Wisconsin State Natural Area #51 is located within Fond du Lac County Park, at the NorthWest corner of Waupun, Wisconsin (less than a mile from my house!). I am not sure what is exactly designated as Area 51, but I like to park at the 6-sided building near where the river goes under the bridge on the paved road going through the park. From there, I follow the short paved road going into the woods on the right side of the 6-sided building. Where the pavement comes to an end, by a lot of split firewood off to the left, you will see a trail going off into the woods to the right. I concentrate my photography from the beginning of the trail, to where there is a left turn (the trail also keeps going straight), to where the trail includes a bridge crossing the river.
There is a surprising lack of birds at this location, except for Downy, Hairy, and Red-bellied Woodpeckers, although I have found good numbers of Great-crested Flycatchers in the Spring. There is also a surprising lack of butterflies at this location, considering the abundance of wildflowers. Birds and butterflies should not be expected, but appreciated if photo opportunities are found.
What I go to this location for is close-up photography of the abundant wildflowers, and the insects that I find on them.
Click here for more information about SNA #51, including a list of wildflowers that can be found there.
Here are some pictures that I have gotten at Area 51 in the past...
(Click on the "thumbnails" for a larger picture)
A Bumble Bee on a White Trout Lilly, a small crab spider on a Wild Geranium, and a stink bug on Wild Geranium.
A Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Virginia Waterleaf, and my favorite, a Scorpion Fly (completely harmless).
DIRECTIONS - From Main Street in Waupun (Hwy 49), go west to the last right turn (north) in Waupun (County Park Road) (by the hardware store). After about half a mile, you will see the country club on the left, you will cross a small bridge over the river, and the road will curve to the right. You will then see the six-sided building on your left. Park there and follow the paved road on the right side of the six-sided building into the woods. The pavement will end quickly by a lot of firewood on the left. Look for the trail going into the woods off to the right.
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