July Hotspot of Month--6th Avenue Marsh
With July being the month when shorebirds commence their southerly migration through Wisconsin, it seems fitting that one of Adams County’s top shorebirding hotspots is chosen as the Hotspot of the Month. Rob Pendergast, leading eBirder for Adams County, takes us on a tour of 6th Avenue Marsh. Located in the northwestern portion of Adams County, 6th Avenue Marsh is a premier location for avian life. This man-made marsh was created for irrigating cranberry crops during the summer months. The water is increasingly drawn down as summer progresses to fall which has the benefit of attracting an impressive diversity of shorebirds. The best vantage point is along 6th Avenue, ¼ mile south of County Highway D. Viewing the marsh is limited to the roadside as this area is privately owned. To get to 6th Avenue Marsh one can take Highway 13 south from Wisconsin Rapids then head east on County Highway D where it intersects with 6th Avenue approximately 5 miles east of Rome. Coming from Plainfield, head west on Highway 73 for 3 miles, turn left on County D where Hwy 73 curves north. Heading west on County Highway D, 6th Avenue will intersect the road about 4 miles from Highway 73.
Horned Grebe by Mike Reese
FUN FACTS
Number of species eBirded at the hotspot: 205
Checklists in eBird: 323
Featured Species: Trumpeter Swan, ducks and grebes, Bald Eagle, Sandhill Crane, shorebirds including American Avocet, American Golden Plover, Willet, Hudsonian and Marbled Godwit, Wilson’s and Red-necked Phalarope, Red-headed Woodpecker, sparrows including Savannah and Grasshopper, Brewer’s Blackbird, Western Meadowlark
Rare/Notable Species eBirded: Cinnamon Teal, Eared Grebe, Golden Eagle, Harris’s Sparrow
Wilson’s Phalarope by Mike Reese
6th Avenue has recently become fairly well known for shorebirds. With water levels lowered during the months of August and September, this marsh provides an excellent resting area for these migrating waterbirds. Nearly 30 species of shorebirds have been recorded here, the most notable being American Avocet, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Ruddy Turnstone, Willet, both Godwits, and Red-necked Phalarope. The amount of precipitation the area receives will determine the season’s southward bounty, for example drier years tend to produce more shorebirds as more habitat is exposed from heavier irrigation. Wetter years produce shorebirds in smaller numbers, but waterbirds such as ducks and grebes tend to be more abundant. Great Egrets, herons and other waders are always present on the edges of the marsh during the warmer months. At sunset, hundreds of Sandhill Cranes roost in the water of the marsh creating a grand spectacle for any photographer or birder to enjoy as the sinking sun silhouettes these majestic birds.
Sandhill Cranes at Sunset by Mike Reese
Western Meadowlark by Mike Reese
Looking east, on the opposite side of the actual 6th Avenue Marsh is a decent sized cattle pasture. This pasture can produce some unique grassland birds that can prove difficult to find away from the nearby Buena Vista Grasslands including species such as Grasshopper Sparrow, Western Meadowlark, Brewer’s Blackbird and a variety of other common prairie birds like Bobolink and American Kestrel. One caution regarding the cattle pasture: cattle have been found grazing on the shoulder of the road outside of the fence. Should this occur it’s best to keep your distance and they probably won’t even notice you.
Bald Eagle Nest by Mike Reese
Continuing south on 6th Avenue is a series of cranberry bogs and small irrigation ditches on the west side of the road. Just before the intersection with Aniwa Lane there is a small patch of grass that can hold a good variety of blackbirds including Rusty and Brewer’s in migration. In addition, there is a Bald Eagle nest on the opposite side of the road acroos from this grassy area. As you traverse 6th Avenue, pay attention to the ditches which can sometimes contain ducks. While they rarely hold anything other than common teal species, these are still worth looking through considering a Cinnamon Teal was found here in the past.
On the southern section of 6th Avenue, you will find a small woodlot that transitions into oak savanna. Here one should look and listen for Red-headed Woodpecker which are present at this location year-round. Tufted Titmice can also be heard on rare occasion along this southern section of road.
The birding is not strictly limited to the portion of 6th Avenue south of County D. Just north of the highway is a small wooded area that can produce some nice passerine habitat in migration. During migration, this is a good spot to check for warblers. Black-and-white Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler and American Redstart are a few of the common warblers you may encounter. Continuing north, there is a bridge that crosses another ditch that has plenty of scrub-shrub habitat along the road. White-crowned Sparrow, Brown Thrasher and other scrub inhabiting birds are easily found at this location. On one occasion, a Carolina Wren was observed in the brush on the west side of the bridge. During May and September/October keep your eyes peeled for Harris’s Sparrow as this species can appear on any stretch of 6th Avenue.
Thanks to the following contributors:
Rob Pendergast, author
Mike Reese, photos
Cynthia Bridge, editing
All images contained herein are subject to copyright; All rights reserved.
More about the author: Rob is an avid birder from Plover, WI. In 2012 he completed a Wisconsin Big Year, eBirding an impressive 315 bird species! In addition to being a birder, Rob is an aspiring musician who will be returning to school to study music and wildlife ecology this coming spring.