St. Croix Islands State Wildlife Area

The Apple River and St. Croix River come together in a delta called the St. Croix Islands. These scattered oak and maple tree-covered islands range in size and are easy to access by canoe or kayak from the St. Croix River. During the spring migration nearly every type of duck, goose or swan in Wisconsin travels through this area. This important migratory route also serves many species of raptors including Bald Eagles, Osprey, Red-shouldered Hawk, Turkey Vultures, and Northern Harriers. Wooded corridors along the Apple River hold Wood Thrush, Winter Wren, Pileated and Red-headed Woodpeckers, Eastern Towhees and Louisiana Waterthrush. Summer nesters include the Ruddy Duck, Green-wing teal and American Bitterns. Osprey nest here also along with Bald Eagles and Great Blue Herons.