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nightfall, this is a wonderful area to look for Short-eared Owls as they glide moth-like over the fields in search of prey. There are a couple of ponds on the north side of the road that are good sites to look for Hooded Merganser, Blue-winged Teal, American Widgeon, Canada Goose and Great Blue Heron.
This area extends for over two miles, past the junction of County Road 18 and County Road 5. From this intersection, the next half mile along County Road 18 is also good for a variety of warblers, Great Gray Owl, American Kestrel and Blue-headed Vireo. The fields to the east of the junction with County Road 5 are also good areas to look for Sharp-tailed Grouse (which dance in these fields in the early spring), Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, Northern Harrier and American Kestrel. The road continues through a variety of farmlands and crosses the Willow River about eight and one half miles. At the Willow River crossing, look for Spotted Sandpiper, Wood Duck, Blue-winged Teal, Hooded Merganser, Ruffed Grouse, Eastern Wood Pewee, Pileated Woodpecker and Barred Owl. Over the fields located past the Willow River to the Mississippi River look for Sharp-tailed Grouse, Eastern Kingbird and Red-tailed Hawk among other species.
County Road 18 ends when it hits County Road 10 at the Mississippi River.
Winter birding can be quite spectacular at times, although winter birding here doesn’t normally turn up many species, those that are seen are much sought after by birders. Species found along County Road 18 in the winter include Northern Hawk Owl, Great Gray Owl, Snowy Owl, Northern Shrike, Common Redpoll, Snow Bunting, and Rough-legged Hawk, Bald Eagle, Northern Goshawk and Common Raven. A walk down the Grant-in-Aid trail south of 320th Place can turn up White-winged Crossbill, Red Crossbill, Pine Grosbeak, Pine Siskin, Boreal Chickadee, Gray Jay and over-wintering Golden-crowned Kinglet.
Animal life can be pretty great too. Species seen along County Road 18 include Black Bear, Coyote, Badger, Red Fox, and Short-tailed Weasel, Raccoon, Porcupine and White-tailed Deer. Gray Wolf and Fisher have both been seen several times, especially during the winter months. Moose may be seen here on occasion.
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