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Bird-watchers will love seeing the many birds, including sandhill cranes, that visit Birch Bay Retreat, as well as other local wildlife and plants.
Nearby parks also provide great birding opportunities, such as the White River Marsh State Wildlife Area, one of the sites on the Great Wisconsin Birding and Nature Trail. Aldo Leopold investigated the marsh in the 1940s and recommended its conservation as public property. The site provides "12,000 acres of lowland forest, oak savanna, grasslands and sedge meadow await you at this large property. The White a
nd Fox Rivers flow through the landscape providing ample water to keep the marshes and lowlands hydrated. Two canoe launch sites access the Fox River where you’ll find herons, bitterns and other wading birds. Wild Turkeys hunt for insects and nuts in the oak savanna while Bobolinks, Savannah Sparrows and Sedge Wrens are found in the grasslands and sedge meadows. Watch for Bald Eagles, Broad-winged Hawks and Turkey Vultures as they hunt over the meadows. Badgers, woodchucks, red fox and coyotes are common here." (Source: Great Wisconsin Birding and Nature Trail).
Canoes can be rented at the Mecan River Outfitters.
Another great nearby location for birding is the Wild Rose Fish Hatchery. Wild Rose is the largest coldwater hatchery in Wisconsin, and plays a key role in supporting Wisconsin's sport fisheries. The hatchery also offers guided tours and is home to a visitor center, picnic grounds, and a historic village. Check the website and call ahead for visitor hours, 920-622-3527 ext. 209.
For more ideas, see the Great Wisconsin Birding & Nature Trail's map of birding locations in Wisconsin's Central Sands.
Bird lovers might also want to consider a daytrip to the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, WI (1 h 20 min drive) to learn about the efforts to save and preserve the populations of magnificent migratory cranes that pass through Wisconsin, including Sandbill and Whooping Cranes.
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