Bird & Nature Blog

2022 Christmas Bird Count Results: South-Central Wisconsin

Southern Wisconsin is full of bird enthusiast. So it’s no surprise that each year, this part of the state turns out a great set of Christmas Bird Counts. In 2022, 10 counts were done within the Madison Audubon chapter area (which encompasses 10 counties), coordinated independently and put on by excellent volunteers. Below are the results of the most recent Christmas Bird Counts in our area.

Photo by Mick Thompson

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Kindness, Love, and Care

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Kindness, Love, and Care

I think Madison Audubon's grappling with the John James Audubon legacy and deciding to change the Chapter's name is also motivated by kindness, love, and care. We want to reach out to everyone in our community with care and kindness and share our love of the natural world. We can't share that love and extend a hand of kindness and camaraderie if we ignore the effects of Audubon's cruelty and racism. Madison Audubon’s staff and board have certainly been extraordinarily careful in their consideration of Audubon's history and the pain it still causes today.

Photo by Arlene Koziol

A better future for local bird conservation

Birds are the heart of Madison Audubon’s mission, and they always will be. Protecting and restoring habitats, reducing dangers to our feathered friends in urban areas, and creating spaces to share in the joy of nature together are essential. We need all the support, from all the people who care, to build a better future for the birds we love.

Photo by Mike Budd/USFWS Midwest

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Beauty and Guilt

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The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel revealed yesterday what southern Wisconsin birders have known for several days.  The Lake Michigan shoreline in Milwaukee is hosting a male Mandarin Duck, arguably the world's most spectacular and beautiful duck.  

If you don't want to drive to Milwaukee and join dozens of other birders, check out the photos below. WOW, WOW, WOW.

Photo by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren