Bird & Nature Blog

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A Beginner's Guide to Spotting Scopes

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It’s hard to believe it is already August, but here we are. Fall migration started to pick up in mid-July as shorebirds, our earliest southward migrants, began to arrive. Later this month—likely late or mid-August—we can expect to see some warblers and other migrating passerines come through, so keep your eyes peeled and study up on those fall plumages.

One of the perks of fall migration is just how extended it feels. Spring can come and go in a flash, but fall migration lingers. You might be wondering how you can make the most of it as a beginning birder, and one of the questions that’s likely crossed your mind as you think about fall’s incoming shorebirds and waterfowl is, “Do I need a spotting scope?”

I can’t answer this question for you—only you can decide if it’s worth the investment. But in this week’s blog entry, I will address some things you should consider if you’ve been internally debating this question. I’ll also have some tips for how to make the most of your birding without a scope.

Photo by Caitlyn Schuchhardt

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The Energy 202

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The Energy 202

Please use this link to read a letter that 41 fishing and hunting organizations just sent to Congressional leaders asking that Congress take some immediate and specific steps to substantially increase carbon sequestration and reduce the release of carbon. The actions will also improve and increase wildlife habitat and water quality. Just about all of these steps will also help many, many species of native plants, pollinators, and birds.

For some of these organizations, the letter represents a huge step forward in their public lobbying on the critical need to address our changed climate now.

Topf Wells, Madison Audubon board member and advocacy committee chair

Cover photo by Brenna Marsicek

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Birds by Bike at Zeloski Marsh

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If you’ve been following my posts this summer, you might remember some of my tips for keeping your summer birding fresh—literally. As a way to beat the heat, I’ve been out birding-by-bike so I can keep a nice breeze on my face and stay cool. It’s been ideal in this pandemic too, since one of the safest places to be is outside.

If you’ve been finding that some outdoor destinations are too crowded for your liking, I’ve got a recommendation for you. It checks a lot of boxes:

  • Ideal for social distancing (I’ve never seen anyone else there on my visits!)

  • Easily accessible by foot or by bike

  • Close to other fun destinations, making it perfect for a lil’ day trip excursion

  • Gorgeous habitat

  • Full of birds!!!

Where exactly is this fun birding hotspot? It’s Zeloski Marsh, in nearby Jefferson County!

Photo by Caitlyn Schuchhardt

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Fun in the Faville Grove sun

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Prior to the internship my knowledge about south-central Wisconsin native and non-native plants, birds, and conservation techniques was very limited. Now, several weeks in, I have learned a variety of prairie, woodland, savanna, and wetland plants. Naming and identifying plants are skills that needs to be practiced over and over to eventually be engraved into you.

Photo by Josh Rohrer

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Searching for dragons and damsels

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Searching for dragons and damsels

This year and next year we're going to put a special emphasis on dragonflies and damselflies. Our goal with your help is to find as many species as possible at Goose Pond, Erstad Prairie/Schoenberg Marsh, and Otsego Marsh.

Could you help us search, identify, and tally them? This is an independently completed citizen science project. Details and guidance are below!

Photo by Graham Steinhauer