BIRDS OF THE TURTLE-FLAMBEAU SCENIC WATERS AREA

The Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area, located in southern Iron County in north Wisconsin, is an area rich in diversity of wildlife habitats. This diversity provides important migratory and breeding habitat for many species of birds. The Turtle-Flambeau Flowage and its shoreline, the different types of wetlands, and surrounding forests and forest openings all vary in vegetative composition and benefit many species.

Observations are best made by getting out on the water in a boat or canoe. Access is available at any of the six public boat landings on the flowage. Early morning and early evening are normally the best time to observe wildlife, including birds. Be quiet and patient and the birds will give you a show.

The uniqueness of the Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area is due to its diverse expanse of water that dominates the landscape. Most recreational use of the area centers on the water. Birds associated with water , like loons, osprey, and eagles, receive the most attention from visitors. This is a great place to get out in a boat or canoe and see some of Wisconsin's rarer birds, including merlins.

However, don't overlook the surrounding uplands and wooded islands. Diverse stands of northern hardwoods, early successional aspen and birch, boreal conifers, white pine and hemlock, and open bogs provide habitat for almost all birds you would expect to find in northern Wisconsin. The spring warbler migration can include many different species and high numbers of birds. Even some of the grassland sparrows can be found in the sedge meadows and patterned bog adjacent to the Flowage