With the abundant wetland complexes and open water throughout the GHA, flocks of ducks, geese, and other waterbirds mi-grate through the area each spring and fall.
Warblers and other Neo-tropical migrants pass through the area in large numbers when the weather warms in May. A host of birds, ranging from very rare to interesting to common-place have been recorded in the area, including Indigo Bunting, Northern Flicker, Dickcissel, Prothonotary Warbler (see photo at right), and Short-eared Owl.
Recommended GHA Locations & Maps
For instance, over 200 species have been recorded at Zeloski Marsh alone, including Black Tern, Yellow-headed Blackbirds, Least and American Bittern, Wilson’s Phalarope, Forester’s Tern, Hudsonian Godwit, and Sedge Wren.
Other popular places to see wetland birds include the system of dikes at Prince’s Point Wildlife Area, Rome Pond Wildlife Area, Red Cedar Lake Natural Area, Mud Lake along CTH G, Rock Lake, and Carnes Park.
Of course, many other wildlife species make the GHA their home, such as White-tailed Deer, Wild Turkey, Red Fox, Beaver, and a wide variety of amphibians and reptiles.
Review the GHA Recreational Map for detailed park amenities.
Carlin Weld Park, near Palmyra and Eagle
Dorothy Carnes Park, west of Fort Atkinson
Indian Mounds and Trail Park, south of Fort Atkinson
Korth Park, west of Lake Mills
Lake Ripley Preserve, east of Cambridge
Red Cedar Lake Natural Area, east and south of Cambridge
Rock Lake Park, in Lake Mills
All Wildlife Areas (also see GHA Recreational Map)
Deansville SWA, northwest of Marshall
Goose Lake SWA, northeast of Deerfield
Jefferson Marsh SWA, southeast of Jefferson
Koshkonong SWA, southwest of Fort Atkinson
Lake Mills SWA, south of Lake Mills
Lima Marsh-Storr’s Lake SWA. northeast of Milton
Prince’s Point SWA, northeast of Whitewater
Rome Pond SWA, Village of Rome just south of Sullivan
Waterloo-Mud Lake SWA, large SWA east of Waterloo