(Chelsea Update would like to thank the Waterloo Natural History Association and Tom Hodgson for the information and photos in this story.)
As the ice disappears on local lakes, waterfowl that spent the winter months in warmer climates are making their annual appearance. More than 20 species will be seen on area lakes in March and April.
Four of these, the wood duck, hooded merganser, blue-wing teal and mallard will stay to nest. The rest will travel further north, some even going as far as the Arctic circle.
All area lakes will have waterfowl on them from time to time, but those listed below provide the best public viewing. They are numbered to correspond with the map included with this article.
Binoculars or spotting scopes are recommended for best viewing. Below are descriptions of the best viewing areas. The numbers below correspond with the numbered arrows on the map included with this article.
1. Big Portage Lake Unit: The public boat launch and adjacent picnic site afford good views of the lake looking north and east. The public beach and the fishing pier to the south of the boat launch are also good afternoon viewing areas. The best morning viewing is on the east side of the lake at the county park.
2. Clear Lake County Park: The beach area at this county park offers a good view of the lake, good for midday and afternoon viewing. Enter the park from Clear Lake Road.
3. Pondlily Lake: Good viewing from the south end of the lake. This is private land, so you must pull off the shoulder and remain on the Harvey Road right of way. This is also a good area for viewing cranes and great egrets.
4. Mud Lake Picnic Site: This site faces east and is great for mid-day and afternoon viewing. The easiest way to get there is to take Clear Lake Road north to Loveland and turn right.
5. Winnewana Impoundment: The public access from Roe Road. Provides views to the south and east. For views to the north, you must walk a trail from the east end of the parking lot for a couple of hundred yards. A spotting scope is recommended for this site.
6. Crooked Lake Access Site: There are several good viewing sites here. The boat launch provides a good view of the lake to the north. The fishing pier provides viewing both to the north and south. The picnic site at the south end of the visitor parking lot is good for viewing to the south.
7. Cavanaugh Lake Park: There is a good view of Cavanaugh Lake looking north. Parking is available on the south side of the road.
8. Mill Lake Public Access: This site provides good view of the lake looking east. Walking the lake view trail from the south edge of the parking area will provide several additional viewing opportunities, as will the observation platform at the Discovery Center.
