Bird & Nature Blog

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6 conservation lessons from a COVID spring

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A set of lessons is of particular concern to conservationists and policymakers in Wisconsin. We can't help but see how important the outdoors are to everyone at a time of crisis, worry, and misery. As the plague started, people wanted to be outside. While some pursued favorite activities like birding or fishing, many just wanted to be outside walking and surrounded by Nature's variety and beauty. These walks and outings became a consistent and safe consolation. Backyards, neighborhoods, and small municipal parks were certainly important for folks, but a huge number of us hungered for bigger, more varied, and more beautiful places. Places we could—at least temporarily—lose ourselves and the burdensome consciousness of all that was going wrong and might get worse.

Here are the top 6 lessons I think we as a nature-loving community have learned or should learn through our rollercoaster experience with COVID-19.

Madison Audubon photo

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From New Birder to eBirder: 7 Reasons Why You Should be on eBird

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If you’ve been following the Entryway to Birding blog, you’ve likely caught me waxing poetic about the wonders of eBird, a citizen science platform for recording bird observations. When I was first introduced to birding, all the wonders and curiosities of the bird-world unfurled before me. But getting introduced to eBird? That’s what gave me the tools and confidence to explore that new and exciting world, and my birding hasn’t been the same since.

This week’s blog is for all of you who might be curious about eBird and all of its potential. eBird has a wealth of resources to offer you, and you likely have more than you expect to offer it in return.

Read on for 7 reasons why you should get started eBirding today!

Photo by Caitlyn Schuchhardt

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Protecting Jefferson Marsh Wildlife Area

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Protecting Jefferson Marsh Wildlife Area

Dear Board Members,

On behalf of Madison Audubon Society (MAS), I respectfully ask your support of the addition of 75.42 acres to the Jefferson Marsh State Wildlife Area and State Natural Area. MAS has approximately 3,200 members in ten counties in south central Wisconsin, including many in Jefferson County. We own and manage major wildlife sanctuary lands that feature remnant and restored prairies, wetlands, and savannas just to the north of the Jefferson Marsh.

Photo by Joshua Mayer

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Your Piece of the Puzzle

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On June 9, the Madison Audubon office staff donned face masks and binoculars and headed out to tromp around Madison Audubon’s Otsego Marsh and tour our newest land acquisition, the Reierson parcel.

Before we talk about the new land purchase, I just have to share a little about the pre-existing natural area, in particular, Hawkos Pond. This 32-acre marsh is the the centerpiece of the Otsego Marsh preserve and is not only gorgeous, it’s vibrantly alive with native wildlife, along with the woodlands surrounding it.

Madison Audubon photo

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Goodbye Spring Migration, Hello Breeding Season!

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Each and every season brings something special for birders. This past March, April, and May was a flurry of excitement as migrating birds made their way through Wisconsin. As we’ve rounded the corner into June, things have started to settle down. Many of our migrating visitors have continued to move northward to their breeding grounds, while those who call Wisconsin home have started to nest.

As a new birder, it’s been fascinating to watch this shift. I have found that while I am seeing fewer species than I was just a few weeks ago, the behaviors of the birds are changing. I’m seeing them do things that I’ve never seen before, and it’s brought a whole new level of wonder and appreciation for birds and all they do.

So how should a new birder navigate this changing of the season? This week’s Entryway to Birding blog takes a look at the challenges and opportunities that June, July, and August will bring—and how this season can give your birding skills an edge!

Photo by Brandyn Kerscher