BCR 12. 

Boreal Hardwood Transition

Wood Duck. Photo: USFWS

This region is characterized by coniferous and northern hardwood forests, nutrient poor soils and numerous clear lakes, bogs, and river flowage. All of the world's Kirtland's Warblers breed here, as do the majority of Golden-winged Warblers and Connecticut Warblers. Great Lakes coastal estuaries, river flowage, large shallow lakes, and natural wild rice lakes are used by many breeding and migrating water birds. Yellow Rail is among the important wetland species, and islands in the Great Lakes support large colonies of Caspian and Common Terns. Although breeding ducks are sparsely distributed, stable water conditions allow for consistent reproductive success. Wood Duck, Mallard, American Black Duck, Ring-necked Duck, and Common Goldeneye are common breeding species in this region. Threats to wetland habitat in the Boreal Forest Transition Region include recreational development, cranberry operations, peat harvesting, and drainage.

Important Bird Areas in this BCR

Kirtland's Warbler. Photo: Photo: © Huron Manistee National Forest

Chippewa National Forest

Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve

Hiawatha National Forest

Isle Royale National Park

Kirtland's Warbler Management Area

Lake Superior State Forest

McGregor Marsh Scientific and Natural Area

Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Saginaw Bay

Seney National Wildlife Refuge

Superior National Forest

Whitefish Point National Wildlife Refuge