Findlay Road, Whitewater, WI (Jefferson County)
For more information, click here.
All photos, blog posts, and content are copyright (c) 2014-2024 Kimberly Mackowski, unless otherwise noted. |
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