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Sandhill Cranes are graceful and inspiring, with haunting calls that echo across Wisconsin's evening skies in November. They are a remarkable conservation success story, and their fall migration in our state is unforgettable.

The Wisconsin River is teeming with natural beauty year-round, and autumn is no exception. Join us for a beautiful evening on the river, unlike anything you’ve experienced.

We’ll meet at 3:30PM and take a short walk plentiful with birdlife. We’ll have a small fire going as we admire Bald Eagles soaring overhead and watch the sunset over the river as Sandhill Cranes come in to roost a few miles downstream.

Be sure to wear shoes that you don’t mind getting wet. Bring a water bottle (or a thermos of your favorite warm beverage!) to stay hydrated, a camping chair to carry out (unless you prefer sitting in the sand, which is lovely too!), and a flashlight to light your way back. Feel free to also bring binoculars, a scope, and/or a field guide. A field trip leader or volunteer on the trip may keep a checklist of all identified birds in the eBird app and can share the list afterward.

If you would like help getting transportation to the site, please contact Brenna at bmarsicek@madisonaudubon.org.

FIELD TRIP LEADERS: Becky Abel (babel@madisonaudubon.org) and Kaitlin Svabek (ksvabek@madisonaudubon.org)

ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES:

• Terrain information: the trail is partly packed dirt, with areas of narrowness and unevenness, including a few small 4-6” ledges to step down. The route takes us through a few areas of loose and packed sand.

• Field trip leaders are adept at birding by ear and able to accommodate those with visual impairments.

• This is an inclusive field trip and beginning birders are welcome!

APPROXIMATE DISTANCE: 0.5 miles roundtrip

RSVP REQUIRED? Yes. Participation is limited to 10 people.

Cover image: A fiery orange sunset over the river, offset by dark gray clouds. Photo by Kaitlin Svabek/Madison Audubon.