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2011 Field Trip Committee: Levi Wood, Peter Fissel, Peter Gorman
Click Here for a quick 2011 Field Trips and Activities Summary List to View or Print Also check out Jefferson/Dodge County Bird Walks (affiliated with MAS)
Mark these dates on your calendar and join us on these outings! Field trips and Activites are free, open to non-members, families, and children, and no sign-up is required unless noted. Enjoy birds, nature, and outdoor education in the company of folks who can help you appreciate more of the world we share. We will try to stick to this schedule, but unforeseen circumstances may cause changes. Voluntary carpooling at take-off locations is encouraged, carpool riders are expected to share expenses with drivers.
Click the Month names below to expand the list to show field trips and activities detail that has been posted so far. Details about meeting times, directions and contacts are published in this page below, and in the current CAWS newsletter, as they become available, usually a month or so in advance. Also check the Home Page Calendar and the Message Board for any last minute updates and additional special field trips.
JANUARY Field Trips
| Saturday | January 8 | Wisconsin River Raptors | Marty Evanson
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Come watch eagles soar over the
Wisconsin River! Marty Evanson
will lead this trip to Sauk Prairie
to search for soaring raptors and
other wintering birds. Likely
finds include Bald Eagle, Roughlegged
Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk,
and American Kestrel. Other
possibilities include Cooper’s
Hawk, Northern Harrier, and
Northern Shrike. We will check
the river and Prairie du Sac dam
for waterfowl and gulls. You may
want to bring a snack as the trip
will last until noon. If you have a
scope, please bring it along. Dress
appropriately for the weather.
We will meet at 8 a.m. to carpool
from the parking lot of Copp’s
Supermarket at 6800 Century Ave.
in Middleton. Riders are expected
to share expenses with drivers.
Contact Marty Evanson (608) 271-
6846 with questions.
| | Tuesday | January 18 | Free Public Presentation: Documentary Film on Faville
Grove | Charles Johannsen
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“Aldo Leopold at Faville Grove” is the
story of the beginnings of prairie preservation–
of Professor Leopold’s work in the
1930s and 40s near Lake Mills, Wisconsin,
that culminated in the purchase of a high quality
remnant prairie. Madison Audubon’s work in restoring
land contiguous to the Faville Prairie is
documented here, from the first calls for
restoration to the aftermath of the 2008
flood. Join us Tuesday Jan 18, 7:30pm at Capitol Lakes Retirement Community for this fascinating history and educational film! See the CAWS at href="http://madisonaudubon.org/audubon/news/2011January.pdf for details
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FEBRUARY Field Trips
| Fri-Sat-Sun | February 11-13 | Garden Expo, Green Landscaping, Chimney Swifts
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Celebrate the latest trends in gardening and landscaping, gain inspiration,
think green in the midst of winter – and learn about Chimney Swifts at our
Madison Audubon display – all at Wisconsin Public Television’s 18th annual
Garden Expo at the Alliant Energy Center, Madison. If you would like to help out and get a free pass, please contact 'audubonvolunteer@mailbag.com'
| | Fri-Sat-Sun-Mon | February 18-21 | Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) | Sign up to participate! Or join one of the events below!
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Bird watchers of all ages will be counting birds from Friday-Monday, Feb.
18-21, to create a real-time snapshot of where birds are across the continent.
Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts, at your home, school, workplace, or wherever it's fun and convenient to do a little birdwatching. Watching a backyard feeder from a warm window with friends or kids is ideal. It takes as
little as 15 minutes on one day, or you can count for as often or as long as you like each
day of the event. Even a little bit helps collect valuable scientific data. It’s free, fun, and easy—and it helps the birds. See the Feb. CAWS link on the MadisonAudubon.org home page, or visit http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/
| | Sat | February 19 | GBBC Bird Count Event at the Arboretum | Peter Fissel
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Have you always wanted to
participate in the annual Great
Backyard Bird Count, but weren’t
quite sure how to go about counting
birds? Join Madison Audubon Field
Trip Coordinator Peter Fissel to see
how it’s done. We’ll try to see how
many birds we can find in part of the
UW Arboretum, and you’ll learn just
how to go about counting them and
entering the data.
Meet at the Wingra Woods parking
lot at 9:00 a.m. (enter from the east
off Mills St. at Haywood Dr. - if you
come in from the west entrance off
Seminole Hwy, you’ll have to walk
up the road from the McKay Center
parking lot.) We’ll hike down to
the springs, then check the woods
and walk McCaffrey Dr. to see what
might be on the crabapple trees in
Longenecker Gardens.
Dress warmly
and wear appropriate footgear for
hiking in snow (or bring snowshoes
if you have them.) The walk will
last 1-2 hours, depending on how
much we’re seeing. In the event of
inclement weather (heavy snow or
frigid windchills), the alternate date
will be Sunday, Feb. 20, at the same
time & location. Contact leader Peter
Fissel at pfissel@library.wisc.edu
or (608) 226-0260 if you have any
questions.
| | Sat | February 19 | GBBC Bird Count Event at Cherokee Marsh | Paul Noeldner
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Here's another opportunity to
participate and learn about the annual Great
Backyard Bird Count, as part of a group.
Madison Audubon Membership and Outreach Chair Paul Noeldner will bring birding aids to help you learn about how to do a GBBC count and enter the data. He needs your help to spot those birds!
Meet at the Cherokee Marsh parking
lot at 9:00 a.m., on the access road
at the very north end of Sherman avenue.
Call 608-698-0104 if you get lost.
The first hour will be a hike around a
relatively easy trail loop from the parking
lot through the woods to the lake watching
for Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Chicadees and other species.
We might get lucky and see a Robin or Bluebird, since
they are known to sometimes overwinter in the area,
Then we'll check out
the lake shoreline for Bald Eagles and any
winter-hardy waterfowl seeking open water around
springs that empty into the lake,
and complete the loop back over and around the small hill and
along the prairie to the parking lot looking for Hawks, Shrikes and other
winter birds and wildlife across the open areas.
The second hour or so will be an optional stop
at Audubon member Jeanne Mawbey's house on County CV that
backs on Cherokee Marsh. Jeanne has graciously offered to
let folks have an 'at home' GBBC experience watching birds from the
warmth of her living room. She's seen as many as 17 Cardinals at a time
and we also enjoyed her wonderfully active feeders during the
Christmas Bird Count.
Dress warmly
and wear appropriate footgear for
hiking in snow (or bring snowshoes
if you have them.) The walk and the living room
watch will each
last about 1 hour, depending on how
much we’re seeing. In the event of
inclement weather (heavy snow or
frigid windchills), the alternate date
will be Sunday, Feb. 20, at the same
time & location. Contact leader Paul
Noeldner at paul_noeldner@hotmail.com
or call 608-698-0104
if you have any questions.
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MARCH Field Trips
| Saturday | March 5 | Early Spring Migrants | Steve Thiessen & Max Witynski
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Steve Thiessen and Max Witynski will lead this early morning field trip to Mud Lake in McFarland. Mud Lake is usually the first body of water to thaw in our area, so it attracts good concentrations of spring migrating waterfowl.
We will meet at 7 a.m. at the south end of Lewis Lane in McFarland. Bring a scope if you have one. For more information call Steve at (608) 873-3323.
| | Wednesday | March 16 | Conservation Conversations
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Each year on Conservation Lobby Day, conservation
voters from every corner of the state head to the state Capitol to meet with
legislators for some “conservation conversations.” In addition to one-on-one
meetings with your state representative and senator, you’ll have the chance
to attend trainings, meet like-minded conservationists, and learn more about
Wisconsin’s growing conservation movement. This will be a critical year to have
these discussions with legislators and help support birds and habitat.
You won’t want to miss it.
Lots more details
to follow (including the unveiling of the new Conservation Priorities). Visit
Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters at http://www.wisconsinvoters.org
| | Sunday | March 27 | Spring Birding at Rose Lake | Nolan Kollath & Brad Webb
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Rose Lake State Natural Area is a hidden gem acquired by Jefferson County with assistance from Madison Audubon. For a description of Rose Lake and what we expect to see on this trip, click on Sanctuaries on the MAS web site. We hope to see many ducks, geese (including Greater White-fronted), cranes and shorebirds. In addition to the lake, we will tour woodlot and prairie habitats.
Rose Lake is adjacent to Dorothy Carnes County Park, which is just west of Fort Atkinson off US Hwy. 12. The only entrance is well marked. Meet in the parking lot at 9 a.m. and stay as long as you like. If you have questions, contact Nolan Kollath at (920) 648-3842 or nkollath@charter.net Co-led by Brad Webb (Brad@Theropod.org)
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APRIL Field Trips
| Saturday | April 2 | Spring Birds of Columbia Co. | Tony Kalenic & Carol Anderson
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Tony Kalenic and Carol Anderson will lead this car birding trip through northern Dane and southern Columbia counties to look for early spring migrants and late winter birds. We hope to see migrating swans, geese and other water birds.
Meet to carpool at 8 a.m. in the parking lot of the Copp’s supermarket at 6800 Century Ave. in Middleton. You can also join the group at 9:30 a.m. at Goose Pond. Bring your binoculars, a scope if you have one, and a snack, as the trip may last to early afternoon. Call Tony and Carol at (608) 249-8836 for questions.
| | Saturday | April 9 | Spring Birding at Lake Farm Park | Pat Ready
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Spring has sprung! This field trip focuses on birding the Lake Farm County Park area and nearby open water. Lake Waubesa and Upper Mud Lake should have a variety of ducks. On the trails we may find Yellow-rumped Warblers, phoebes, thrushes and a variety of sparrows. Bring a scope for viewing the lake.
This trip will be from 9-11 a.m. Meet at the No. 1 shelter parking lot. Take South Town Rd. south from the Beltline to Moorland Rd. and turn left. Continue to Libby Rd. and turn left again. The shelter lot is a few blocks up on your left. Call Pat Ready at (608) 873-1703 for more info.
| | Saturday | April 9 | Beginning Birding | Al Holzhueter
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Each spring, MAS sponsors many birding field trips, and though the leaders attempt to help new birders, it is not always possible to answer all of their questions. Picnic Point will be the site for beginners to get their questions answered. This area, at the west end of the UW campus, offers varied habitats and a good opportunity to observe a variety of waterfowl and small birds.
We will meet next to the bus shelter in the parking lot by the 1918 Marsh (across from the entrance to Picnic Point) at 7:30 a.m. Questions? Call Allen Holzhueter at (608) 238-0546. Also offered April 23
| | Thursday | April 28 | Frogs Night Out (rescheduled from April 14) Bob Hay
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Bring a sense of adventure on this trip, cosponsored by Wisconsin Wetlands Association, as you look at the world from a different perspective—through sounds. Besides listening for a variety of frog calls, participants will learn about frog lifestyles and wetlands ecology.
The Frog's Night Out field trip has been rescheduled for Thursday, April 28th. Meet at Mazomanie Wildlife Area at 6:45 p.m. This field trip is being made possible with a partnership with Natural Resources Foundation. NRF is asking for visitors to pre-register on-line at: http://guest.cvent.com/d/6dq6x9/1Q. There is also a $10 fee for adults and $5 for children under 15. Contact leader Bob Hay at (608)829-3123 with questions.
Meet at the Mazomanie Wildlife Area at 6:45 p.m. From Hwy. 14 in Mazomanie, drive north on County Hwy. Y for about four miles. Just before the highway bends to the east (right), turn left on Law’s Dr. Travel on the access road about a quarter mile and turn left onto the first gravel road. Follow this about one and a half miles until it deadends at a parking lot. Bring a flashlight and dress for wet conditions. The trip will be canceled if the daytime high temperature is below 45°F or in the event of very strong winds or heavy rain. Call trip leader Bob Hay only if you have questions. (608) 829-3123.
| | Friday | April 15 | Evening at Schoeneberg's Marsh and Erstad Prairie | Mark & Sue Martin
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Come join us for an evening birding tour at Erstad Prairie - Schoeneberg Marsh Waterfowl Production Area. Water conditions are still high from last year and water levels probably will increase with snow melt. The high water should provide ideal habitat for wetland birds. If you have not visited the area lately you are in for a change. Harvey Road has been abandoned shortly after our parking lot and the Fish and Wildlife Service has established a hiking trail off Priem Road. We will hike the abandoned road and also hike the trail off Priem Road.
Meet at our parking lot on Harvey Road at 6:30 p.m. Directions: From the intersection of Highways 22, 51, and 60 in North Leeds about 2 miles northeast of Goose Pond, go east on Highway 60 for one mile then turn left (north) on Harvey Road for .75 miles to the parking lot. To reach the parking lot for the Priem Road trail go left (north) on Harvey Road for .5 miles and turn left (west) on Priem Road for about .25 miles. If you have questions, contact Mark or Sue Foote-Martin at goosep@chorus.net or (608) 635-4160.
| | Saturday | April 16 | Ice Age Trail (Once Around the Sink and Down the Drain) | Gary Werner
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We’ll look for returning waterfowl and grassland birds at Shoveler’s Sink, stroll through the gorge cut by glacial meltwater at the Cross Plains Ice Age National Scientific Reserve, and search for pasque flowers on the bluffs above. This 3-mile walk traces the contrasting landscape of glaciated and unglaciated (Driftless Area) terrain along the route of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
Wear sturdy boots; bring binoculars, water, and food; and dress for the weather. Meet at 9 a.m. at the intersection of Cleveland Rd. and Old Sauk Pass. This is about three-fourths of a mile south of U.S. Hwy. 14 in the Town of Cross Plains. Contact trip leader Gary Werner of the Dane County Chapter, Ice Age Park & Trail Foundation, at (608) 249-7870 with questions.
| | Dates Will Be Announced | See link to Website below | Jefferson-Dodge Bird Walk | Jefferson-Dodge Team
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Despite the cold, April is not all that far away! We will be starting the fourth season of the successful Jefferson and Dodge County Birdwalks as soon as April arrives. The walks will be led by experienced birders. Leaders include Nolan Kollath, lifelong birder and former instructor at Madison Area Technical College, Watertown; Karen Etter Hale, Executive Secretary, Madison Audubon Society; and Brad and Royan Webb, members of the Horicon Marsh Bird Club. The walks are affiliated with the Madison Audubon Society. Jefferson and Dodge counties have thousands of acres of prime bird watching habitat. Our first rule is “go where the birds are” so we choose walk sites close to the scheduled date.
We keep you updated by posts on our website, http://www.theropod.org/walks.html. We will again be holding our walks on the third weekend of the month, April through September. You can join our mailing list at the website and be notified of all upcoming walks as soon as they are planned. We won’t give out any information you provide and only use the list to keep people informed about the walks. We had a lot of fun with good birds, good company and pleasant walks last year. We’d be happy to have you join us this year for more of the same. All experience levels are welcome.
| | Sunday | April 17 | Visit Faville Grove Sanctuary West | Lars Higdon
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Experience Madison Audubon Society’s Faville Grove Sanctuary with sanctuary ecologist and land steward, Lars Higdon. Participants will hike through northwestern Jefferson County’s recessional glacial terrain while viewing its attendant array of plant communities (wetland, prairie, sedge meadow, perched tamarack bog, fen, savanna, and woodland). We expect to see Sandhill Cranes, various migratory waterfowl and songbirds, hawks, grassland birds and other resident species. It is not unusual to see at least one flock of cormorants enroute to Green Bay.
The field trip will last 2-3 hours. Meet at the west unit of the sanctuary at 7:15 a.m. From Madison, travel east on I-94 to the Lake Mills/Waterloo exit, then go 3 miles north on Hwy. 89 to the old farmstead at N7710 Hwy. 89. If you have questions, call Lars at (608) 220-9563.
| | Friday | April 22 | Evening at Cherokee Marsh | Tony Kalenic & Levi Wood
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We‘ll see cranes, observe the courtship flight of woodcock and snipe, and see several spring migrants.
Meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Cherokee Marsh parking lot at the north end of Sherman Ave., on Madison’s north side. Waterproof footwear is recommended. Trip leaders are Levi Wood and Tony Kalenic. For questions, call Levi at (608) 277-7959.
| | Saturday | April 23 | Beginning Birding | Al Holzhueter
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Each spring, MAS sponsors many birding field trips, and though the leaders attempt to help new birders, it is not always possible to answer all of their questions. Picnic Point will be the site for beginners to get their questions answered. This area, at the west end of the UW campus, offers varied habitats and a good opportunity to observe a variety of waterfowl and small birds.
We will meet next to the bus shelter in the parking lot by the 1918 Marsh (across from the entrance to Picnic Point) at 7:30 a.m. Questions? Call Allen Holzhueter at (608) 238-0546. Also offered April 9
| | Saturday | April 23 | Baraboo Hills Spring Wildflowers and Birds | Mike Mossman
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8-11am. Come enjoy the forest wildflowers and early spring birds at Devils Lake State Park. We’ll walk up Messenger Creek, from its outlet at the lake, along its marshy beaver impoundment, and through a rocky glen to its spring source. This is a good place for spring ephemerals and early-arriving breeders such as Winter Wren, Eastern Phoebe and Louisiana Waterthrush. Your guide will be Mike Mossman, local DNR ecologist.
To get there: from Sauk City, drive 10 miles north on Hwy 12, turn right on Ski-Hi Rd., go 1 mile then turn right (south) on South Shore Rd, and follow it as it winds down to the SW corner of the lake. Park in the lot on the right, just after crossing Messenger Creek near its outflow and before reaching the boat landing. A state park sticker is required. The path is typically muddy, rocky and wet, so wear appropriate footwear. If questions, call Mike Mossman at 608-544-5501 (michael.mossman@wi.gov).
| | Wednesday | April 27 | Turville Point Spring Ephemerals | Russ Hefty
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Turville Point has one of Madison's best displays of spring ephemeral wildflowers. It also is the largest remaining area of natural shoreline on Lake Monona which benefits a wide variety of wildlife. Learn about current oak woodland restoration efforts in the park.
Meet at the parking lot closest to the stop lights at Olin Ave, and John Nolen Drive at 6:30p.m. Russ Hefty (608) 267-4918
| | Thursday | April 28 | Warbler Walk at Pheasant Branch | Mike McDowell and Aaron Stutz
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Join us for the first of MAS’s early morning warbler walks. We will be looking for migrating warblers as well as vireos, thrushes, tanagers and whatever else flies by.
Meet at 6 a.m. and park at the dead-end that leads up to Parisi Park near where Park Lawn St. meets Park St., Middleton. Mike McDowell (608) 831-9989 or mike@birddigiscoper.com and Aaron Stutz
| | Saturday | April 30 | Birding at Wyalusing State Park | Quentin Yoerger & Charles Naeseth
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Quentin Yoerger and Charles Naeseth will lead this trip to Wyalusing State Park, which overlooks the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers. 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.
Bring a lunch as this trip will last until mid-afternoon. Carpool at 5 a.m. from the Home Depot parking lot on Verona Rd. (just south of the Beltline). If you have questions, contact Quentin at (608) 882-6078 or harrierqman@gmail.com
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MAY Field Trips
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| | Sunday | May 1 | Lakeshore Nature Preserve Bird Hike | Peter Fissel & Dan Doeppers
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Picnic Point is known for its diversity of birds. We can anticipate finding waterfowl, gulls, terns, blackbirds, wrens, woodpeckers, thrushes, orioles, vireos, early warblers, and a host of sparrows. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the 1918 Marsh parking lot across University Bay Dr. from Picnic Point, north of the UW hospital. The trip will last 2-3 hours or more. Cosponsor: Friends of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve. Dan Doeppers (608) 255-3013 and Peter Fissel (608) 226-0260 or pfissel@library.wisc.edu
| | Sunday | May 1 | Wisconsin River Bottoms | Chris West
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The trip will visit several locations west of Mazomanie along the Wisconsin River bottoms including Arena Boat Landing, Spring Green Preserve, Bakken’s Pond and Blue River Sand Barrens, and perhaps Spring Green for shorebirds. Probable passerines include many warblers, Lark Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, meadowlarks, some water birds including Pied-billed Grebe, Sora, Black Tern, and a variety of shorebirds. The trip should last until early afternoon. It may be helpful to bring FRS radios along if you have them. The trip will meet at 6:30 a.m. in the parking lot at Mazomanie Bottoms, about 3 miles north of Mazomanie on CTH Y & Laws Dr. If you have questions, contact trip leader Chris West at little_blue_birdie@ msn.com (608) 475-9016
| | Tuesday | May 3 | Warbler Walk at the Arboretum | Levi Wood & Max Witynski
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This is one of a handful of annual early morning warbler walks to be held in the UW Arboretum, looking for migrating warblers, vireos, thrushes, tanagers, etc. Meet at 6:00 a.m. in the Arboretum at the Wingra/Galistel Woods parking lot along Arboretum Dr. Enter the Arboretum from the east off Mills St. If you enter from the west (Seminole Hwy.) you will have to walk from the McKay Center parking area. Levi Wood (608) 277-7959 and Max Witynski
| | Wednesday | May 4 | Warbler Walk at Turville Point | Peter Fissel & Quentin Yoerger
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Meet at 6:00 a.m. at the south parking lot at Olin-Turville Park, off John Nolen Drive across from the Alliant Center. Quentin Yoerger (608) 882-6078 or Peter Fissel (608) 226-0260
| | Wednesday | May 4 | Wildflowers at Heritage Sanctuary | Russ Hefty
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Heritage Sanctuary is known for a remarkable display of large white trilliums, along with a diversity of other oak woodland wildflowers. Meet at 6:30 p.m. at 600 Meadowlark Drive, which runs between Cottage Grove Rd. and Milwaukee St. We’ll meet near the street by the redwood park name sign by the split rail fence. Call Russ Hefty (608) 267-4918 with any questions.
| | Thursday | May 5 | Warbler Walk at Pheasant Branch | Mike McDowell
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Join us for an early morning warbler walk looking for migrating warblers, vireos, thrushes, tanagers, etc. Meet at 6:00 a.m. and park at the deadend that leads up to Parisi Park near where Park Lawn St. meets Park St. in Middleton. Mike McDowell (608) 831-9989 or mike@birddigiscoper.com
| | Friday | May 6 | Evening Birding at Nine Springs | Peter Fissel & Dan Doeppers
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This 2.5 hour birding trip will visit one of the more interesting and often overlooked birding spots in the Madison area to search for shorebirds, herons, cranes, terns, swallows and waterfowl. Meet at 6:30 p.m. at the E-Way parking lot along the Capital City Bike Trail on Moorland Road. Bring a scope if you have one. This trip may last until 9:00 p.m. or later. Dan Doeppers, Peter Fissel pfissel@library.wisc.edu.
| | Saturday | May 7 | Cherokee Marsh Paddle | Jan Axelson
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New! Join a paddle in search of secretive marsh birds on the upper Yahara River at Cherokee Marsh. We’ll seek out Virginia Rail, Sora, American Bittern, Sedge Wren, Sandhill Crane, herons, and more. Bring your own canoe or kayak. Meet at 6:30 a.m. at the School Road boat landing. Heading north on Northport Drive/HWY 113, turn right on School Rd. Where the road curves right onto Wheeler Rd. take an immediate left into Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park. Follow the gravel road to the boat landing. Call Jan Axelson at (608) 241-5828 or cell (608) 215-0426 only if you have a question about the trip or the weather is questionable.
| | Tuesday | May 10 | Warbler Walk at the Arboretum | John Feith and Jim Berkelman
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This is one of a handful of annual early morning warbler walks to be held in the UW Arboretum, looking for migrating warblers, vireos, thrushes, tanagers, etc. Meet at 6:00 a.m. in the Arboretum at the Wingra/Galistel Woods parking lot along Arboretum Dr. Enter the Arboretum from the east off Mills St. If you enter from the west (Seminole Hwy.) you will have to walk from the McKay Center parking area. John Feith (608) 445-7375 or john@caculo.com and Jim Berkelman
| | Wednesday | May 11 | Warbler Walk at Cherokee Marsh | Dan Graham & Peter Fissel
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Meet at 6:00 a.m. at the north end of Sherman Ave. Dan Graham and Peter Fissel (608) 226-0260.
| | Thursday | May 12 | Warbler Walk at Pheasant Branch | Jesse Peterson and Mike McDowell
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Join us for an early morning warbler walk looking for migrating warblers, vireos, thrushes, tanagers, etc. Meet at 6:00 a.m. and park at the deadend that leads up to Parisi Park near where Park Lawn St. meets Park St. in Middleton. Mike McDowell (608) 831-9989 or mike@birddigiscoper.com, and Jesse Peterson
| | Thursday | May 12 | Evening at Token Creek | Ed Saur
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Though bordered by Hwy. 51 and I-90, Token Creek County Park’s varied habitats hold species such as Baltimore Oriole, Indigo Bunting, Brown Thrasher, Eastern Bluebird, Warbling Vireo and several species of flycatchers. A variety of migrant warblers are also possible. Trip leader Ed Saur has lived in northeastern Dane County and visited the park frequently for more than 20 years. He atlased the park for the Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas Project for three years. Meet at 6:30 p.m. Token Creek Co. Park is in the northeast quadrant of the I-90-94 and Hwy. 51 interchange. It’s about a half-mile north on Hwy. 51 from I-90-94 or one-half mile south on Hwy. 51 from Hwy. 19 and just east of the Pine Cone Restaurant truck stop. Brown signs mark the entrance. Wear shoes that will keep your feet dry as some trails may be wet. Meet at the parking lot at the first building on the right. Ed Saur (608) 846-4482 or ejsaur@aol.com
| | Saturday | May 14 | Bird Banding Biocore Prairie Bird Observatory | Mara McDonald
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This easy spring field trip near Picnic Point runs from 8 a.m. until noon. Come early or later in the morning, stay the full time or just a few minutes. See how birds are netted, banded, measured and released, and discuss how important information is gathered for management and conservation purposes. You can expect to see resident songbirds and a variety of other migrating birds in the hand. Bring insect repellent. To get to the banding station, take Lake Mendota Dr. and park at Frautschi Point. Walk south through the woods, keeping Lake Mendota on your left, onto the Biocore Prairie. Make sure you stay on the trail closest to the lake. At the prairie, follow the trail to your right, then left. The banding station (a/k/a picnic table) is at the top of the prairie. (Or park at the Picnic Point entrance, take the first left trail, and follow the signs.) Visitors not able to walk are asked to contact the trip leader ahead of time for permission to drive you to the site. Contact: Mara McDonald, mamcdona@wisc.edu or (608) 274-2534 before 8:30 p.m., please. Rain date will be following weekend, or first weekend it’s dry.
| | Sunday | May 15 | Birding Mud Lake Wildlife Area | John Romano
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The Mud Lake Wildlife Area in Columbia Co. offers a variety of habitats for finding birds. We will search the grasslands, marshes and forest for rails, bittern, sparrows, Common Moorhen, Cerulean Warbler, Acadian Flycatcher and other migrants. Meet to carpool at 6:00 a.m. at the east side Cub Foods. Take Nakoosa Trail off of Hwy 51 just north of Hwy 30. The trip will last until about noon. For any questions call trip leader John Romano at (608) 444-4351
| | Saturday | May 21 | Janesville's Cook Arboretum | Mike Reese
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The best place in the state to look for early butterflies in May is Jackson County. Mike Reese will lead us in finding and observing many scarce and unusual species. We expect to find various Elfins, including the very rare Frosted Elfin. We should find Olympia Marble, Gorgone Checkerspot, Cobweb Skipper, Dreamy and Sleepy Duskywings, etc. Bring binoculars if you have them, close-focusing ones work best. (A few extra pairs of binoculars are available.) Also, bring a bag lunch and water. This is a joint trip with the Southern Wis. Butterfly Association. Meet in Jackson Co. at 10:30 a.m. at the corner of West Bauer Road and Brockway Road. We will butterfly until 3:00 p.m. DIRECTIONS: From the intersection of I-94 and Hwy 54 in Black River Falls, go east on Hwy 54 approximately five miles to Brockway Road. Turn right on Brockway and drive 2.5 miles south to West Bauer Road. (This area is about 2 1/4 hours northwest of Madison via I-94.) Participants must PRE-REGISTER for this trip by either calling Mike at (920) 787-2341, or include your phone number in an email to mikereese@wisconsinbutterflies. org (so we can contact you in case of cancellation due to weather).
| | Saturday | May 21 | Butterflies of Bauer-Brockway Barrens (Jackson Co.) | Tom Klubertanz
| |
Cook Arboretum, one of the premier birding spots in Rock County, offers a variety of habitats, including bottomland forest, riparian forest, scrub, field, and conifers. Several forest-interior species are found there. Warbler diversity is excellent with over 20 species expected in late May. The trails are well-groomed, but the terrain is rugged. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the parking lot at the end of the drive. From Madison take Hwy. 14 south through Evansville. Before Janesville, take CTH H south (right) 1 mi. to CTH A. Take CTH A east (left) about 3 mi. The arboretum is on the left, at Austin Rd., 1 mi. before Janesville. Travel time is approx. 40 min. from the Madison Beltline. From I-90 and through Janesville: Take I-90 to Hwy. 26 (Milton Ave.) interchange. Take Hwy. 26 into Janesville to Hwy. 14. Take Hwy 14 west (right) 5 mi. to Hwy. 51. Take Hwy. 51 south (left) 4 mi. to Memorial Dr. Take Memorial Dr. west (right) to the edge of town. Memorial Dr. becomes CTH A. The arboretum is on the right, just outside the city limits. Tom Klubertanz, tklubert@uwc.edu or (608) 758-6553.
| | Saturday | May 21 | Big Birding Day | Form or Join a Team!
| |
Saturday May 21 is Big Birding Day, just in time for the peak of spring migration. Teams are already forming and starting to raise pledges which help further Madison Audubon’s important work. Each team picks one of the seven counties in Madison Audubon’s area to search for birds from 4am to 5 p.m. Visit http://MadisonAudubon.org/Audubon/BigBirdingDay to join a team, make a pledge or get more information. Big Birding Day Teams are forming now and starting to raise pledges, so don’t miss out on the fun! Contact paul_noeldner@hotmail.com or call (608) 698-0104 if you have any questions.
| | Sunday | May 22 | Leopold-Pine Island IBA Birding | Mike Mossman
| |
Birds and Conservation on the Leopold-Pine Island Important Bird Area, Sunday May 22. Please meet at 8:00 AM at the Aldo Leopold Legacy Center, located at E13701 Levee Road, about 15 minutes northeast of Baraboo in Sauk County. Visit their website for a link to the online Google-map: http://www.aldoleopold.org/Visit/directions.shtml Your leaders will be DNR ecologist Mike Mossman & Steve Swenson, Ecologist with the Aldo Leopold Foundation. This trip will demonstrate how Leopold’s ethic of responsible land stewardship is being implemented by a partnership of landowners and land managers at the Leopold-Pine Island IBA, a 16,000 acre collection of public and private lands encompassing many high-quality natural communities that provide critical habitat for birds. As we birdwatch, we will describe the process that partners are participating in to collaboratively manage their properties as a larger landscape. We will talk about the significant bird species and habitats on the IBA and how they are being managed, and visit some of the key habitats, management practices, and birds. The trip will end around 11:30, at which time people are welcome to visit the Leopold Legacy Center. Please bring: Binoculars, bug spray, drinking water, good hiking shoes, and a camera if you like. The trip will go rain or shine, so please dress appropriately for the weather. Day of the trip ONLY- if you are lost, etc, a trip leader can be reached at: 608-370-1208.
| | Saturday or Sunday | May 21 or 22 | Jefferson-Dodge Bird Walk | Jefferson-Dodge Team
| |
Please watch the website for details on this trip.
| | Thursday | May 26 | Evening at Pheasant Branch | Mike McDowell
| |
Enjoy an evening warbler walk at Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Middleton, on the Dane County parcel. Migrating spring warblers, vireos and thrushes will be the focus of our search, but we’ll probably find other interesting birds. To reach the Dane County parcel, drive one and a half miles north on Pheasant Branch Rd. from Century Ave. Go to the third conservancy parking lot on the right after you pass the Conservancy Condominiums. Meet at 6:00 p.m. Mike McDowell (608) 831-9989 or mike@birddigiscoper.com
| | Fri/Sat/Sun/Mon | May 27-30 | Memorial Day Weekend Birding and Nature Retreat | Paul Noeldner
| |
Birding experts and novices both enjoy Madison Audubon's biggest birding weekend outing! Come to beautiful Camp Lake Lucerne for Memorial Day Weekend for lots of fun, birding, and just relaxing in a beautiful natural setting by a spring fed lake, and listen to the Whip-Poor-Wills sing you to sleep. We do bird walks every morning and after every meal, including carpools to nearby hotspots such as Germania Marsh and Buena Vista. Open to members and non-members, individuals and families, the cost for 2 nights and 6 meals is a reasonable $152, and there are reduced rates for kids. Accommodations are simple but comfortable group cabins and private bedrooms. Meals are served in a dining hall overlooking the lake. Come Friday for $52 and get in an extra day of birding or bring your kayak and paddle the Mecan and White flowage. Meals prior to Saturday evening are on your own. For more info, pictures, and registration
forms see http://MadisonAudubon.org/Audubon/LakeLucerne. Space is limited. Contact Madison Audubon volunteer camp registration coordinator Paul Noeldner at paul_noeldner@hotmail.com or (608) 698-0104 if you have
any questions.
| | Sunday | May 29 | Birding at Baxter's Hollow | Aaron Stutz
| |
Baxter’s Hollow is one of the most scenic areas in the Baraboo Hills. We will search for breeding species like Wormeating, Mourning, Cerulean and Hooded Warblers, Louisiana Waterthrush, both cuckoos, and any migrants passing through. The trip will depart at 6:30 a.m. from the Copp’s parking lot (6800 Century Ave.) in Middleton and may last for four hours. Aaron Stutz (920) 648-3761 or agstutz@sbcglobal.net.
|
JUNE Field Trips
| Saturday | June 4 | Birds of Devil’s Lake & Baxter's Hollow | Chuck Heikkinen & Delia Unson
| |
Join us for a morning of scouring the southern half of Devil’s Lake State Park to look for nesting bird species including Veery, Pileated Woodpecker, Yellowthroated Vireo, Acadian Flycatcher, Scarlet Tanager, Blue-winged Warbler, plus possible Cerulean and Worm-eating Warblers. In all, we’ll probably find 50-60 species. We will extend the trip to include Baxter’s Hollow if time permits. The leaders, Chuck Heikkinen and Delia Unson, are intimately acquainted with this area. Please note that a (day) Wisconsin state park sticker is required to park at Devil’s Lake. Bring water, insect repellent and a sack lunch. Meet at the Middleton Park and Ride to carpool and leave at 6:00 a.m. From Hwy 12 at Middleton take Exit 249 (Parmenter St.) to the Park and Ride, OR, meet us at 6:45 a.m. in the parking area for the boat landing on the southwest shore of Devil’s Lake. Contact Chuck or Delia at (608) 274-4043 or deliachuck@gmail.com if you have questions.
| | Saturday | June 4 | Warner Park Birds | Trish O'Kane
| |
Bring binoculars and good shoes. We’ll be out until 9 a.m. at least. Warner Park is home to or a stopover point for at least 100 bird species. Expect to see many migratory breeding birds in the park, hard at work on nests and raising young. Warner has four distinct habitats crammed together: wetland, meadow, woods and scrub thicket. Meet in front of the Warner Park Community Center at 7 a.m.
| | Thursday | June 9 | Kettle Pond Frogs | Russ Hefty
| |
Meet at 6:30 p.m. at the dead-end of Dahlen where the park trail starts. Heading west on University Ave. take a left turn onto Norman Way (just past the Stop N Go). Take another left onto Tempkin Ave and travel until it intersects Dahlen Dr. Park along Dahlen or Tempkin. Call Russ Hefty (608) 267-4918 if you have questions.
| | Saturday | June 11 | Grassland Birds at Middleton Airport | Mike McDowell & Curt Caslavka
| |
We should see lots of grassland species here. Likely sightings include Bobolinks, Eastern Meadowlarks, Savannah Sparrows, Sedge Wrens, and Dickcissels. Other possible species are kingbirds, Grasshopper Sparrows, and Willow Flycatchers. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Middleton Airport parking lot. The airport is located on Airport Rd., about ¼ mile west of the Beltline intersection in Middleton. There are no trails, so consider bringing waterproof footwear if it has rained recently as conditions may be wet. The trip will last until 11:00 a.m. Trip leaders Mike McDowell and Curt Caslavka (608) 836-1865
| | Sunday | June 12 | Birds & More at Wisconsin’s Desert | Peter Gorman and Peter Fissel
| |
The Nature Conservancy's Spring Green Preserve is an outstanding natural area with many species of plants, birds, reptiles and insects that are found in few other places in Wisconsin. We hope to see Lark and Grasshopper Sparrows, Eastern and possibly Western Meadowlarks, and just maybe a Northern Mockingbird. Bring water, sunscreen and good walking shoes (sandals are NOT recommended due to the Prickly Pear cactus.) The trip will last about 2-3 hours. Meet at the Middleton Park and Ride to carpool and leave at 7:00 a.m. From Hwy 12 at Middleton take Exit 249 (Parmenter St.) to the Park and Ride, OR, meet us at the Preserve at 8:00 a.m. Take Hwy 14 west to Spring Green. At the stoplight, take Hwy 23 north (right) about a half-mile to Jones Rd. Turn right on Jones and the Preserve is about a mile east on the left. Trips leaders are Peter Gorman and Peter Fissel (608-226-0260 or pfissel@library.wisc.edu)
| | Thursday | June 16 | Evening at Black Earth Prairie | Kathie & Tom Brock
| |
This is a joint trip with The Prairie Enthusiasts (TPE). We will tour a Prairie Enthusiasts Preserve and State Natural Area called the Black Earth Rettenmund Prairie. This is one of the highest quality prairie remnants in southern Wisconsin, and has responded well to its prescribed burn program. Our trip leaders will be Kathie and Tom Brock, the site managers for this prairie, and Steve Richter. The extensive wood lilies at this site should be in peak bloom. We will also look for other flowering plants, as well as birds, and learn about the history and management of this prairie. The trip will last about 2 hours. Meet at 6:30 p.m. at Black Earth Rettenmund Prairie. From Madison go west on Hwy 14 to Black Earth. At the traffic light (Shoe Box corner) turn left on County F. Follow Hwy F through the village and west for 1-1/4 mile. Turn right on Fesenfeld Road to the prairie entrance, about 300 yards. Park on right side of the road. If you have questions about the trip, call Kathie or Tom at (608) 238-5050 or kmbrock@charter.net
| | Saturday | June 18 | Moved to July 9: Grassland Birding in Western Dane & Eastern Iowa Counties | Steve Richter and Dave Sample
| |
Please see July 9 trip writeup
| | Saturday | June 18 | Butterflies of Pleasant Valley | Ann Thering
| |
This is a joint trip with The Prairie Enthusiasts and the Southern Wis Butterfly Assn. Leaders are Ann Thering and Kathie and Tom Brock. 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. The various habitats are home to numerous butterflies. This time of year we hope to see Baltimore Checkerspots and perhaps some rare wetland skippers. Other possible butterfly species include Black Swallowtail, Tiger Swallowtail, Giant Swallowtail, Red-Spotted Purple, American Lady, fritillaries, blues, and sulphurs. All of these butterflies will have many wonderful native plants to nectar on this time of year. We will be hiking two to three miles, including a very steep hillside. Long pants, a hat, water, and sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. Optional: bring along a bag lunch for after the field trip; beverages and dessert will be provided. Bring binoculars -- the closer they focus, the better. (We have a few extra binoculars.) Contact the trip leaders only if you have a question about the trip: Tom: (608) 238-5050, tdbrock@charter.net, or Ann, acthering@gmail.com, (608) 836-1097. Meet at 11 a.m. The trip will last until 1 p.m. DIRECTIONS: Heading south into downtown Black Earth follow County Hwy F as it turns right (west). After a mile or so, F turns left (south). Continue on F for another 3 3/4 miles turning left onto Pleasant Valley Road. Drive 3/4 mile and stop at the walking trail on the left. Park off the road facing the entrance.
| | Saturday or Sunday | June 18 or 19 | Jefferson-Dodge Bird Walk | Jefferson-Dodge Team
| |
Please check
http://www.theropod.org/walks.html for trip details
| | Saturday | June 25 | Butterflies of Cherokee Marsh | Kathy Kirk
| |
On this morning walk we’ll observe and learn about butterflies, those small but exquisitely beautiful creatures that dance about our ankles in summer. Conservation Biologist Kathy Kirk will lead this 2 hour walk at Cherokee Marsh on the northeast side of Madison. We will observe a variety of butterflies as they take nectar from wildflowers, and learn about their identification, behavior, and lifestyle. Bring binoculars if you have them — close-focusing ones work best. We have a few extra pairs of binoculars. It’s best to wear long pants and a hat for protection from the sun. This is a joint trip with Southern Wis. Butterfly Assn. and Friends of Cherokee Marsh. Meet at 10:00 a.m. On the north side of Madison take Northport Drive (Highway 113) then turn north on Sherman Ave. Meet at the Cherokee Marsh parking lot at the north end of Sherman Ave. Call Kathy at (608) 442-1642, only if you have a question about the trip.
| | Saturday | June 25 | Madison School Forest – Forest Ecology | Scott Taylor
| |
Scott Taylor, a local consulting forester and ecologist, will lead a 1 1/2 hour trip through Madison School Forest – also known as Olson Oak Woods. A State Natural Area owned by the Madison Metropolitan School District and WDNR, Madison School Forest hosts over 40 species of breeding birds including Cooper’s Hawk, Acadian Flycatcher, and Kentucky, Cerulean and Hooded Warblers. The woods exemplify the transition of our early savannas to closed-canopy oak forests, and now to shade-tolerant hardwoods. Parts of the Madison School Forest have experienced timber harvests over the years, while others remained uncut. We plan to discuss the ramifications of timber harvesting and ecological succession on songbird habitat in southern Wisconsin forests, as well as work on our tree and shrub identification skills. Meet at the Madison School Forest parking lot at 9:00 a.m. Directions: from the intersection of Hwys 151 & 69 south of Verona, go south on 69 about one mile and turn right on Riverside Rd. Go west about two miles and turn left on Fritz Rd., then south about one mile to the curve and turn left into the parking lot. Call Scott at (608) 444-7483 if you have a question about the trip.
|
JULY Field Trips
| Saturday | July 2 | Madison Butterfly Count | Karl & Dorothy Legler
| |
This is our 21st annual butterfly count!
Co-sponsors are the Southern Wis. Butterfly
Assn. and UW Arboretum. Each summer,
butterfly enthusiasts all over North America
participate in more than 483 censuses of
butterfly species. Each count is similar to a
Christmas Bird Count. These censuses help
to monitor the health of our butterfly populations
and the results are published in an
annual report for North America. If you can
identify butterflies, or can help spot butterflies,
or just want to see and learn about butterflies,
join us on this 3 hour count/field trip. Bring
binoculars, the closer they focus the better (We
have a few extras). Dress for protection from
the heat and sun, a hat is recommended. The
North American Butterfly Association (NABA)
requires a $3.00 fee from each participant to
help cover publishing costs.
Meet at 9 a.m. at the parking lot for the Grady
Tract in the UW Arboretum. We will count
until about noon. Heading west on the Beltline
(Hwy 12), take the Seminole Hwy exit. Turn
left (south) on Seminole Hwy, drive across the
bridge over the Beltline, and turn left immediately
into the parking lot for the Grady Tract.
If you have any questions, contact leaders Karl
and Dorothy Legler at (608) 643-4926 or karlndot@
charter.net
| | Monday | July 4 | Butterflies and Dragonflies at Swamp Lovers Preserve | Karl & Dorothy Legler, Tod Highsmith
| |
This preserve is on private
land. It consists of remnant
wetlands, remnant
bluff prairie, restored tall
grass prairie, and dry hilly
oak-hickory woodland.
We will observe and learn
about various butterflies
and dragonflies as we
explore the preserve. Bring binoculars (closefocusing
ones work best) or just get close! At
the top of the ridge we will picnic at a shelter.
Bring your own food and drink. Leaders are
Tod Highsmith and Karl and Dorothy Legler.
This trip is co-sponsored by the Southern
Wis Butterfly Assoc. and Wisconsin Wetlands
Association.
Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the preserve. This trip
will last until 1:00 p.m. Travel west from Cross
Plains on Hwy 14. Just outside town take
CTH KP to the right (north) and go about 1.3
mile and turn left at the Swamplovers sign.
Call Karl Legler at (608) 643-4926 or cell (608)
228-0743 only if you have a question or the
weather is questionable.
| | Saturday | July 9 | Birds and Butterflies at Barneveld Prairie | Steve Richter and Dave Sample
| |
Join other Nature Conservancy and Madison Audubon Society members on a joint field trip to Barneveld Prairie. Enjoy the splendor of the prairie in summer and see some of the butterflies and grassland birds that thrive there. Learn about our work with partners to restore prairie and oak savanna. Nature Conservancy conservation director Steve Richter and Dave Sample, Wisconsin DNR Grassland Ornithologist, will lead the trip. The terrain will be hilly and rough, so we recommend good walking shoes. We will be on a trail some of the time, but at other times we will be off the trail walking on prairie slopes and through woods.Bring water, binoculars, camera, field guides, sunscreen, bug dope, etc., to make your day more enjoyable. Dress for the weather — long pants, rain gear and sturdy shoes that can get wet are recommended.Directions: From Mount Horeb, travel west on Hwy 18/151 for about 6 miles to County Hwy K. Go south on County K approximately 1.5 miles to Langberry Rd. Go west on Langberry 0.5 mile to junction with Lee Rd. Park along the shoulder of the road at this point. Registration is required. To register, contact Maureen O’Brien via email(mobrien@tnc.org) or at (608) 316-6426 by July 1, 2011.
| | Saturday | July 9 | Birds and Butterflies
at Barneveld Prairie | Maureen O'Brien
| |
Added - Join The Nature Conservancy and Madison
Audubon Society on a 3 hour field trip to
Barneveld Prairie. Enjoy the splendor of the
prairie in summer and see some of the butterflies
and grassland birds that thrive there.
Learn about our work with partners to restore
prairie and oak savanna. TNC conservation
director, Steve Richter, and Dave Sample, Wis.
DNR Grassland Ornithologist, will lead the
trip. The terrain will be hilly and rough, with
some off trail walking on prairie slopes and
through woods, so good walking shoes are a
must. Bring water, binoculars, camera, field
guides, sunscreen, bug dope, etc., to make
your day more enjoyable. Long pants, rain
gear, and sturdy shoes that can get wet are
recommended.
Meet at 9 a.m. From Mount Horeb, travel
west on Hwy 18/151 for about 6 miles to CTH
K. Go south on K approximately 1.5 miles to
Langberry Rd. Go west on Langberry 0.5 mile
to the junction with Lee Rd. Park along the
shoulder of the road.
Registration is required. To register, contact
Maureen O’Brien at mobrien@tnc.org or
(608) 316-6426 by July 1.
| | Sunday | July 10 | Tour Faville Grove Sanctuary East | Lars Higdon
| |
Cancelled
| | Wednesday | July 13 | Owen Park Prairies | Russ Hefty
| |
NEW! -
Enjoy a walk through the restored prairies in
Owen Park. The oldest restoration dates to
1980 and the newest was planted around the
ponds constructed in 2007.
Meet at 6:30 p.m. in the main parking lot
accessed from 6021 Old Sauk Rd. If questions
contact Russ Hefty at (608) 233-8513 or
rhefty@ci.madison.wi.us
| | Saturday or Sunday | July 16 or 17 | Jefferson-Dodge Bird Walk | Jefferson-Dodge Team
| |
Sign up on the website (http://www.theropod.
org/contacts.html) to find out the exact
date and place of this field trip and other trips led by this group.
| | Sunday | July 17 | Prairies at their Peak | Kathie & Tom Brock
| |
We will visit Pleasant Valley Conservancy
State Natural Area, a fine prairie/oak savanna
area in western Dane County. It has been
under restoration for about 12 years. Because
of the extensive brush control and burn program
which has been carried out this year, the
site should be quite attractive. Red-headed
Woodpeckers are usually nesting. The hike
will involve some hill climbing, so wear sturdy
shoes and long pants. This is a joint trip with
The Prairie Enthusiasts. At the end of the 3
hour trip, light refreshments will be served at
the small cabin/shack. Leaders are the landowners,
Tom and Kathie Brock.
Meet at 1:00 p.m. at the Conservancy. From
Black Earth go west and then south on CTH
F about 4 miles. Turn left onto Pleasant Valley
Rd. and stop at fire # 4609. Park along the
road on the right (south) side. Contact leaders
Tom and Kathie Brock at (608) 238-5050 or
kmbrock@charter.net if you have questions.
| | Sunday | July 17 | Pretty Things with Wings at Lakeshore Nature Preserve | Edgar Spalding
| |
On this two hour walk in the Picnic Point
area we expect to see interesting bird
species and at least half a dozen species of
dragonflies and twice as many different
butterflies. The walking route will include
the edge of University Bay, the woods of
Picnic Point, and the Biocore Prairie. Bring
binoculars - the closer they focus the better
(We will have a few extras). This trip, led
by Edgar Spalding, is co-sponsored by the
Friends of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve
and the Southern Wis. Butterfly Assn.
Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Picnic Point
parking lot along University Bay Drive.
Call Edgar at (608) 265-5294 or 831-0616
only if you have questions or the weather
is questionable.
|
AUGUST Field Trips
| Friday | August 5 | Swift Night Out | Sandy Fuller
| |
This trip has been rescheduled
for Friday, Sept. 9
| | Saturday | August 6 | Canoe Cherokee Marsh Ecological Restoration | Russ Hefty
| |
Learn about the fascinating history and restoration
story of Cherokee Marsh, the wetland
at the mouth of Lake Mendota. The first of a
series of dams was installed in 1849 at what
would become Tenney Park. This caused the
water level of Lake Mendota to rise five feet,
backing up water into Cherokee Marsh. As
a result, the peat layer “delaminated” and
rose to the surface forming a floating bog. But
erosion over the decades has destroyed more
than one square mile of wetland. Leader Russ
Hefty will show us how the shoreline of this
floating bog is being stabilized by plantings to
form a vegetation breakwater and silt fence.
This should be peak bloom for the thousands
of American Lotus and water lilies used as a
buffer! We hope to see Great Egrets and other
wetland birds. The trip will last about 3 hours.
Bring your canoe or kayak and meet at 8:00
a.m. at the School Road boat landing. From
Northport Drive, take School Road north until
it starts turning east. Instead turn left onto
the gravel road (where you’ll see a sign for
Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park) and proceed
to the pier and parking lot. Contact Russ
at (608) 233-8513 or rhefty@ci.madison.wi.us
only if you have questions.
| | Saturday | August 6 | Goose Pond Prairie Restoration | Mark & Sue Martin
| |
Join us for a 2.5 hour tour of restored prairies
at Goose Pond Sanctuary led by Mark and Sue
Martin, Goose Pond Resident Naturalists. The
prairies should be in peak color and this will
be a good opportunity to learn your prairie
plants. We will tour mesic and dry-mesic prairies
as well as unburned and burned prairies.
Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Madison Audubon
farmhouse, W7503 Kampen Road, Arlington,
WI 53911 (northwest of the pond). From
Madison go north on Hwy 51 into Columbia
County, turn left (west) on CTH K. After two
miles turn right (north) onto Goose Pond
Road, then north one mile to Kampen Road,
turn left on Kampen Road for 1/2 mile which
is the driveway to the farm. If you have questions,
contact Mark or Sue at (608) 635-4160 or
goosep@chorus.net
| | Saturday | August 13 | Butterflies of the Avoca/Blue River Area | Mike Reese
| |
This joint trip with the Southern Wis. Butterfly
Assn. will highlight several areas in the Lower
Wisconsin State Riverway, including Avoca
Prairie and Savanna State Natural Area in
Iowa County, Blue River unit in Grant County
and along the Wisconsin River north of Blue
River. We expect to see late butterflies and
several southern immigrants. A hat and long
pants are recommended. Bring a lunch and
binoculars - the closer they focus the better (A
few extras will be available).
Meet at 10:30 a.m. The trip may last until
4 p.m. Allow 50 minutes travel time from
Middleton. Take Hwy 14 west to Lone Rock,
south on Hwy 130 then turn right on Hwy 133.
Go west about 5 miles, turn right on Hay Rd,
and drive north to the parking lot just before
the creek. Call Mike Reese, trip leader, at (920)
787-2341 if you have any questions.
| | Sunday | August 14 | Shorebirds of Southern Wisconsin | Peter Fissel, Quentin Yoerger
| |
This 3-4 hour trip will go to wherever the
shorebirds are! Possible destinations include
Columbia, Jefferson, or Dane counties, based
on current conditions and reports. Bring a
scope if you have one. Leaders are Quentin
Yoerger and Peter Fissel.
Meet at 8:00 a.m. to carpool from the Cub
Foods parking lot on the northeast side of
Madison. From the intersection of Hwys 51
and 30 head north on 51 for about 0.3 mile
then turn right on Commercial Avenue then
left on Nakoosa Trail to the Cub Foods parking
lot. Contact Peter at (608) 226-0260 (before 10
p.m.) or pfissel@library.wisc.edu only if you
have questions.
| | Saturday or Sunday | August 20-21 | Jefferson-Dodge Bird Walk | Jefferson-Dodge Team
| |
Sign up on the website (http://www.theropod.
org/contacts.html) to find out the exact
date and place of this field trip and other trips led by this group.
| | Thursday | August 25 | Fall Warbler Walk at Pheasant Branch | Mike McDowell
| |
Walk at Pheasant Branch
Conservancy with Mike
McDowell at the beginning
of fall bird migration.
Expect to see warblers,
vireos, flycatchers,
and other migrants.
Bring comfortable shoes
for a two hour walk.
Meet at 7:00 a.m. in
Middleton at the deadend
street by Parisi Park (where Park Lawn
St. and Park St. meet). If you have questions,
contact Mike McDowell at (608) 831-9989 or
mike@birddigiscoper.com.
| | Saturday | August 27 | Butterflies and Blossoms at Pheasant Branch | Dreux Watermolen
| |
Join us on a 2 hour, 2-3 mile walk through
the lovely Pheasant Branch Conservancy
in Middleton with Dreux Watermolen. The
many beautiful asters should be in bloom,
and we hope lots of butterflies will be nectaring
on these flowers. We can expect several
species, including Monarchs, sulfurs, blues,
and possibly some southern immigrants, such
as Common Buckeye and Painted Lady. You
never know what you may find! We will also
learn more about restoration efforts at the
conservancy. Long pants, a hat, water, and
sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. Closefocusing
binoculars are useful (We will have
a few extras). Co-sponsors are Friends of the
Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Southern Wis.
Butterfly Assn., and Wisconsin Wetlands Assn.
Meet at 10:00 a.m. in Middleton. At the west
end of Lake Mendota take Allen Boulevard
north, then turn left on Century Avenue (CTH
M). Track your mileage as you turn right onto
Old Creek Road and then right on Pheasant
Branch Road going north 1.2 miles to the small
county parking lot on the right, at the beginning
of the gated road. Contact Dreux only if
you have questions about the trip at (608) 266-
8931 or dreux.watermolen@Wisconsin.gov.
| | Sunday | August 28 | Fall Birding at Lakeshore Nature Preserve | Marty Evanson & Roma Lenehan
| |
Come search for fall migrants, including
confusing fall warblers, flycatchers, and sparrows
on a trip co-sponsored by the Friends of
Lakeshore Nature Preserve. We will be walking
for two hours on trails that take us through
woods, prairies and gardens.
Meet at at 8 a.m. at the Class of 1918 Marsh
parking lot on University Bay Drive (across
from Picnic Point). Leaders are Marty
Evanson and Roma Lenehan. Call Marty at
(608) 271-6846 if you have any questions.
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SEPTEMBER Field Trips
| Thursday | September 1 | Evening Tour of Owen Park | Sylvia Marek
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Enjoy an evening of fall color in one of
Madison’s restored prairies. Asters, goldenrods,
and other fall prairie flowers will be
blooming among the tall prairie grasses. The
Monarch butterfly migration may be peaking
about this time. We will be alert for possible
fall migrating birds, and there is always the
possibility of seeing or hearing one of the 3
species of owl that live here. We will check out
three new holding ponds.
Meet at 6:00 p.m. in the Owen Park parking
lot on the south side of 6021 Old Sauk Rd. to
spend about two hours enjoying an evening
walk. Sylvia Marek, who lives a stone’s throw
east of the park, will share some of her 30
years of accumulated knowledge about her
favorite neighborhood park. Call Sylvia at
(608) 238-8344, evenings, only if you have a
question about the trip.
| | Saturday | September 3 | Birding Madison School Forest | Peter Fissel, Peter Gorman & Nolan Pope
| |
Enjoy a 2-3 hour fall walk through this mature
hardwood forest on well-maintained trails.
We hope to see a variety of sparrows, thrushes,
warblers, and other fall migrants.
Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the School Forest parking
lot. From the intersection of Hwys 151 & 69
south of Verona, go south on 69 about one mile
and turn right on Riverside Rd. Go west about
two miles and turn left on Fritz Rd., then south
about one mile to the curve and turn left into
the parking lot. Leaders are Peter Gorman,
Peter Fissel, and Nolan Pope. Contact Peter
at (608) 226-0260 (before 10 p.m.) or pfissel@
library.wisc.edu only if you have any questions.
| | Saturday | September 3 | Grasshoppers! | Kathy Kirk
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Our leader, Kathy Kirk, co-authored A Guide
to the Grasshoppers of Wisconsin, published
by Wisconsin DNR. The book details the
state’s grasshopper species with color photos,
range maps, and species accounts. Our appreciation
of grasshoppers will take a big leap forward
as Kathy leads this trip into sand prairie
areas in search of these fascinating and beautiful
insects. We will spend 2-3 hours learning
how to discern grasshoppers from katydids,
and learn about behavior, ecology, life history,
and the biology needed for identification. We
will net-and-release the various species for
observation and discussion. Attendees that
have aerial nets and minnow nets are encouraged
to bring them to have fun chasing grasshoppers.
Also bring close-focusing binoculars
if you have them. This is a joint trip with the
Southern Wis. Butterfly Assn.
Meet at 1:30 p.m. at the parking lot of the
Mazomanie Sand Barrens. From Middleton
take HWY 12 toward Sauk City. At the intersection
with CTH Y turn left (west) onto Y and
go nearly 1.7 miles. Turn left on the short road
to the parking lot. Call Kathy at (608) 442-1642
only if you have questions.
| | Sunday | September 4 | Monarchs | Karl & Dorothy Legler
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Cancelled
| | Monday | September 5 | Pleasant Valley Conservancy Tour | Kathie & Tom Brock
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This is a 3 hour joint trip with The Prairie
Enthusiasts. Kathie and Tom Brock will
lead an afternoon trip at Pleasant Valley
Conservancy State Natural Area on Labor Day.
The site is in the Town of Vermont, south of
Black Earth, in the driftless area of southwestern
Wisconsin. The property contains prairie
remnants, wetlands, and extensive oak savannas
and has been under intensive management
for the past twelve years. An extensive
prescribed burn program and judicious use of
herbicides have resulted in excellent control
of invasive brush. Hiking will be partly across
steep bluffs, so long pants and good hiking
shoes are recommended.
Meet at 1 p.m. at the property. From Black
Earth take CTH F to the west and then south
for 4-5 miles. Turn left on Pleasant Valley Rd.
Park along the south side of the road by the
driveway at Fire # 4609. If you have questions,
contact Kathie or Tom at (608) 238-5050 or
kmbrock@charter.net.
| | Wednesday | September 7 | Stricker’s Pond Waterfowl | Russ Hefty
| |
NEW! Explore a glacial kettle pond and the lessons
learned from this restoration project.
Meet at 6:30 p.m. at 7214 Longmeadow
Rd. off Gammon Rd. north of Old Sauk
Rd. Contact Russ Hefty, trip leader, if you
have questions, at (608) 233-8513 or rhefty@
ci.madison.wi.us
| | Friday | September 9 | | Sandy Fuller
| |
(bad
weather date: Sept. 10)
We will participate in “A Swift Night Out,”
a continent-wide effort to raise awareness
about Chimney Swifts. As summer comes to
a close and the swifts have finished raising
their young, they begin to congregate at communal
roosts before their fall migration. The
chimney at Blessed Sacrament parish has been
a long-time communal roost for hundreds of
swifts. Bring your lawn chairs and binoculars
to watch this amazing behavior!
Join us at 6:30 p.m. at the parking lot of
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 2116
Hollister St., on Madison’s near west side.
Take Allen St. south from Regent two blocks
and turn left (or take Edgewood north from
Monroe St. five blocks and turn right) and go
one block on Hollister. Contact Sandy Fuller,
(608) 658-4139 or sfuller49@gmail.com, if you
have questions. If the weather is really, really
bad, the trip will be rescheduled for Saturday,
Sept. 10.
To learn more about swifts, go to www.
chimneyswifts.org which shares information
from decades of swift rehabilitation by
Georgean and Paul Kyle of Driftwood Wildlife
Association in Austin, Texas. If you aren’t able
to join us, you can still participate in A Swift
Night Out any day from Sept. 9 to 11. Observe
a roost for about 30 minutes before dark and
estimate the number of swifts, then e-mail this
number and a few details (listed on the website)
to DWA@austin.rr.com
| | Saturday | September 10 | Bird Banding Biocore Prairie Bird Observatory | Mara McDonald
| |
Join us from 8 a.m. to noon for a landmark
anniversary celebrating 10 years of bird banding
and research on the Biocore Prairie this
weekend! We plan to have refreshments, posters
and opportunities to watch our volunteers
take birds out of the net and band them. This
is an easy field trip, and you can come late,
leave early, or stay the full time. See how birds
are netted, measured, banded, and released,
and discuss how important information is
gathered for management and conservation
purposes. You can expect to see resident songbirds
and a variety of other migrating birds in
the hand. We try to let little and big kids get
a chance to release a bird. Bring water, insect
repellent, sunscreen, and good shoes.
Meet at 8 a.m. To get to the banding station,
take Lake Mendota Dr. and park at Frautschi
Point. Walk south through the woods, keeping
Lake Mendota on your left, onto the Biocore
Prairie. At the prairie, follow the trail to your
right, then left. The banding station (aka picnic
table) is at the top of the prairie. Visitors not
able to walk are asked to contact the trip leader
ahead of time for permission to drive you to
the site. Contact Mara McDonald at (608) 274-
2534 or mamcdona@wisc.edu before 8:30 p.m.,
please.
| | Sunday | September 18 | Birding Zeloski Marsh (Jefferson-Dodge Bird Walk) | Nolan Kollath & Brad Webb
| |
Zeloski Marsh in western Jefferson County has
become a major stopover for shorebirds and
is also frequented by waterfowl and wading
birds. This tour during fall migration includes
about 1.5 miles of walking to get good views
of these birds. For a description of Zeloski
Marsh, check out the sanctuaries page on the
MAS website.
Meet at 9 a.m. at the DNR parking lot at the
end of Alley Road. Alley Rd. is off CTH S, west
of Lake Mills, south of CTH B and north of
CTH A. Bring lunch and a scope if you have
one. Contact Nolan Kollath at (920) 648-3842 or
nkollath@charter.net with any questions.
See (http://www.theropod.
org/contacts.html) to find out about other trips led by this group.
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OCTOBER Field Trips
| Saturday | October 1 | Saw-whet Owl Banding near Stevens Point (changed from Oct 15) | Paul Noeldner
| |
NOTE CHANGE OF DATE (from Oct 15) AND TRIP LEADER (from Levi Wood and Mara McDonald). Reservations ARE required for this trip, the trip is limited to 20 participants, and the cost is $7.
Come visit the Linwood Springs Research
Station (see http://raptorresearch.com near Stevens Point, for an evening
banding Saw-whet Owls. Mara McDonald, who leads regular bird banding trips at the Campus Natural Area, came up with the idea to do this trip, and it's been very popular.
Participants will observe the owls being caught through
infrared video surveillance equipment and watch the banding. The
banders will discuss owl migration, mortality
rates, diet, vision, flight, and hearing. You will
see many of the owl characteristics up close,
including eyes, beak, talons, ears, and feathers,
before one of the visitors releases the owl.
This trip costs
$7.00 per person for admission to the banding
station (bring exact change) plus shared expenses with the drivers.
Participants are also encouraged to help support this non-profit effort
by purchasing a t-shirt or other souvineer, and you can 'Adopt an Owl' for only $15!
Contact paul_noeldner@hotmail.com or call 608-698-0104 to get on the trip reservation list and to coordinate driving or carpooling arrangements. There are still some openings. Participants signed up so far have already arranged several carpools that will go up independently, and some are staying overnight, so we do NOT plan to to meet at 5:00 p.m. from the eastside Cub Foods parking lot to carpool as originally planned, unless specially arranged with the trip leader.
Participants are advised to bring along some dinner or snacks to eat in the car. Time permitting, we may be able to do a fast-food take out stop. Bring a flashlight (it will be dark), and your camera if you wish (however please note that camera flash is not allowed). The owl banding begins about
7:30 p.m., lasts more than two hours, and the
drive is about two hours. In addition, participants may want to stay after the program to ask questions and purchase items. This means we may not get back to Madison until after midnight. This trip is limited to 20 participants. Call trip leader
Paul Noeldner at (608) 698-0104 or email paul_noeldner@hotmail.com to get on the list and to coordinate and confirm driving or carpool plans, or if you have questions. Please include your email address and phone (cell phone if you have one).
| | Sunday | October 2 | Fall Birding at Lakeshore Nature Preserve | Eric Wood & Roma Lenehan
| |
In contrast to the rush of the spring migration,
fall migrants linger in the Lakeshore Nature
Preserve. Join us for the challenge of sparrows
and late fall warblers in the gardens, prairies,
and woodland edges. Co-sponsored by the
Friends of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve, the
trip will last about 2 hours.
Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Class of 1918 Marsh
parking lot at the base of Picnic Point. Leaders
are Peter Fissel (608) 226-0260, Roma Lenehan
and Eric Wood.
| | Saturday | October 8 | Migrant Songbirds of Pheasant Branch Conservancy | Mike McDowell
| |
The focus of this trip will be sparrow species,
including White-throated, Lincoln’s, and many
others. We will also look for late warblers, flycatchers,
thrushes, and other fall migrants.
Meet at 7:15 a.m. at the Dane County unit
of Pheasant Branch Conservancy, about 1.5
miles north of Century Ave. in Middleton on
Pheasant Branch Rd. This is the third parking
lot for the Conservancy on the right as you
drive north out of Middleton. Bring warm
clothes for cool early morning fall weather.
Contact Mike McDowell at (800) 289-1132 or
birder@tds.net with any questions.
| | Wednesday | October 12 | Knollwood Woods | Russ Hefty
| |
Enjoy the fall colors, hike on the new “Cannonball Trail”, and see the only sand prairie in the Madison Park system. Meet at 5:30 p.m. at the park, 3334 Westview Lane. To reach the park, take Post Rd. west off Fish Hatchery Rd. (south of the Beltline) to Knollwood Way, which curves around to become Westview Lane. Or take Grandview Blvd. (between Post Rd. and Seminole Hwy) south from the West Beltline Frontage Rd. to Knollwood Way. Contact Russ Hefty, (608) 266-5949 with any questions.
| | Sunday | October 23 | Goose Pond Scope Day | Dorothy Haines
| |
Scopes will be set up along Prairie Lane, Goose Pond Sanctuary, in the afternoon, weather permitting. From Arlington, take Hwy 51 south and turn right onto Goose Pond Road. Prairie Lane is south of Goose Pond on the right.
| | Saturday | October 29 | Migrant Songbirds of Pheasant Branch Conservancy | Mike McDowell
| |
The focus of this trip will be sparrow species, including White-throated, Lincoln’s, White-crowned, Clay-colored, and others. We will also look for late fall migrants. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Dane County Unit of Pheasant Branch Conservancy, about 1.5 miles north of Century Ave. in Middleton on Pheasant Branch Rd. This the third parking lot for the conservancy on the right as you drive north out of Middleton. Bring warm clothes for cool early morning fall weather. Contact trip leader Mike McDowell at (800) 289-1132 or birder@tds.net with any questions.
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NOVEMBER Field Trips
| Sunday | November 6 | Lake Michigan Birding | Aaron Stutz
| |
Join us as we bird Lake Michigan and its shoreline. This trip is timed to coincide withthe migration of hawks and waterfowl through Milwaukee and Ozaukee counties. We will be scoping the lake for specialties like Surf, Black, and White-winged Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Harlequin Duck, and Red-throated Loon. If the weather cooperates we will have excellent views of migrant hawks from some of the lakeside bluffs. Unusual raptors seen from the hawk watch in past years include Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Rough-leggedHawk, and goshawk. Be sure to dress for the weather and bring a scope if you have one. A high ratio of scopes to people will make this trip more enjoyable for everyone. Meet at 6:30 a.m. in the middle of the parking lot of the east side Cub Foods to carpool. From Hwy 30 take Hwy 51 (Stoughton Road) north to Nakoosa Tr., turn right and proceed east to Cub Foods. We will return to Cub Foods between 4:30 and 6 p.m. If you have questions contact Aaron Stutz at (920) 648-3761 or agstutz@sbcglobal.net
| | Saturday | November 19 | Mississippi Waterfowl | Chris West
| |
The trip officially meets at Point Lookout at Wyalusing State Park in Prairie Du Chien.
Those coming from the Madison area, meet at the Home Depot on Verona Rd.
just south of the Beltline at 6:00 a.m. to carpool.
The first stop will be at Point Lookout at Wyalusing State Park
where your leader will meet you. Then we will probably drive to Villa Louis
in Prairie du Chien to check for passerines & ducks before heading north along
the river. At some point, we will probably cross over to the west side of the
river since the viewing is better in spots. Otherwise, we will stay primarily on the
WI side. We will possibly go as far north as La Crosse. The trip will last until
late afternoon. Please bring appropriate gear for the weather. We will be driving
during most of the trip but will spend some time outdoors if the birding is good.
Please bring binoculars, spotting scopes, walkie-talkies (two-way radios) if you
have them. We will probably stop for lunch at the River's Edge in Lansing Iowa,
but you may wish to bring snacks along. Hope to see you there. If you have any
questions, contact Chris West at (608) 647-6403, (608) 475-9016 or
Chris.W.Birder@gmail.com
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DECEMBER Field Trips
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| | Saturday | December 3 | Madison Lakes | Al Shea
| |
As winter sets in, ponds and smaller lakes of south-central Wisconsin freeze, causing migrating birds to become concentrated on Madison’s large lakes, which remain open longer. Al Shea, expert birder and long time MAS field trip leader, will lead us in observing waterfowl, gulls and winter birds. This trip has produced some unusual birds in the past, including Redthroated Loons, so don’t miss it! We will carpool and leave at 7:30 a.m. from the middle of UW Parking Lot 60 at the north end of Walnut Street, near University Bay. The trip will last about four hours. Bring a scope if you have one and dress warmly. If you have questions, call Al Shea at (608) 825-6232.
| | Saturday | December 17 | Madison Christmas Bird Count | Aaron Stutz
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