Wildlife

As Spring is officially here, we are beginning to see the return of the migratory birds that fly along the Mississippi River flyway
(approx. 4 miles - as the crow flies) close Romance Valley Farm where 40% of Americans ducks, geese, swans and waterfowl fly on their fall migrations . This unique area bordering the Mississippi River includes wetlands and forests which offer natural habitat for over 300 species of birds, 50 species of mammals and over 115 species of fish. Many bald eagle nests and over 15 colonies of herons and egrets are found in this area. We are starting to hear the so-called prehistoric calls of the sand hill cranes which nest on the farm next to ours. Heard the call of a pheasant recently so I hope the coyotes let them be. During the summer especially the night sounds bring evidence of an animal kill by packs of coyotes. The turkeys are starting to group for their annual mating rituals as this area is in the heart of some of the best turkey populations in the state as well as the whitetail deer. Many birds stayed the winter as we feed them peanuts and cracked sunflower seeds and lots of suet as Wisconsin has experienced one of the coldest winters on record. We have a remarkable variety and quantity and quality of birdlife which make this a bird hunters paradise.