Osprey Nesting Locations:

All near Petenwell Dam (which is east of Necedah Wildlife Area.

1) Petenwell Dam:
    As you reach the fenced in area of 18th Street, park on the left side near the prevent forest fires sign.  Walk north around along the fence until you reach the wooden step up to the dike of the dam.  By now you will have seen the nest (to your left - west).  For the best shots make sure you walk well west on the dam dike road to allow the birds to come back to the nest.

2) Browndeer Rd and County Z north and east of Petenwell Dam area:
     Once you turn west on Browndeer Rd you will see the nest on the left.
     This is the largest Opsrey Nest  I have ever seen.
     If you stay well west of the nest pole along the road they will return to the nest.

3) County Z just north of Browndeer o
    On the eastside of the road is another Utility Pole with a smaller nest.
    This pole is well off the road behind a house.  Make sure you ask permission to walk on their property.

Short-eared Owls - Lake Mills

Several Short-eared Owls still remain in the Faville Prairie north of Lake Mills.

Any where along the road will provide an opportunity to observe these birds as they fly low over the prairie grasses searching by hearing for a meal.  Note that the birds are seen at dusk, so photography is limited.

Location:

Lake Mills exit Hwy 89, turn north on 89 to County G, and follow County G to Prairie Lane Road. The snow is off the road but the road is muddy.

Bald Eagles - Petenwell Dam

As of March 10 th, 20 Plus birds were observed on both shores of the river in the trees and fishing in front of the dam itself. There is a fishing dock near the dam and it turned out to be the best place to capture close fishing images.

Location:

East of Necedah, Wis on Hwy 21, turn left at 19th Street (before the bridge), and then right on 18 th street.

Enjoy this birds while several remain in the area.

Seeking location(s) of Natural Cavity Nesting Sites for Wood Ducks

Hello,  I've been asked to post the message below.
Barbara Duerksen

Richland County

Laura and Neil Rettig are working on a 3 hour film for Nat Geo about the
animals and birds of the Mississippi River, and are hoping to film wood duck
babies this spring. They are hoping to locate natural cavities that are
being used by wood ducks in southwestern Wisconsin.  

Please contact nrettig@mwt.net