Whatever the time of year, the wilderness of the Flowage provides a breathtaking backdrop for some of the most captivating wildlife you could ever hope to see. Springtime brings the new young of the year out to cavort among the delicate green of budding birches. Fox kits tumble and play, otters slide gleefully down the river banks and spotted whitetail fawns wobble on spindly, under legs. Summer provides long, glorious days of bright yellow sunshine that glitters off the dancing waves while bluebirds soar over head, butterflies flutter about, and curious black bears poke about.

Brilliant maple and aspen foliage reflects sparkling off the mirror like surface of the autumn waters, giving true meaning to the Flowage's nickname as the "Crown Jewel of Wisconsin". Meanwhile, bald eagles soar over head, ruffed grouse drum atop fallen logs in the woods and coyotes slink through tall grass in the long, golden shadows of evening.

Winter brings a hush when it spreads its plush white blanket over the landscape of the Turtle Flambeau Flowage, coating the trees with powdered sugar and turning the sky to a deep blue ether, clear and cold and wonderful to breathe. Ermine and snowshoe hares navigate the deep fluff. Evening grosbeaks and purple finches become living Christmas ornaments. And a walk on a clear, moonlit night might bring to your ears the hoot of a great horned owl or - if you're very lucky - the haunting howl of a distant timber wolf in full, lonely song.

Whether you come for the abundant big game and waterfowl during hunting season or just to enjoy the presence of our furry and feathered friends, you'll be glad you chose to visit the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage, the Crown Jewel of Wisconsin.

The Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area, located in southern Iron County in north Wisconsin, is an area rich in diversity of wildlife habitats. This diversity provides important migratory and breeding habitat for many species of birds. The Turtle-Flambeau Flowage and its shoreline, the different types of wetlands, and surrounding forests and forest openings all vary in vegetative composition and benefit many species.

Observations are best made by getting out on the water in a boat or canoe. Access is available at any of the six public boat landings on the flowage. Early morning and early evening are normally the best time to observe wildlife, including birds. Be quiet and patient and the birds will give you a show.

The uniqueness of the Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area is due to its diverse expanse of water that dominates the landscape. Most recreational use of the area centers on the water. Birds associated with water , like loons, osprey, and eagles, receive the most attention from visitors. This is a great place to get out in a boat or canoe and see some of Wisconsin's rarer birds, including merlins.

However, don't overlook the surrounding uplands and wooded islands. Diverse stands of northern hardwoods, early successional aspen and birch, boreal conifers, white pine and hemlock, and open bogs provide habitat for almost all birds you would expect to find in northern Wisconsin. The spring warbler migration can include many different species and high numbers of birds. Even some of the grassland sparrows can be found in the sedge meadows and patterned bog adjacent to the Flowage.