As our climate changes and visitor numbers climb, Devil's Lake State Park's bluff trails see…
While the lake flies are still an issue along the lake sure, it also means there’s a banquet for migrating birds who are now visiting the lake.
It’s a great year for the birds at Devil’s Lake State Park! Cool weather, lots of lake flies, and a quiet spring season (Few crowded days and no April rowing events.) allow the birds to take full advantage of the lake to rest and fill up before heading north again. The most popular birds to watch right now are by far the white and black Bonapart’s Gulls that come into the lake early each morning and then head back out each evening. The Bonapart’s will soon be heading up to Canada’s far north and parts of Alaska for the summer breeding season.
Park visitors can also watch vast numbers of Barn Swallows performing their high-speed aerial acrobatics around the North Shore Chateau and occasionally out into the middle of the lake as they also feed on the flies.
Of course, that’s not all. Large numbers of warblers are hanging out along the south shore road area to get their fill. Osprey (We counted 7 last evening) are fishing and 2 pair of loons are on the lake as well. So this is a great time to get out and see nature! Click here to learn more about the birds of Devil’s Lake State Park. Bird watchers are also invited to join our Facebook Group “Birds of Sauk County”.
What birds have you seen?
Extra: Mummeration? Well, a murmuration in common terms refers to a flock of starlings. Starlings are symbolic of communication & unity. When it comes to gulls, well… Remember the 80’s band? It’s a flock. A flock of seagulls. 
For nearly 2 decades the Skillet Creek blog has focused on 3 main goals; To inspire you to visit and explore the Devil’s Lake region, to help you get the most your visit by sharing tips, events, and other helpful information. Lastly to advocate for our environment & wildlife and talk about how we can keep our natural areas amazing now and into the future! That last goal can sometimes cause controversy, but it’s the only way we can accomplish the first two. – Derrick Mayoleth, Owner.
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