Enjoy bird watching

Ever Considered Birding?

Although the mention of "bird watching" might conjure up stereotypical images of a generation past, the fact is that "birding" is a great way to get out in nature and enjoy some fresh air! Bird watching is again gaining popularity, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reports that there are "more than 50 million people in the US that consider themselves birdwatchers". Some of those folks probably never leave their backyards; but if you're looking for a little get-away close to home, consider exploring the possibilities that birding has to offer. It's a great opportunity to fill your lungs with some fresh air, get some walking exercise, and get back to nature.

The Beaver Creek Reserve, just 12 miles east of the Otter Creek Inn in Eau Claire, encompasses 380 acres of diverse habitat including upland woods, river bottom forests, wetlands, and savannah areas. It is bordered by the Eau Claire River and two small trout streams run through the property. The reserve is home to a multitude of birds, wildlife and native flowers. Bird Walks in the Eau Claire area include one at the Chippewa River Reserve on 05/14/11; one at Lowes Creek Park on 05/21/11; and one at Beaver Creek Reserve on 05/28/11. Learn more about the Beaver Creek Reserve and the Bird Walks at www.beavercreekreserve.org .

If the weather doesn't cooperate, you can still spend time birding - indoors at the James Newman Clark Bird Museum at UW-Eau Claire, just two miles from the Otter Creek Inn. The museum houses 530 species collected by Clark from the 1870's through the 1920's. Four dioramas depict native birds in natural habitats. Or just spend some time lounging on the deck at the Otter Creek Inn, as even though they are located in the city limits, their acre lot is home to all sorts of bird life - from House Wrens and Hummingbirds to Hawks, Horned Owls, and Pileated Woodpeckers.