A birder enjoys a hike at Cherokee Marsh North in Madison, a public property with great birding. Madison Audubon photo
This month and today are cause for celebration. September is Public Lands Month and today is Public Lands Day (please see this link for the WDNR's announcement of the day). You'd think one or the other would do but public lands do deserve a lot of attention.
We need more public lands, especially in the southern part of the state, near metropolitan and growing areas but we have thousands of acres to enjoy. This is a great time of year to do so.
I've already mentioned bunches in previous blogs but here are suggestions. If you haven't already, hit that DNR link that will direct you to some lovely properties, many within your easy reach. For some properties that might be new to you, hit the Fishery Area link and check out the Anthony Branch Fishery Area in Dane County, and in Iowa County, the Big Spring, Trout Creek, and Love-Strutt Creek Fishery Areas.
Many of my 6 faithful readers are probably groaning. Here he goes about streams again ... fish, fish, fish, does he ever think of birds? This time I did. All four of these areas are big—hundreds of acres with diverse habitats beautifully suited for birds. The three in Iowa County have heavily wooded hills for example. They date back to the happy days when the DNR was making major land purchases in southern Wisconsin and sought to protect trout streams by buying large chunks of the land surrounding the streams. You'll have lots of room to hike and a chance to see a variety of birds as they begin their migrations.
Wisconsin stream, photo by Joshua Mayer
Big Spring has a spectacular spring and Love-Strutt (what a name, there has to be a dance with that name or there should be) has some steep hills and nice riparian prairies. At Big Spring you don't have to cross the creek to find the spring and access the woods. Love and Strutt are small creeks and again you can access much of the property without crossing them. At Trout Creek, the creek is small enough to cross at the two most northeast (upstream) parking lots.
Wisconsin has so many great properties to discover! Photo by Joshua Mayer
Anthony Branch is a gem with springs, small creeks, some hardwoods, a huge interior sedge meadow and ponds. The walking can be difficult but you have a chance to see a great variety of birds.
You might encounter a few bow hunters, but for the next four weeks these beautiful places will not be crowded. Despite their name, these properties are not heavily fished and any angler should be in the stream. And if you’re wondering about how to go birding during hunting season, we have a great blog post for you here.
Regarding advocacy, I'm not asking that you write or call anyone. How about visiting your local post office and buying some federal duck stamps? The funds support National Wildlife Refuges and Waterfowl Production Areas, both of which are open to the public for a variety of outdoor recreation and provide vital wildlife habitat.
Take care and enjoy what is starting to be a lovely fall.
Topf Wells
