Birder Heaven

Avian species have always found the state’s flyways crucial to survival. With the reintroduction of so many—along with wetlands restoration and protection—the state has fantastic birding opportunities. The statewide Oak Leaf Birding Trail (www.dnr.state.wi.us [1]) has 35 prime birding spots; the terminus is Whitnall Park in Milwaukee [2]. Even better is the newer Great Wisconsin Birding and Nature Trail, which covers the whole state; check www.wisconsinbirds.org [3] for more information.

One place few people visit is the outstanding Baraboo Hills region, a major node on a transcontinental birding flyway.

The Great River Birding Trail (www.audubon.org [4]) along the Mississippi River possibly equals it; head to the La Crosse/Onalaska area for mid-May’s grand Mississippi Flyway Birding Festival. (Actually, the Mississippi River region has year-round birding festivals!)