The most memorable moments I’ve experienced in the natural world have come courtesy of birds. A year ago I wrote of exiting my home in the late afternoon to the sound of a hundred crow wings beating the air above my head, as they launched from a nearby stand of cedar trees.
Last week I walked with our dog Riley across a field at La Riviere Park near Prairie du Chien, listed as birding hotspot by the Great Wisconsin Birding & Nature Trail. On the edge of the field stood a small oak tree clad in last year’s rust-colored robe of spent leaves. I could not see its inner branches.
As Riley and I walked underneath the tree exploded in a flight of birds, like a dandelion scattering its seeds on a gust of wind. Riley and I stopped to admire this sudden commotion, while overhead, a flock of geese headed north to reclaim their homeland. In an instant the remnants of winter gave way to the signs of spring.
Spring arrives on the wings of birds. Whether it’s the robin out our kitchen window or the goose overhead, we watch for their delivery of good news.
Driftless Wisconsin draws bird watchers from across the Midwest. According to The Great River Road, “Over 40% of North America’s ducks, geese, swans and other waterfowl use the Mississippi River flyway during their annual spring and fall migrations.” Over 300 species of birds travel the Flyway or call the corridor their home.
The Great Wisconsin Birding & Nature Trail records eleven birding sites in Driftless Wisconsin, including the Kickapoo River State Natural Area near Wauzeka, which lists the Sandhill Crane, Turkey, and Savanna Sparrow as signature species. The Eastern Wood Pewee & Great Crested Flycatcher are featured species at Wildcat Mountain State Park near Ontario.
Ferryville will celebrate Spring Bird Migration Day on Saturday, May 10, which will include a guided hike at Sugar Creek Bluff Natural area. Please RSVP by May 7. And be sure to visit the Kickapoo Valley Reserve near La Farge, a regional haven for bird watching enthusiasts. The 8600-acre Reserve serves as habitat for hundreds of species, meticulously cataloged on their Bird Website.
While you’re here enjoying the wildlife, spend some time roaming the Farmers Markets that open in May. And on May 16 – 18, Westby will celebrate Syttende Mai, its annual commemoration of Norway’s Constitution Day complete with ethnic foods, heritage displays, and a parade.
Experience some memorable moments in Driftless Wisconsin, perhaps brought to you courtesy of our native birds.