Crex Meadows
Earlier this month, I traveled to Northwestern Wisconsin for a family reunion. My Mom’s side of the family emigrated from Sweden and settled on a farm near Grantsburg and every year there is a gathering at the spot where it all started. I am sorry to say that I haven’t attended since I was probably 16 or 17 years old, but made the trip this year and am glad that I did. It was wonderful connecting with family members after all this time and made me appreciate my roots. Thanks to the Carlson and Anderson families for hosting and making everything special.
As a birder, I couldn’t miss the chance to check out Crex Meadows Wildlife Area. It’s 30,000 acres of wetlands, sedge meadows and brush prairie and one of the largest state-owned wildlife areas in Wisconsin. I was only able to see a small portion of it, but what I saw really was impressive. I’d love to visit during spring or fall migration and see the large numbers of waterfowl that pass through this amazing place. It was mostly overcast during my visit so conditions weren’t optimal for photography, especially with my long lens which needs quite a bit of bright light for best results. However, late in the day, the sun came out and I was able to get a few shots that really illustrate the beauty of the place.
The wetlands spread out for miles and parts of it are bordered with raised gravel roads. The car serves as a nice wildlife blind. In this respect it reminded me of Horicon National Wildlife Refuge. I only saw a very small portion and some is not accessible or open to the public.
Majestic Trumpeter Swan. The largest of North American waterfowl, the Trumpeter Swan is a summer resident at Crex Meadows. Its was reduced to near extinction by the early 20th century, but it is relatively common today due to its protected status and reintroduction by wildlife agencies.
I saw two pairs of Swans with Cygnets. This pair had 4 youngsters.
Blue-winged Teal. I think this is a pair. The males molt in the fall and during this period sport eclipse plumage, which is duller and more like the female. It makes sense since often during the molt, they become flightless.
I saw LOTS of Great Blue Herons. I’d estimate 35-40.
Successful fishing for this individual.
I am always amazed at the beauty of the Great Egrets and the grace with which they fly.
Lesser Yellowlegs
I was pretty excited to see a few warblers that I’d seen down south during migration this past spring. They nest up north so nice to see them on their breeding ground. This is a Black and White warbler.
I saw a whole family of Golden-winged warblers. This is a female.
Yellow-throated Vireo.
That was fun! Can’t wait to visit again.
So fun to see Crex through your lens. Love the Swan pics.
I hope that sometime we can visit Crex together and you can show me your favorite places. Let’s OK?
That would be fun. 🙂 It is so beautiful there. Sometimes there are bear, fox or wolf sitings. I want to see the wolf! lol Maybe next summer we can get together for a Crex jaunt. (I have also found beautiful agates there)
Well that would be great and doubly fun with birds, wildlife AND agates! Let’s plan on it.
when are you gonna write a book? I ask because I want to read it. You are a very good writer and your pictures, as per the usual, are fantastic too.
You’re very kind, my friend. I’ve never thought of myself as much of a writer; hence the pictures. But, maybe someday, I’ll write a book about birds, or bugs, or trees or something else from the natural world.
Glad your journey back to a former place was home in your heart among your feathered friends of the air.