Baraboo is home to the International Crane Foundation and the Aldo Leopold Foundation. In fact, John Muir grew up not too far away from here. When you really get out and explore the Baraboo Hills and beyond, it’s easy to see how our environment and the wildlife we share it with have been so influential to so many. Here are just some of the places we go to enjoy our birds and wild creatures.
Birdwatching
- Devil’s Lake State Park – Migratory Birds, Heron Rookery, Falcons, Turkey Vultures, Eagles, Osprey, Song Birds.
- Gallus Slough – Wetland Birds, Cranes, Pelicans, Heron, Osprey
- Sauk Prairie Recreation Area – Grassland Birds
- Bald Eagle Watching in Sauk Prairie – Viewing Areas Map
- Leopold Reserve Area – Sandhill & Whooping Cranes
- Pine Island Wildlife Preserve – Sandhill Cranes, Wetland, Grasslands
- Fairfield Marsh Waterfowl Production Area – Migratory Birds, Ducks
- Madison Audubon Goose Pond – Migratory Birds, Snowy Owls.
- Hemlock Draw SNA
- Honey Creek SNA – Over 180 species recorded.
- Necedah National Wildlife Refuge (Exit Website) – Migratory Birds, Whooping Cranes
More Links
- Baraboo Hills – Audubon Important Bird Areas
- Honey Creek Preserve – Wisconsin Ornithology Society
- Wisconsin Important Bird Areas – Badger Ammunition Plant (Now Sauk Prairie Recreation Area.)
- Ferry Bluff Eagle Council
- What’s Been Seen in Sauk County? Check out iNaturalist.
Migration Map
Below are the birding locations near Devil’s Lake State Park that we haunt during the spring and fall migrations. Click on an icon for what you’re likely to see. Of course, there are many other great birding areas not on the map but this will get you started. You may also want to join our Birds of Sauk County Facebook group!
Sandhills In The Sunset Video
Fall crane watching in Baraboo, Wisconsin.