Last week, I shared an overview of the incredibly diverse selection of waterfowl that will be visiting us over the next few months. And in the span of a week, things are already ramping up! Out at Goose Pond Sanctuary, tundra swans have arrived, greater white-fronted geese have joined the Canada geese, and a dozen species of ducks are mixed in among them all. Waterfowl migration season is truly here.

Having a general idea of what to expect on the water is one thing, but knowing how to pick out and identify individual species is another. For us newer birders (heck, probably for some experienced folks too!), IDing waterfowl can feel overwhelming. There’s so much variety, not only in species but in the types of viewing conditions you’ll face.

This week’s Entryway to Birding blog has your back. Don’t let those ducks intimidate you! We’ve got all advice you’ll need to sort through a raft of mixed ducks with ease—with or without a scope!

Welcome to sparrow season! If you’ve been birding through the spring and summer, you’ve likely seen several species of sparrows already. Fall migration adds a few more sparrows to the mix, and October is the prime time to see some uncommon migrant sparrow species. It’s also when we’ll get an influx of our “winter” sparrows that will spend the next few months with us.

To the eyes of a new birder, sparrows can look frustratingly similar. Brown, small, streaky, and often elusive. Not only are they well-camouflaged and tough to spot, they often dive into the low, thick grass or brush before you can even get a glimpse. But patience and perseverance and some good ol’ slow birding can be your friend. This week’s Entryway to Birding blog brings you tips for sorting out sparrows, techniques for how to find them, a few recommendations of places to go.

One of the things I love most about birding is how it’s taken me to new places, to new destinations that I might not have visited before. I’ve veered off the beaten path in search of new birds and it’s opened my eyes to the breadth of Wisconsin’s public lands. From state natural areas to state wildlife areas to state parks and more, Wisconsin has endless opportunities to get outside. Many of these areas are open to in-season hunting, but also to birders, wildlife-seekers, and other adventurers looking for new natural areas to appreciate.

If you’re venturing out this fall, we encourage that you go prepared—fall is also when many hunting seasons begin and there are a few things you should consider to keep yourself and others safe this time of year. Birders and hunters can absolutely co-exist and share these spaces that we all love, but it requires that you be informed and prepared. That’s what this week’s Entryway to Birding blog is here for—we’re bringing you some safety tips on everything from what to wear, to the best time of day to venture out, to what to do if you encounter hunters in the field.