Birding the Little Turtle Flowage by Boat and on Foot

One of the stops on the Great Wisconsin Birding and Nature Trail, the Little Turtle Flowage near Mercer encompasses nearly 640 acres of wetlands and supports a remarkable array of nesting bird species including trumpeter swans, sandhill cranes, ospreys, eagles, black terns, sora rails, marsh wrens, and, on occasion, yellow-headed blackbirds. The uplands surrounding the Flowage also offer both forests and grasslands to provide additional varied habitat.

The Flowage is an exceptional place to listen to a marsh chorus of birds coming alive at sunrise. However, in deference to later risers, we’ll start after the sun is well up, paddle slowly, and stop frequently to search and listen. We’ll then beach the kayaks and canoes to hike some of the uplands in search of early waves of warblers returning from the Tropics.

The hike will be about 1 mile on a wide path with some small ups and downs. It can easily be done in tennis shoes. Binoculars are absolutely needed, bug dope probably needed, snacks and water helpful. Wear long pants and long-sleeve shirts. Bring rain gear in case it’s needed.

Students must provide their own boats. If possible, please consider bringing a 2-person boat as class is limited to 10 boats.

Instructor: John Bates

Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in with payment.

Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 862-0201 or (906) 285-7517.