We’re sorry, this field trip is cancelled! This year many of the local shallow wetlands are dry and more waterfowl will be using the Otsego Marsh as a safe stopover. To protect these birds and avoid flushing them while we move around in the water, our property managers are closing the pond to paddling until spring. We invite you to explore the area on foot, and use this map while you’re at it!
Join us for a slow-paced Birding by Boat through Otsego Marsh on the last day of the year the pond is open to paddling! This monthly field trip is designed to introduce new visitors to the area, as well as welcome back return paddlers to see how the wetlands change through the summer and into fall.
Space is limited to 6 boats. Sign up below!
More about the trip: Madison Audubon staffers Becky Abel and Brenna Marsicek will lead field trip participants on a slow paddle exploring the magical flora and fauna of Hawkos Pond at Madison Audubon’s Otsego Marsh. We’ll watch for ducks, woodpeckers, kingfishers, swallows, turtles, dragonflies, bees, pond lilies, and much much more.
No boat? No problem!
Don’t have a canoe or kayak? Not a problem, we have a few seats reserved in our canoes for folks like you!
If you have a canoe or kayak you will bring, we ask that you only register for people who can fit in your boat.
If you have a canoe and have an extra seat for another participant to ride with you, let us know! We’d appreciate it!
Bring your own life jacket if possible!
FIELD TRIP LEADERS: Becky Abel (babel@madisonaudubon.org) and Brenna Marsicek (bmarsicek@madisonaudubon.org)
RAIN DATE: None, canceled if poor weather
ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES:
Minimal walking required, though the canoe put-in site is unlevel
Field trip leader is adept at birding by ear and can accommodate individuals with vision impairments
APPROXIMATE DISTANCE FOR WALKING: Less than 1 mile
COVID-19 NOTES:
We follow the CDC guidelines in place at the time of the field trip.
All of our field trip leaders are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
We strongly encourage all participants to be fully vaccinated.
Children are welcome to attend, and required to wear masks when appropriate.
RSVP REQUIRED? YES, participation limited to 6 boats.
Photo by Caitlyn Schuchhardt / Madison Audubon
