 |
|
 |
 |
||||||||||||||
10. Mouth of the Fox River
General Description | Facilities | Directions | Contact | Submit Observations
Once a productive delta teeming with wildlife, the mouth of the Fox River is now the site of a coal-burning power plant, a busy marina, and a containment facility from channel dredging. Nevertheless, its strategic position in lower Green Bay and the heated water produced by the power plant make this an excellent place for birdwatching. A nesting box constructed on the roof of the power plant is occupied by a pair of breeding Peregrine Falcons, an endangered species that can often be seen hunting in the nearby coastal wetlands. Double-crested Cormorants, Black-crowned Night Herons, and even Bald Eagles are frequently observed from the marina at the end of Bay Beach Road. During winter, this can be one of the best places in the area for finding mergansers, diving ducks, eagles, and possibly even Snowy Owls. Farther back on Bay Beach Road, another good spot to check for birds is a parking area west of the Bay Beach Amusement Park. This spot provides a good vantage of Renard Island, a dredge spoil containment facility that is occupied by thousands of Ring-billed Gulls, Herring Gulls, and occasionally Common and Caspian Terns. Forester's Terns also are frequently seen from this point or the boat launch.
Parking facilities, a boat launch, and a new visitors center are located at the end of Bay Beach Road. An expanded marina is being constructed north of the existing area. Rest rooms are available in the visitors center.
From I-43, take the Webster Street exit near downtown Green Bay. At the stop sign on East Shore Drive, go right (east) to a 4-way stop sign. Turn left on Bay Beach Road and follow past the amusement park, where the road bears left. Continue west on Bay Beach Road to the marina.
Green Bay Metro Boat Launch
102 Bay Beach Rd.
920-448-3365
Biodiversity Topics: Introduction . Plants . Animals . Mammals . Birds . Reptiles & Amphibians . Arthropods . Spiders . Insects
© 2001-2004 The Cofrin Center
for Biodiversity and the University of Wisconsin Green Bay,
All Rights Reserved
Last
updated on
May 19, 2004