Signature Field Trip

Filtering by: Signature Field Trip
Madison Lakes Waterfowl
Dec
7
8:00 AM08:00
Signature Field Trip

Madison Lakes Waterfowl

As winter sets in, smaller ponds and lakes in south-central Wisconsin freeze, causing migrating birds to become concentrated on Madison’s large lakes, which remain open longer. We will look for waterfowl, gulls, and winter birds. This trip has produced some unusual sightings in the past, including Red-throated Loons, so don’t miss it!

Photo by Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance

View Event →
Fair Meadows Birding Day
Dec
10
6:00 AM06:00
Fair Meadows, Signature Field Trip

Fair Meadows Birding Day

Come enjoy Fair Meadows Sanctuary during this monthly open house birding day! This 374 acre sanctuary and State Natural Area has many trails and habitats to explore. During this Birding Day, attendees can grab a map, wipe their boots, and hit the trails independently. No guided walks are provided.

Photo by Gary Shackelford

View Event →
New Year's Sunrise at Faville Grove
Jan
1
7:00 AM07:00
Signature Field Trip

New Year's Sunrise at Faville Grove

  • Buddy’s Place at Faville Grove Sanctuary (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

There is simply no better way to start the New Year. We will enjoy the pre-dawn light as we meander through the prairie, arriving at the Mackenzie Overlook to see the sun rise over the beautiful Faville Marsh. We will spend the early morning exploring the winter marsh and surrounding uplands.

Photo by Drew Harry

View Event →
Winter Wonderland Hike
Jan
26
10:00 AM10:00
Signature Field Trip

Winter Wonderland Hike

Join us as we explore our beautiful Fair Meadows Sanctuary and State Natural Area in mid-winter. We will look and listen for birds and mammals, and enjoy the vistas of the prairies and woodlands in the quiet of the season, hopefully covered in snow. Woodpeckers, Blue Jays, Dark-eyed Juncos, and more are all expected to make an appearance. If we’re lucky, we might see otter slides and other mammal tracks!

Photo by Kelly Colgan Azar

View Event →
Mid-winter Snowshoe at Faville Grove (date TBD!)
Jan
31
to Feb 1
Signature Field Trip

Mid-winter Snowshoe at Faville Grove (date TBD!)

  • Faville Grove Sanctuary (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join us for a trek through recessional glacial terrain and Bring your snowshoes. We will explore the diversity of habitats at Faville Grove Sanctuary, which includes woodland, savanna, prairie, and wetland, as we search for animal tracks and enjoy the landscape.

Photo by Jeff McDonald

View Event →
Beginners Bird Walk
Mar
1
9:00 AM09:00
Beginning Birders, Family Friendly, Signature Field Trip

Beginners Bird Walk

This field trip is designed for folks new to birding, and is family-friendly! We will explore the wonderful Cherokee Marsh North Unit, enjoying the sights and sounds of winter. We will share bird ID and talk about how to tell that bird species apart from others. This is a low-key, slow paced, no-pressure outing for beginners.

Photo by Courtney Celley/USFWS

View Event →
Woodcock and Snipe Walk
Apr
8
6:30 PM18:30
Signature Field Trip

Woodcock and Snipe Walk

Meet at the kiosk along Prairie Lane for an evening spent enjoying the unique spring displays of woodcock and snipe. Be prepared to be fascinated by the woodcock’s acrobatic flight, and to learn about the natural history of one of Aldo Leopold’s favorite birds. Binoculars are recommended.

Photo by Arlene Koziol.

View Event →
Habitat Diversity at Faville Grove West
Apr
26
7:30 AM07:30
Signature Field Trip

Habitat Diversity at Faville Grove West

Experience restorations of various stages from recent plantings to a well-developed 29-year old prairie. Other habitat features of this landscape include: a shallow wetlands, open water marsh/tamarack-sphagnum bogs, woodlands, and a black oak savanna. Join us for an enjoyable hike as we discuss the site’s history, stages of restorations, bird and plant identification, and more.

Photo by Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance

View Event →
Butterflies and Birds of Spring Green Preserve East
Apr
26
10:00 AM10:00
Signature Field Trip

Butterflies and Birds of Spring Green Preserve East

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) area in what is often called Wisconsin’s desert includes some of the state’s rarest plant communities in its sand and dry bluff prairies and black oak barrens. It hosts a diversity of unusual plants, insects, reptiles and birds. We should see cactus and, hopefully, Olympia Marble butterflies and Lark Sparrows. Co-hosted by Southern Wisconsin Butterfly Association and Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance

Photo by Peter Gorman

View Event →
Beyond Backyard Birding: Lakeshore Nature Preserve
May
3
7:30 AM07:30
Signature Field Trip, Family Friendly

Beyond Backyard Birding: Lakeshore Nature Preserve

This morning trip is especially for backyard birders looking to grow their skills! Come to have your bird questions answered and get help identifying all of those small, streaky brown birds and distant ducks! We'll also be keeping our eyes out for any exciting spring migrants! The walk will be on even trails at a leisurely pace so bring the whole family! We will have binoculars for loan.

Photo by Arlene Koziol

View Event →
Butterflies and Wildflowers of Pleasant Valley Conservancy
Jun
21
10:00 AM10:00
Signature Field Trip

Butterflies and Wildflowers of Pleasant Valley Conservancy

Pleasant Valley Conservancy is a beautiful state natural area situated in the Driftless Area, with steep goat prairies, oak savanna, and a large, high quality marsh. We hope to see beautiful Baltimore Checkerspots and other wetland butterflies nectaring on wonderful native plants.

Photo by Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance

View Event →
Fall Prairies at Faville Grove
Sep
14
9:00 AM09:00
Signature Field Trip

Fall Prairies at Faville Grove

Prairies in fall can be spectacularly beautiful.  On this trip you will immerse yourself in the textures, colors, sounds, and smells of fall at Faville Grove. We will meet by the Kiosk at W7480 Prairie Lane, Lake Mills, and then tour the Prairie Lane restorations and take in the fall landscape with its autumn colors including late blooming wildflowers (such as gentians, asters, and goldenrods), talk about the role of seed collecting in our restorations, and more.

Photo by Jeff Pieterick

View Event →
Beyond Backyard Birding: Cherokee Marsh North
Sep
27
7:30 AM07:30
Signature Field Trip, Beginning Birders

Beyond Backyard Birding: Cherokee Marsh North

This morning trip is especially for backyard birders looking to grow their skills! Come to have your bird questions answered and get help identifying all of those small, streaky brown birds! We'll also be keeping our eyes out for any exciting migrants and recently fledged birds! The walk will be on even trails at a leisurely pace so bring the whole family! We will have binoculars for loan.

Photo by Arlene Koziol

View Event →
Birding Lake Michigan
Nov
2
7:00 AM07:00
Signature Field Trip

Birding Lake Michigan

Join us as we bird Lake Michigan and its shoreline during the migration of waterfowl through Milwaukee, Ozaukee, and Sheboygan Counties. Starting at the Texas Ave. overlook we will look for migrants such as Red-throated Loons, White-wing Scoter, Black Scoter, Surf Scoter, Red-neck Grebe, Mergansers, various wintering gulls, Peregrine Falcon, and late migrant songbirds.

Photo by Alenka Weinhold

View Event →
An Evening of Cemetery Birding (FULL)
Oct
29
4:00 PM16:00
Signature Field Trip, Beginning Birders

An Evening of Cemetery Birding (FULL)

This field trip is full, join the waiting list. Did you know that cemeteries were a precursor to city parks? Starting in the early 1830s, “rural cemeteries” were established to create tranquil, beautiful settings where families could visit and commemorate their loved ones. Birdwatching quickly became one of many popular recreational activities in cemeteries.

Illustration by Kaitlin Svabek/SoWBA

View Event →
Fair Meadows Birding Day
Oct
22
6:00 AM06:00
Fair Meadows, Signature Field Trip

Fair Meadows Birding Day

Come enjoy Fair Meadows Sanctuary during the Birding Day! This 374 acre sanctuary and State Natural Area has many trails and habitats to explore. During this Birding Day, attendees can grab a map, wipe their boots, and hit the trails independently. No guided walks are provided.

Fair Meadows Birding Days are held the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, except in November.

Photo by Gary Shackelford

View Event →
Birding by Bike (date correction - Oct. 9!)
Oct
14
4:00 PM16:00
Signature Field Trip

Birding by Bike (date correction - Oct. 9!)

Join us for an adventurous, unique way to enjoy hearing and seeing our feathered friends: Birding by bike! This outing will follow the Capital City Trail from Nine Springs/Lake Farm County Park area (trailhead parking lot) west to Nevin Springs, and back. Total distance biked is approximately 8 miles.

Photo by Brenna Marsicek/Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance

View Event →
Birding by Ear Meet-up
Oct
12
9:30 AM09:30
Adult Education, Signature Field Trip

Birding by Ear Meet-up

  • Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - North Unit (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Train yourself to listen for the birds rather than looking for them! Birding by Ear is a great way to practice your skills at bird ID using a totally different sense. Join Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance educator Mickenzee Okon for a trip to Cherokee Marsh - North Unit, where you will walk the paths through the woods and prairie, and learn tools, tips, and techniques for birding by ear.

Photo by Kelly Colgan Azar

View Event →
Birding by Bike
Oct
9
4:00 PM16:00
Signature Field Trip

Birding by Bike

  • Nine Springs to Nevin Springs (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join us for an adventurous, unique way to enjoy hearing and seeing our feathered friends: Birding by bike! This outing will follow the Capital City Trail from Nine Springs/Lake Farm County Park area (trailhead parking lot) west to Nevin Springs, and back. Total distance biked is approximately 8 miles.

Photo by Brenna Marsicek/Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance

View Event →
Fair Meadows Birding Day
Oct
8
6:00 AM06:00
Fair Meadows, Signature Field Trip

Fair Meadows Birding Day

Come enjoy Fair Meadows Sanctuary during this monthly open house birding day! This 374 acre sanctuary and State Natural Area has many trails and habitats to explore. During this Birding Day, attendees can grab a map, wipe their boots, and hit the trails independently. No guided walks are provided.

Photo by Gary Shackelford

View Event →
Fall Prairies at Faville Grove
Sep
29
9:00 AM09:00
Signature Field Trip

Fall Prairies at Faville Grove

Prairies in fall can be spectacularly beautiful.  On this trip you will immerse yourself in the textures, colors, sounds, and smells of fall at Faville Grove. We will meet by the Kiosk at W7480 Prairie Lane, Lake Mills, and then tour the Prairie Lane restorations and take in the fall landscape with its autumn colors including late blooming wildflowers (such as gentians, asters, and goldenrods), talk about the role of seed collecting in our restorations, and more.

Photo by Jeff Pieterick

View Event →
Beyond Backyard Birding: Cherokee Marsh North (FULL)
Sep
28
7:30 AM07:30
Signature Field Trip, Beginning Birders

Beyond Backyard Birding: Cherokee Marsh North (FULL)

This field trip is full. Join the waiting list. This morning trip is especially for backyard birders looking to grow their skills! Come to have your bird questions answered and get help identifying all of those small, streaky brown birds! We'll also be keeping our eyes out for any exciting migrants and recently fledged birds! The walk will be on even trails at a leisurely pace so bring the whole family! We will have binoculars for loan.

Photo by Arlene Koziol

View Event →
Fair Meadows Birding Day
Sep
24
6:00 AM06:00
Fair Meadows, Signature Field Trip

Fair Meadows Birding Day

Come enjoy Fair Meadows Sanctuary during the Birding Day! This 374 acre sanctuary and State Natural Area has many trails and habitats to explore. During this Birding Day, attendees can grab a map, wipe their boots, and hit the trails independently. No guided walks are provided.

Fair Meadows Birding Days are held the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, except in November.

Photo by Gary Shackelford

View Event →
Swift Week: Cherokee Heights Middle School
Sep
14
6:30 PM18:30
Signature Field Trip, Family Friendly

Swift Week: Cherokee Heights Middle School

  • Cherokee Heights Middle School (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

New this year: In addition to Swift Night Out, the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, the Feminist Bird Club - Madison Chapter, and Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance will also be hosting informal get togethers each evening to watch the swifts. We’re calling it Swift Week!

Photo by Brenna Marsicek/SoWBA

View Event →
Swift Week: Cherokee Heights Middle School
Sep
11
6:30 PM18:30
Signature Field Trip, Family Friendly

Swift Week: Cherokee Heights Middle School

  • Cherokee Heights Middle School (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

New this year: In addition to Swift Night Out, the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, the Feminist Bird Club - Madison Chapter, and Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance will also be hosting informal get togethers each evening to watch the swifts. We’re calling it Swift Week!

Photo by Brenna Marsicek/SoWBA

View Event →
Monarch Tagging
Sep
11
9:30 AM09:30
Signature Field Trip, Special Event

Monarch Tagging

Monarchs make a huge migration each year, from Wisconsin (and even further north) all the way down to their winter grounds in Mexico. It is an incredible journey, and one that scientists are still studying. This monarch tagging event, one of the most celebrated activities Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance hosts, will teach you about the amazing monarch life history, migration, and conservation needs. We will teach you how to safely catch, handle, tag, and release a monarch, all in the name of science and love of nature.

Photo by Kaitlin Svabek / SoWBA

View Event →
Swift Week: Cherokee Heights Middle School
Sep
10
6:30 PM18:30
Signature Field Trip, Family Friendly

Swift Week: Cherokee Heights Middle School

  • Cherokee Heights Middle School (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

New this year: In addition to Swift Night Out, the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, the Feminist Bird Club - Madison Chapter, and Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance will also be hosting informal get togethers each evening to watch the swifts. We’re calling it Swift Week!

Photo by Brenna Marsicek/SoWBA

View Event →
Fair Meadows Birding Day
Sep
10
6:00 AM06:00
Fair Meadows, Signature Field Trip

Fair Meadows Birding Day

Come enjoy Fair Meadows Sanctuary during this monthly open house birding day! This 374 acre sanctuary and State Natural Area has many trails and habitats to explore. During this Birding Day, attendees can grab a map, wipe their boots, and hit the trails independently. No guided walks are provided.

Photo by Gary Shackelford

View Event →
Swift Week: Cherokee Heights Middle School
Sep
9
6:30 PM18:30
Signature Field Trip, Family Friendly

Swift Week: Cherokee Heights Middle School

  • Cherokee Heights Middle School (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

New this year: In addition to Swift Night Out, the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, the Feminist Bird Club - Madison Chapter, and Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance will also be hosting informal get togethers each evening to watch the swifts. We’re calling it Swift Week!

Photo by Brenna Marsicek/SoWBA

View Event →
Swift Week: Cherokee Heights Middle School
Sep
8
6:30 PM18:30
Signature Field Trip, Family Friendly

Swift Week: Cherokee Heights Middle School

  • Cherokee Heights Middle School (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

New this year: In addition to Swift Night Out, the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, the Feminist Bird Club - Madison Chapter, and Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance will also be hosting informal get togethers each evening to watch the swifts. We’re calling it Swift Week!

Photo by Brenna Marsicek/SoWBA

View Event →
Swift Night Out + Swift Week
Sep
7
6:00 PM18:00
Signature Field Trip, Family Friendly, Special Event

Swift Night Out + Swift Week

  • Cherokee Heights Middle School (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Swift Night Out returns this September, and we are collaborating with fellow bird-loving organizations to celebrate the incredible natural phenomenon of Chimney Swifts coming in to roost during migration! In addition to Swift Night Out, our organizations will also be hosting informal get togethers each evening to watch the swifts. We’re calling it Swift Week!

Hosted by BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, the Feminist Bird Club - Madison Chapter, and Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance.

Photo by Steve Benoit

View Event →
Monarch Tagging
Sep
7
9:30 AM09:30
Signature Field Trip, Special Event

Monarch Tagging

Monarchs make a huge migration each year, from Wisconsin (and even further north) all the way down to their winter grounds in Mexico. It is an incredible journey, and one that scientists are still studying. This monarch tagging event, one of the most celebrated activities Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance hosts, will teach you about the amazing monarch life history, migration, and conservation needs. We will teach you how to safely catch, handle, tag, and release a monarch, all in the name of science and love of nature.

Photo by Kaitlin Svabek / SoWBA

View Event →
Monarch Tagging
Sep
4
9:30 AM09:30
Signature Field Trip, Special Event

Monarch Tagging

Monarchs make a huge migration each year, from Wisconsin (and even further north) all the way down to their winter grounds in Mexico. It is an incredible journey, and one that scientists are still studying. This monarch tagging event, one of the most celebrated activities Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance hosts, will teach you about the amazing monarch life history, migration, and conservation needs. We will teach you how to safely catch, handle, tag, and release a monarch, all in the name of science and love of nature.

Photo by Michael Anderson

View Event →
Birding by Ear Meet-up (FULL)
Aug
28
8:30 AM08:30
Adult Education, Signature Field Trip

Birding by Ear Meet-up (FULL)

This field trip is full. Join the waiting list. Train yourself to listen for the birds rather than looking for them! Birding by Ear is a great way to practice your skills at bird ID using a totally different sense. Join Kaitlin Svabek and Becky Abel at Tenney Park, where you will walk the paths through the woods and prairie, and learn tools, tips, and techniques for birding by ear.

Photo by Courtney Celley/USFWS

View Event →
Fair Meadows Birding Day
Aug
13
6:00 AM06:00
Fair Meadows, Signature Field Trip

Fair Meadows Birding Day

Come enjoy Fair Meadows Sanctuary during this monthly open house birding day! This 374 acre sanctuary and State Natural Area has many trails and habitats to explore. During this Birding Day, attendees can grab a map, wipe their boots, and hit the trails independently. No guided walks are provided.

Photo by Gary Shackelford

View Event →
Odonates! Dragonfly and Damselfly Ecology and Identification
Aug
10
10:00 AM10:00
Signature Field Trip

Odonates! Dragonfly and Damselfly Ecology and Identification

Odonates are a fierce group of insects with highly variable coloration and habitat preferences. Dragonfly expert Bob Honig will discuss the life history and ecological importance of dragonflies and damselflies. Then we’ll explore Goose Pond’s prairies and identify as many species as we are able!

Photo by Arlene Koziol

View Event →
Field Trip for Kids: Insect Detectives!
Aug
8
9:30 AM09:30
Family Friendly, Signature Field Trip

Field Trip for Kids: Insect Detectives!

Grab the kids and join us for a fun morning outdoors learning about nature in our Family Field Trip series this summer! On August 8, we’re focusing on insects! These field trips are designed to be fun and educational for families with kids. Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance educators will pair some of our school year lessons and games to make these outings not just informational but memorable and silly all in one.

Photo by Carolyn Byers/SoWBA

View Event →