The Mississippi is a major migration route for numerous birds and the rugged bluffs make this breathtaking scenery a beautiful spot for a spring adventure. Observe hawks, warblers (including yellow-throated), lots of other birds, and a few spring wildflowers.

Photo by Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance

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 Brenna Marsicek/SoWBA

Join us as we walk the trails of this mature hardwood forest, much of which is part of the Olson Oak Woods State Natural Area, looking for a variety of migrating warblers, thrushes, tanagers, orioles, and others. There will be some up- and downhill hiking, although we will move at a leisurely pace.

Photo by Kelly Colgan Azar

Fair Meadows Sanctuary and State Natural Area is full of vibrant bird life! Come explore this incredible sanctuary and learn about the birds that use the many habitats found here.

Photo by Gary Shackelford

With over two dozen warblers moving in and through Madison this time of year, we always have fun tallying up how many we can find! Early orioles or lingering waterfowl are also a possibility. Those new to birding and to experienced birders are welcome.

Photo by David Rihn

With over two dozen warblers moving in and through Madison this time of year, we always have fun tallying up how many we can find! Join us for an early morning walk to look for colorful warblers and other spring migrants.

Photo by Arlene Koziol

With over two dozen warblers moving in and through Madison this time of year, we always have fun tallying up how many we can find! Come enjoy the sunrise from the Arboretum and listen to the morning chorus.

Photo by Monica Hall

Join us for an evening stroll that is filled with the evening sounds of nature. Frogs, toads, and evening-active birds are calling heartily this time of year, and because each species has their own unique sound, we can identify which species are present even without seeing them.

Cover photo by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren

This field trip is full. Join the waiting list. Birding is a fun, rewarding hobby — but can be a bit intimidating to get into! This Beginning Birders event is designed to give you an easy, welcoming entry-point to birding. We will walk slowly through the Arboretum, looking and listening for birds, identifying the ones we find, and talking about how to tell them apart. No pressure, no judgement, just fun!

Photo by Rob Streiffer

Olympia Marble butterflies have been frequent in previous springs where there are sandy barrens along this trail. There was a timber harvest this winter which may reduce the number of all butterfly species in the area due to habitat disruption. Bring binoculars if you have them (close-focusing ones work best). We will begin on the south loop of the trail. If there’s time, we will continue along the loop north of Turtleville Road.

Photo by Peter Gorman

With over two dozen warblers moving in and through Madison this time of year, we always have fun tallying up how many we can find! Early orioles or lingering waterfowl are also a possibility. Those new to birding and to experienced birders are welcome.

Photo by Kelly Colgan Azar

With over two dozen warblers moving in and through Madison this time of year, we always have fun tallying up how many we can find! Join us for an early morning walk to look for colorful warblers and other spring migrants.

Cover photo by Phil Brown

With over two dozen warblers moving in and through Madison this time of year, we always have fun tallying up how many we can find! Come enjoy the sunrise from the Arboretum and listen to the morning chorus.

Photo by Monica Hall

The number of different species present in a small area can be remarkable! Join us for a “sit,” where we’ll remain in one spot while looking and listening for any birds who might be in the area. This trip is designed to be intentionally inclusive and accessible for birders of all skill levels (beginners welcome!).

Photo via Pixabay

Join fellow bird lovers of all skill levels on a slow-paced walk at Fish Camp County Park to listen and look for birds! Fish Camp County Park in McFarland is located along the shores of Lake Kegonsa, with trees, native prairie plantings, and wetlands all in the park. We expect to find lots of great migrating and resident bird species. We’ll walk on paved trails and board walk to enjoy this natural area.

Photo by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren

May is a great month to explore New Glarus Woods State Park. Birders of all skill levels are welcome! We will hike the south side of the park through mature woods and restored prairies. Come see what spring migrants are visiting. The park is normally home to a variety of woodpeckers, songbirds, and wildlife such as deer, squirrels and turkeys. Best for hikers in good physical condition.

Photo by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren

With over two dozen warblers moving in and through Madison this time of year, we always have fun tallying up how many we can find! Come enjoy the sunrise from the Arboretum and listen to the morning chorus.

Photo by Cynthia Bridge

Birding is a fun, rewarding hobby — but can be a bit intimidating to get into! This Beginning Birders event is designed to give you an easy, welcoming entry-point to birding. We will walk slowly through the Arboretum, looking and listening for birds, identifying the ones we find, and talking about how to tell them apart. No pressure, no judgement, just fun!

Photo by Rob Streiffer

In a celebration of early summer, we'll hike the paths to listen, see, and smell the natural world on what should be a warm summer’s eve. This is the peak time of the year to see bats, glowworms and fireflies, and hear the calls of owls in the woods and the frogs, toads and night birds of the ponds and marshes. The spectacular display of fireflies at this site alone is worth the hike, and we may also get to hear the calls of coyotes nearby.

Photo by Gary Shackelford

Join fellow bird lovers of all skill levels on a slow-paced walk at Fish Camp County Park to listen and look for birds! Fish Camp County Park in McFarland is located along the shores of Lake Kegonsa, with trees, native prairie plantings, and wetlands all in the park. We expect to find lots of great migrating and resident bird species. We’ll walk on paved trails and board walk to enjoy this natural area.

Photo by Arlene Koziol

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

Fair Meadows Sanctuary is full of diverse life in the summer! Join us for a hike through the prairies to see and learn about the plants in bloom, the insects that buzz around them, and the birds that nest, forage, and rest in these habitats.

Photo by Gary Shackelford

On this midsummer morning walk, we’ll observe and learn about butterflies, those exquisitely beautiful creatures that dance around us in summer. We will observe a variety of butterflies as they take nectar from wildflowers, and learn about their identification, behavior, and lifestyle.

Cover photo by Arlene Koziol

Join us for a summer evening to watch Barn Swallows feeding and coming into the barn to roost for the evening, and counting bats coming out for their nightly foraging! This exciting, marvelous event is part of the Wisconsin Bat Program surveys coordinated by the Wisconsin DNR.

Photo by Jared Kelly FCC

Dragonflies are a fascinating and exciting group of animals to observe, and Fair Meadows Sanctuary has them in spades! Join us for a field trip that focuses on spotting, identifying, and learning about the many dragonfly species that call Fair Meadows home.

Photo by Gary Shackelford

Join fellow bird lovers of all skill levels on a slow-paced walk at Fish Camp County Park to listen and look for birds! Fish Camp County Park in McFarland is located along the shores of Lake Kegonsa, with trees, native prairie plantings, and wetlands all in the park. We expect to find lots of great migrating and resident bird species. We’ll walk on paved trails and board walk to enjoy this natural area.

Photo by Arlene Koziol

Grab the kids and join us for a fun morning outdoors learning about nature! Read a great pond-related children’s book, learn about what lives in a pond, learn how to and try dipping for pond critters, use magnifying glasses to see the critters close-up.

Photo by Carolyn Byers/SoWBA

Join fellow bird lovers of all skill levels on a slow-paced walk at Fish Camp County Park to listen and look for birds! Fish Camp County Park in McFarland is located along the shores of Lake Kegonsa, with trees, native prairie plantings, and wetlands all in the park. We expect to find lots of great migrating and resident bird species. We’ll walk on paved trails and board walk to enjoy this natural area.

Photo by Kelly Colgan Azar

Smith-Reiner Drumlin Prairie is a small parcel owned and managed by The Prairie Enthusiasts and a State Natural Area. It has 13 acres of remnant prairie between the two glacial drumlins. The drumlins will be covered with rough and cylindrical blazing stars and the valleys in between will have gay feather. This should be a monarch and grassland bird hotspot. Gentians and other prairie specialist flowers will also be blooming. This is a trip in conjunction with Southern Wisconsin Butterfly Association and The Prairie Enthusiasts.

Photo by Joshua Mayer

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

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

September is a great month to explore New Glarus Woods State Park. Birders of all skill levels are welcome! We will hike the south side of the park through mature woods and restored prairies. Come see what fall migrants are visiting. The park is normally home to a variety of woodpeckers, songbirds, and wildlife such as deer, squirrels and turkeys. Best for hikers in good physical condition.

Photo by Mick Thompson

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

This morning trip is especially for new 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

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

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

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

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