March 14-15
Saturday, Mar 14 at Havenwoods State Forest 8:30-10:30
Havenwoods State Forest
6141 N Hopkins St, Milwaukee
Join Milwaukee Birders at Havenwoods. State park sticker NOT needed. Meet in front of the building (Restrooms available). Binoculars are available to borrow. Flat trails go along gravel, wood, grass and mulched paths. Walk winds through grassland, woods, along shrubby borders, and by a pond. Really nice variety of habitats and birds.
Website: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/havenwoods
eBird Site: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L252263
Trails: Gravel, Grass and Wood Chips
Restrooms: Available in building
Park Map: Trail Map
Sunday, Mar 15 8:30-10:30 Hank Aaron Trail from Urban Ecology Center-Menomonee Valley
3700 W Pierce St or Canal St parking
Birding the Hank Aaron Trail, possible sightings include anything found along a river: herons, ducks, Belted Kingfishers, hawks, flycatchers, and warblers, given the season. Going east towards Three Bridges, the trail winds through grassy and native perennial areas, meaning possibilities of sparrows and additional songbirds.
NOTE: Like our January walk here snow is called for. If we cancel, it will be posted here
Website: Urban Ecology Center-Menomonee Valley and Hank Aaron Trail
eBird: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1253346
Trails: Paved paths
Restrooms: UEC is closed on Sundays, unless there are PortaPotties I don’t think there are restrooms.
Park Map: https://www.hankaaronstatetrail.org/
Join us! Walks are free and open to all levels of birders
Nearly every morning, there is a
FREE Bird Walk in Milwaukee
Subscribe! Each week, you’ll receive an email with where we’ll be birding next. Posts may go to your “Social” folder if using gmail
Milwaukee Birding News
Song Sparrow Palooza last weekend. Keep an eye on migration numbers and likely species with Birdcast. Checkout the migration intensity maps and Dashboard for Milwaukee County showing estimated number of birds flying over and likely species.
Wisconsin Society for Ornithology Annual Convention Registration now open! Keynote by Laura Erickson, educational sessions, meals, and the highlight of WSO Conventions – the field trips! Accompany local birders to hotspots for great birding. The Convention is in Madison, May 15-17. Details and registration HERE
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is still here. It is highly contagious among some bird species, specifically waterfowl, water birds, raptors, and scavengers. Learn more about protecting yourself, birds in your backyard, and wild birds: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/wildlifehabitat/disease/Avianinfluenza
Last Week
Sunday was cool with clear skies and a biting wind. The nineteen birders who came out did not mind the weather because we found some birds! Jenny and Sarah spotted a Snow Bunting hanging out in the short grass on the southeast end of the park. It flew up onto a post, giving us all great looks. We continued walking north, looking for sparrows. They were not in those grasses along the path, but a few flitted around the rocks. A stop at the Discovery World marina showed some ducks swimming about. Most of the ducks, including Red-breasted Mergansers, Greater and Lesser Scaup, Mallards, and a couple of Common Goldeneyes were in the south lagoon area.
The sparrow bonanza was in Summerfest grounds on the grassy area south of the Aurora Pavilion. There we saw over 30 Song Sparrows, with several Dark-eyed Juncos, and American Tree Sparrows. At the end of the Summerfest trail, several birders spotted an American Kestrel on a rooftop corner. At the same time, Stephanie pointed out a Glaucous Gull on the ice amidst the many Herring and Ring-billed Gulls. And as has become the Lakeshore State Park trend, we spotted two Bald Eagles high in the sky above us while doing the eBird list. In sum, 25 species and over 250 individual birds were seen.
eBird: https://ebird.org/checklist/S307320684
Pic: Dave Wenstrup
Upcoming Bird Talks & walks:
Have a birding event to share? email us on the Contact Page
MARCH
Opening The Door to A New Chapter with Dan Scheiman, The Ridges Sanctuary
Wednesday, Mar 11 at 7:00pm
in person at Mequon Nature Preserve and via Zoom
In 2023, Dan and Samantha Scheiman moved from Arkansas to Door County, renowned for its nature and outdoor opportunities. Dan works at The Ridges Sanctuary, a land trust that focuses on preservation, education, and research. The Ridges protects some 2,000 acres that harbor a rare ridge-and-swale system, 29 native orchids, and federally threatened and endangered species. Dan
will talk about the county, The Ridges, and his ongoing pursuit of birds, butterflies, orchids, and more. Dr. Scheiman is the Visitor Engagement Specialist at The Ridges Sanctuary. Previously, he worked for the National Audubon Society at the Little Rock (Arkansas) Audubon Center. He was vice president of his Audubon chapter and an eBird reviewer. Dan has a B.S. from Cornell
University, an M.S. from Eastern Illinois University, and a Ph.D. from Purdue University.
Register: https://ticketstripe.com/TheRidgesSanctuary
To join meeting via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Qfancx7zSmCC1cXp1O8eEA
Stephanie Bielke in Brookfield Zoo Women in Conservation Series
Wednesday, Mar 11 on Zoom
Senior Manager of Conservation Science for Great Lakes Audubon and an excellent birder, Stephanie will speak about her career in birding and science.
Free, registration necessary: https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0079-0030-699d5cf99ba7419cba6b67cfaf6f57aa
Introduction to Bird Language
Saturdays Mar 7 & 14 at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
Details and Registration HERE
Guided Bird Hike: Early Spring Migrants
Sunday, March 15 at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
Details and registration HERE
WIngs Volunteer Training
Monday, March 16th 5:30 – 6:30 PM at Urban Ecology Center
Becoming a new volunteer or returning for the 2026 spring season of WINGS monitoring? This training is a good chance to restock your supplies, meet other volunteers, ask questions, and hear any changes or updates to the protocols. Learn more about the WIngs program here.
Learn about Lincoln Park -Milwaukee River Improvements
Wednesday, Mar 18 at Blatz Pavillion
Details: https://mkewaterwaypartners.org/2026-lp-spring-event/
Dane and Columbia County Birding with Wisconsin Society for Ornithology
Saturday, March 21
Details and Registration: https://wsobirds.org/birding-events/eventdetail/22245/-/dane-columbia-counties
Birding the Milwaukee Public Museum with Wisconsin Metro Audubon Society
Saturday, March 21 11:00am
Details: HERE
Birds & Stars: Navigation at Night
Wednesday, March 25th 7-8:30 PM at Urban Ecology Center
This relaxed evening lecture explores how birds navigate using stars, landscapes, and Earth’s magnetic field. We’ll take a fascinating look at migration, night skies, and the science that guides birds across incredible distances. Join the UEC Research Team (me) and guest presenter Bob Bonadurer, Daniel M. Soref Planetarium Director, for a short indoor presentation followed by an outdoor exploration of the night sky, where we’ll look for the same navigational clues birds rely on to find their way. Register here.
Understanding Bird Populations and How They Change
Thursdays Mar 26-Apr 23 at UW Field Station
Details and Registration HERE
Field Trip: Columbia/Dane counties in search of early migrants
Sunday, March 29, 7:00am meet up
Tour ponds and flooded fields in this very productive area. A wide variety of water birds, shorebirds, migrant passerines and others are possible (i.e.: swans, Greater White-fronted &Ross’s Geese, pipits, longspurs, sparrows, etc.).Carpooling at 7 a.m. from park & ride lot at Highway 33 and I-41. No signup required.
Trip Leader: Carl Schwartz; you can contact him at cschwartz3@wi.rr.com or 414-416-3272
** Follow Bird City Milwaukee on Facebook! for event announcements
Check out Chirp Chat episodes by Xcaret Nuñez. It’s all about birding Milwaukee area on WUWM 89.7 last Wednesday of the month
List of Milwaukee area BIRD CLUBS !
Milwaukee parks that need birding this week
The county needs eBird records throughout the year for every park and natural area. Every week there are priority parks needing eBird lists. A park could be a priority because no surveys have been done for that week. Alternatively, it could be prioritized because there are surveys, but MKE Parks suspect more species might reside there than previously identified.
We can help MKE Parks! Pick a priority park, go bird, eBird it and note time spent there.
MILWAUKEE COUNTY PARKS : March 8-14
- Armour Park
- Grootemat Nature Preserve
- Little Menomonee River Pkwy 2 (no trail, will be wet, be careful!) Entry off the dead end at W Heather Ave, walk next to Ryder Truck Rental to the river.
- Wyrick Park
Based on the needs spreadsheet from MKE Parks, Wisconsin Metro Audubon Society (Thanks Colleen!) curates suggested locations based on accessibility to the property and availability on the ebird hotspots tool. Please track your time spent! At the end of the year WMAS provides hours to the county.
Follow Wisconsin Metro Audubon on Facebook for their weekly park posts.
Note- even if it’s already been birded this week, going another day or even a different time of day helps. The parks department wants a number of surveys for each park. Birding more than once in a week is very helpful!
Find a park and a park map: https://county.milwaukee.gov/EN/Parks/Explore/Find-a-Park
Wisconsin Metro Audubon is also birding for Waukesha Parks…
Bird where you can and share your ebird list with their ebird account: WaukeshaCountyBirding
March bird surveys needed at these locations- all are ebird hotspots
- Berg Property – free – address S102W33451 CTH LO should get you there or very close. It’s just west of Mukwonago so you could do them both in one trip!
- Fox Bend Park- fee or pass- looking for 8 shared surveys
- Monches County Park- fee or pass- looking for 4 shared surveys
- Mukwonago Park (pass or daily fee) – looking for 7 shared surveys
- Ashippun Lake – Waukesha County- (free)- looking for 1 shared survey
- New Berlin Trail (free)- 5 shared surveys needed
March 8: Lakeshore State Park
Sunday, March 8 from 8:30-10:30
Lakeshore State Park
500 N Harbor Drive
Meet at the south end (red arrow on pic), parking along highlighted area. One of Wisconsin’s newest state parks, Lakeshore sits on the edge of downtown. The lagoon by Summerfest grounds often has a number of ducks. The short grass prairies host many sparrow species, plus American Kestrels. The shrubs and trees have lots of birdy visitors. In the summer, there are nesting Purple Martins, Eastern Bluebirds, and Tree Swallows in the boxes. A great place to bird in any season!
Website: Friends of Lakeshore State Park https://friendslsp.org/
eBird site: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L386716
Trails: Paved sidewalks, no elevation changes.
Restrooms: PortaPotty available, Discovery World restrooms open after 9:00am
Park Map: Map
Join us! Walks are free and open to all levels of birders
Nearly every morning, there is a
FREE Bird Walk in Milwaukee
Subscribe! Each week, you’ll receive an email with where we’ll be birding next. Posts may go to your “Social” folder if using gmail
Milwaukee Birding News
Expert Birders have denser brains (and that’s a good thing!) Stronger attention and perception in the brains of birders. So get good at birding not proven to increase brain function but won’t hurt!
Wisconsin Society for Ornithology Annual Convention Registration now open! Keynote by Laura Ericson, edustaional sessions, meals, and the highlight of WSO Conventions – the field trips! Accompany local birders to hotspots for great birding. The Convention is in Madison, May 15-17. Details and registration HERE
More evidence of bird population declines in the Midwest. Strongly correlated with intensive agricultural land use. Read more https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/26/climate/bird-declines.html?unlocked_article_code=1.QVA.vuQp.M6hbFhkJ9prK&smid=url-share
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is still here. It is highly contagious among some bird species, specifically waterfowl, water birds, raptors, and scavengers. Learn more about protecting yourself, birds in your backyard, and wild birds: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/wildlifehabitat/disease/Avianinfluenza
Last Week
Lynden Sculpture Gardens provided a fun bird walk on Sunday. Ester was a great guide explaining art, trees, and land maintenance decisions to us. The birds were pretty great too! In the parking lot we were greeted by Eastern Bluebirds, Red-winged Blackbirds, American Crows, and Northern Cardinals. As we walked around the pond towards the labyrinth area, Ester and Judith spotted a Hermit Thrush. As we were all getting nice looks at the thrush, a Great Horned Owl flew past us. Perfect bird timing. We finished the walk by exploring the feeder area and a few sculptures. Thanks Esther! And thanks to John for the eBird list and photos. If you want to bird at Lynden Chuck Stebelton is starting his monthly walks next Sunday. Scroll down for more details.
eBird list: https://ebird.org/checklist/S305473008
Pic: John Kaspar
Upcoming Bird Talks & walks:
Have a birding event to share? email us on the Contact Page
MARCH
Sheboygan Lake Front Birds with Wisconsin Society for Ornithology
Saturday, Mar 7
Details and registration: https://wsobirds.org/birding-events/eventdetail/22244/-/sheboygan-lakefront-birds
The Art of Birding with Chuck Stebelton
Sunday, Mar 8 at Lynden Sculpture Gardens
Poet, Master Naturalist, and Birder, Chuck will lead a bird walk around the sculptures. Registration and fee: https://www.lyndensculpturegarden.org/calendar/birding-2026
Opening The Door to A New Chapter with Dan Scheiman, The Ridges Sanctuary
Wednesday, Mar 11 at 7:00pm
in person at Mequon Nature Preserve and via Zoom
In 2023, Dan and Samantha Scheiman moved from Arkansas to Door County, renowned for its nature and outdoor opportunities. Dan works at The Ridges Sanctuary, a land trust that focuses on preservation, education, and research. The Ridges protects some 2,000 acres that harbor a rare ridge-and-swale system, 29 native orchids, and federally threatened and endangered species. Dan
will talk about the county, The Ridges, and his ongoing pursuit of birds, butterflies, orchids, and more. Dr. Scheiman is the Visitor Engagement Specialist at The Ridges Sanctuary. Previously, he worked for the National Audubon Society at the Little Rock (Arkansas) Audubon Center. He was vice president of his Audubon chapter and an eBird reviewer. Dan has a B.S. from Cornell
University, an M.S. from Eastern Illinois University, and a Ph.D. from Purdue University.
Register: https://ticketstripe.com/TheRidgesSanctuary
To join meeting via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Qfancx7zSmCC1cXp1O8eEA
Stephanie Bielke in Brookfield Zoo Women in Conservation Series
Wednesday, Mar 11 on Zoom
Senior Manager of Conservation Science for Great Lakes Audubon and an excellent birder, Stephanie will speak about her career in birding and science.
Free, registration necessary: https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0079-0030-699d5cf99ba7419cba6b67cfaf6f57aa
Introduction to Bird Language
Saturdays Mar 7 & 14 at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
Details and Registration HERE
Guided Bird Hike: Early Spring Migrants
Sunday, March 15 at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
Details and registration HERE
WIngs Volunteer Training
Monday, March 16th 5:30 – 6:30 PM at Urban Ecology Center
Becoming a new volunteer or returning for the 2026 spring season of WINGS monitoring? This training is a good chance to restock your supplies, meet other volunteers, ask questions, and hear any changes or updates to the protocols. Learn more about the WIngs program here.
Learn about Lincoln Park -Milwaukee River Improvements
Wednesday, Mar 18 at Blatz Pavillion
Details: https://mkewaterwaypartners.org/2026-lp-spring-event/
Dane and Columbia County Birding with Wisconsin Society for Ornithology
Saturday, March 21
Details and Registration: https://wsobirds.org/birding-events/eventdetail/22245/-/dane-columbia-counties
Birds & Stars: Navigation at Night
Wednesday, March 25th 7-8:30 PM at Urban Ecology Center
This relaxed evening lecture explores how birds navigate using stars, landscapes, and Earth’s magnetic field. We’ll take a fascinating look at migration, night skies, and the science that guides birds across incredible distances. Join the UEC Research Team (me) and guest presenter Bob Bonadurer, Daniel M. Soref Planetarium Director, for a short indoor presentation followed by an outdoor exploration of the night sky, where we’ll look for the same navigational clues birds rely on to find their way. Register here.
Understanding Bird Populations and How They Change
Thursdays Mar 26-Apr 23 at UW Field Station
Details and Registration HERE
Field Trip: Columbia/Dane counties in search of early migrants
Sunday, March 29, 7:00am meet up
Tour ponds and flooded fields in this very productive area. A wide variety of water birds, shorebirds, migrant passerines and others are possible (i.e.: swans, Greater White-fronted &Ross’s Geese, pipits, longspurs, sparrows, etc.).Carpooling at 7 a.m. from park & ride lot at Highway 33 and I-41. No signup required.
Trip Leader: Carl Schwartz; you can contact him at cschwartz3@wi.rr.com or 414-416-3272
** Follow Bird City Milwaukee on Facebook! for event announcements
Check out Chirp Chat episodes by Xcaret Nuñez. It’s all about birding Milwaukee area on WUWM 89.7 last Wednesday of the month
List of Milwaukee area BIRD CLUBS !
Milwaukee parks that need birding this week
The county needs eBird records throughout the year for every park and natural area. Every week there are priority parks needing eBird lists. A park could be a priority because no surveys have been done for that week. Alternatively, it could be prioritized because there are surveys, but MKE Parks suspect more species might reside there than previously identified.
We can help MKE Parks! Pick a priority park, go bird, eBird it and note time spent there.
MILWAUKEE COUNTY PARKS : March 1-7
- Pupoch Park
- Grootemat Nature Preserve
Based on the needs spreadsheet from MKE Parks, Wisconsin Metro Audubon Society (Thanks Colleen!) curates suggested locations based on accessibility to the property and availability on the ebird hotspots tool. Please track your time spent! At the end of the year WMAS provides hours to the county.
Follow Wisconsin Metro Audubon on Facebook for their weekly park posts.
Note- even if it’s already been birded this week, going another day or even a different time of day helps. The parks department wants a number of surveys for each park. Birding more than once in a week is very helpful!
Find a park and a park map: https://county.milwaukee.gov/EN/Parks/Explore/Find-a-Park
Wisconsin Metro Audubon is also birding for Waukesha Parks…
Bird where you can and share your ebird list with their ebird account: WaukeshaCountyBirding
March bird surveys needed at these locations- all are ebird hotspots
- Berg Property – free – address S102W33451 CTH LO should get you there or very close. It’s just west of Mukwonago so you could do them both in one trip!
- Fox Bend Park- fee or pass- looking for 8 shared surveys
- Monches County Park- fee or pass- looking for 4 shared surveys
- Mukwonago Park (pass or daily fee) – looking for 7 shared surveys
- Ashippun Lake – Waukesha County- (free)- looking for 1 shared survey
- New Berlin Trail (free)- 5 shared surveys needed
March 1: Lynden Sculpture Gardens
Sunday, March 1 from 8:30-10:30
Lynden Sculpture Garden
2145 W Brown Deer Rd, River Hills
Situated on 40-acres of old farm land, Lynden has 50 sculptures, a couple large Elm trees, 1 pond, and 160 recorded bird species. This is one walk where the birds are delightful and the art fantastic!
Website: https://www.lyndensculpturegarden.org/
eBird: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L11993994
Trails: Grass and woodchip paths
Restrooms: Building access during regular hours
Park Map: https://lynden.tours/wp-content/uploads/LSG_Map_2022.pdf
Join us! Walks are free and open to all levels of birders
Nearly every morning, there is a
FREE Bird Walk in Milwaukee
Subscribe! Each week, you’ll receive an email with where we’ll be birding next. Posts may go to your “Social” folder if using gmail
Milwaukee Birding News
Native Plant Sales are coming SOS Save Our Songbirds has a list of where to find one in your area. MMSD ordering opens Feb 23. And more, checkout the Glacial Lakes Conservancy Land Trust Native Plant Sale
Wondering what plants you should buy? Maybe this April 18 workshop by Waukesha Land Conservancy would help: Natural Landscaping for Birds.
How many teams? How many species? How many parks do you think we can cover in a Milwaukee Birdathon? The Great Wisconsin Birdathon is coming up – let’s represent Milwaukee!
We aren’t the only ones who know how great Milwaukee Parks are. Check out Eddee Daniel’s article on Milwaukee Parks ranks in the top 20 nationally for urban parks. Good read, and includes his awesome photographs of Milwaukee parks.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is still here. It is highly contagious among some bird species, specifically waterfowl, water birds, raptors, and scavengers. Learn more about protecting yourself, birds in your backyard, and wild birds: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/wildlifehabitat/disease/Avianinfluenza
Last Week
Thirteen birders made a very cold walk into the wind on the Nojoshing Trail to reach Seminary Woods. Being out of the wind made for a much nicer walk. We saw fifteen species, and though we looked hard, no owls were spotted. Without many birds to distract us, we were wowed by the huge trees in these woods.
eBird list: https://ebird.org/checklist/S303176751
Pic: John Kaspar
Pic: John Kaspar
Pic: John Kaspar
Upcoming Bird Talks & walks:
Have a birding event to share? email us on the Contact Page
february
Tips and Tools for Starting Birding
Tuesday, Feb 24, 6:00pm
Frank L. Weyenberg Library of Mequon/Thiensville
Details: https://flwlib.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=286471
Winter Break at Havenwoods
Saturday, Feb 28 from 12-3:00pm
There will be birding! Andy Dressel of Signs of Life in Esatbrook Park will lead a walk at 1:00. Details https://www.winterbreakmke.com/
MARCH
ExpressScape Workshop: Next Steps with Native Plants
Thursday March 5, at Urban Ecology Center – Washington Park
Program by Lake Michigan Bird Observatory connects participants with expert native plant designers for one-on-one conversations and site-specific guidance. Attendees receive a brief personalized landscape plan to help guide their next steps. Registration required; spots are limited
Register by Feb. 26: https://lmbo.questionpro.com/mke2026
Sheboygan Lake Front Birds with Wisconsin Society for Ornithology
Saturday, Mar 7
Details and registration: https://wsobirds.org/birding-events/eventdetail/22244/-/sheboygan-lakefront-birds
Opening The Door to A New Chapter with Dan Scheiman, The Ridges Sanctuary
Wednesday, Mar 11 at 7:00pm
in person at Mequon Nature Preserve and via Zoom
In 2023, Dan and Samantha Scheiman moved from Arkansas to Door County, renowned for its nature and outdoor opportunities. Dan works at The Ridges Sanctuary, a land trust that focuses on preservation, education, and research. The Ridges protects some 2,000 acres that harbor a rare ridge-and-swale system, 29 native orchids, and federally threatened and endangered species. Dan
will talk about the county, The Ridges, and his ongoing pursuit of birds, butterflies, orchids, and more. Dr. Scheiman is the Visitor Engagement Specialist at The Ridges Sanctuary. Previously, he worked for the National Audubon Society at the Little Rock (Arkansas) Audubon Center. He was vice president of his Audubon chapter and an eBird reviewer. Dan has a B.S. from Cornell
University, an M.S. from Eastern Illinois University, and a Ph.D. from Purdue University.
Register: https://ticketstripe.com/TheRidgesSanctuary
To join meeting via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Qfancx7zSmCC1cXp1O8eEA
Introduction to Bird Language
Saturdays Mar 7 & 14 at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
Details and Registration HERE
Guided Bird Hike: Early Spring Migrants
Sunday, March 15 at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
Details and registration HERE
WIngs Volunteer Training
Monday, March 16th 5:30 – 6:30 PM at Urban Ecology Center
Becoming a new volunteer or returning for the 2026 spring season of WINGS monitoring? This training is a good chance to restock your supplies, meet other volunteers, ask questions, and hear any changes or updates to the protocols. Learn more about the WIngs program here.
Dane and Columbia County Birding with Wisconsin Society for Ornithology
Saturday, March 21
Details and Registration: https://wsobirds.org/birding-events/eventdetail/22245/-/dane-columbia-counties
Birds & Stars: Navigation at Night
Wednesday, March 25th 7-8:30 PM at Urban Ecology Center
This relaxed evening lecture explores how birds navigate using stars, landscapes, and Earth’s magnetic field. We’ll take a fascinating look at migration, night skies, and the science that guides birds across incredible distances. Join the UEC Research Team (me) and guest presenter Bob Bonadurer, Daniel M. Soref Planetarium Director, for a short indoor presentation followed by an outdoor exploration of the night sky, where we’ll look for the same navigational clues birds rely on to find their way. Register here.
Understanding Bird Populations and How They Change
Thursdays Mar 26-Apr 23 at UW Field Station
Details and Registration HERE
Field Trip: Columbia/Dane counties in search of early migrants
Saturday, March 29, 7:00am meet up
Tour ponds and flooded fields in this very productive area. A wide variety of water birds, shorebirds, migrant passerines and others are possible (i.e.: swans, Greater White-fronted &Ross’s Geese, pipits, longspurs, sparrows, etc.).Carpooling at 7 a.m. from park & ride lot at Highway 33 and I-41. No signup required.
Trip Leader: Carl Schwartz; you can contact him at cschwartz3@wi.rr.com or 414-416-3272
** Follow Bird City Milwaukee on Facebook! for event announcements
Check out Chirp Chat episodes by Xcaret Nuñez. It’s all about birding Milwaukee area on WUWM 89.7 last Wednesday of the month
List of Milwaukee area BIRD CLUBS !
Milwaukee parks that need birding this week
The county needs eBird records throughout the year for every park and natural area. Every week there are priority parks needing eBird lists. A park could be a priority because no surveys have been done for that week. Alternatively, it could be prioritized because there are surveys, but MKE Parks suspect more species might reside there than previously identified.
We can help MKE Parks! Pick a priority park, go bird, eBird it and note time spent there.
MILWAUKEE COUNTY PARKS : February 22-28
- Baran Park
- Kosciusko Park
- Melody View Preserve
- Pulaski (Milwaukee)
Based on the needs spreadsheet from MKE Parks, Wisconsin Metro Audubon Society (Thanks Colleen!) curates suggested locations based on accessibility to the property and availability on the ebird hotspots tool. Please track your time spent! At the end of the year WMAS provides hours to the county.
Follow Wisconsin Metro Audubon on Facebook for their weekly park posts.
Note- even if it’s already been birded this week, going another day or even a different time of day helps. The parks department wants a number of surveys for each park. Birding more than once in a week is very helpful!
Find a park and a park map: https://county.milwaukee.gov/EN/Parks/Explore/Find-a-Park
Wisconsin Metro Audubon is also birding for Waukesha Parks…
Bird where you can and share your ebird list with their ebird account: WaukeshaCountyBirding
February bird surveys needed at these locations- all are ebird hotspots
- Berg Property – free – address S102W33451 CTH LO should get you there or very close. It’s just west of Mukwonago so you could do them both in one trip!
- Fox Brook Park- fee or pass- looking for 4 shared surveys
- Minooka Park (pass or daily fee)- looking for 3 shared surveys in Feb
- Mukwonago Park (pass or daily fee) – looking for 6 shared surveys
- Nagawaukee Park- (pass or daily fee) – looking for 7 shared surveys
- Ryan Park (pass or daily fee) – looking for 6 shared surveys
- Ashippun Lake – Waukesha County- (free)- looking for 6 shared surveys
- New Berlin Trail (free)- 6 shared surveys needed
Feb 22: Nojoshing Trail and Seminary Woods
Sunday, Feb 22 from 8:30-10:30
Nojoshing Trail and Seminary Woods
Seminary Woods
3400 E Howard, St Francis Civic Center Parking
Enter via the Nojoshing Trail with parking at the St Francis Civic Center
Beautiful woods with huge old Beech and Maples, a grotto, small cemetery and lovely shrub layer. Bird highlights include woodpecker, raptors, and occasionally, an owl.
Website: https://www.mkeconservancy.org/seminary-woods.html
eBird site: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L304824
Trails: Grass and dirt through woods and grasslands
Restrooms: In the Civic Center when open
Join us! Walks are free and open to all levels of birders
Nearly every morning, there is a
FREE Bird Walk in Milwaukee
Subscribe! Each week, you’ll receive an email with where we’ll be birding next. Posts may go to your “Social” folder if using gmail
Milwaukee Birding News
Native Plant Sales are coming SOS Save Our Songbirds has a list of where to find one in your area. MMSD ordering opens Feb 23
Wondering what plants you should buy? Maybe this April 18 workshop by Waukesha Land Conservancy would help: Natural Landscaping for Birds
How many teams? How many species? How many parks do you think we can cover in a Milwaukee Birdathon? The Great Wisconsin Birdathon is coming up – let’s represent Milwaukee!
Guess what the most googled bird in the US is? Guess what the most googled bird by Wisconsinites is? Check out this amazing visual summary of google searches for birds, “Searching for Birds” on Visual Cinnamon, including counts and times of year. Every spring, American Robin searches spike. (For Wisconsin, the most googled types of bird is “hawk”, the most googled species is “Northern Cardinal”
Last Week
Saturday Havenwoods State Forest Walk: We were lucky to have a beautiful day at Havenwoods with birders. We walked west from the building along the evergreens. In this area we saw several Eastern Bluebirds, heard a Carolina Wren and some of us saw a Hermit Thrush. We headed around Lincoln Creek and the grassy hill spotting a perched hawk in the distance. Coming southeast along the railroad tracks, we saw numerous American Robins, European Starlings, and Cedar Waxwings. Heading north on the Green Trail after crossing the bridge back towards the building. By the end fifteen birders found 26 species
eBird list: https://ebird.org/checklist/S300474460
Sunday Schlitz Audubon Nature Center: Sixteen birders showed up to hike all over Schlitz Audubon Nature Center. We went to the lake, along the terrace, up the Elizabeth Trail, through the short grass prairies, and across the road for a peek at the west meadows. We weren’t done yet. We walked across Turtle Pond, along Mystery Lake, and ended at the building watching birds at Feeder Grove. Our efforts netted 27 species total across the group. We did not find any of the elusive Pileated Woodpeckers there.
eBird list: https://ebird.org/checklist/S301267352
Pic: Dave Wenstrup
Pic Dave Wenstrup
Upcoming Bird Talks & walks:
Have a birding event to share? email us on the Contact Page
february
Birding in Angola
Wednesday, Feb 18. 7:00pm Zoom only but hosted by Riveredge Nature Center
Jan Hansen, the former Green Bay Wild Birds Unlimited owner who recently retired as leader of Otus Asio Tours, was among the leaders in birds reported to eBird in 2025, sighting more than 20% of the world’s 10,733 species. Some 441 were from Angola, where he will take us this night
via Zoom from his home in North Carolina.
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88433914199?pwd=1TOAptOSeWpKg1f8N1UoCvDvas551Y.1
Meeting ID: 884 3391 4199
Passcode: 661842
Follow the Flock: Tracking the Epic Migration of North American Cranes
Thursday, Feb 19. 11:00am sponsored by International Crane Foundation
Webinar. Details HERE
Carpool Winter Birding
Saturday, Feb 21 7:30am meetup at Coal Dock Park, Port Washington
In search of overwintering birds and rarities in Ozaukee, Sheboygan, and Washington Counties.
No signup required. Trip leaders: Carl Schwartz (you can contact him at cschwartz3@wi.rr.com or 414-416-3272) and Joan Sommer.
Literary Hike: Courage of Birds by Pete Dunne
Sunday, February 22
Details and registration: https://www.schlitzaudubon.org/event/literary-hike-courage-of-birds-by-pete-dunne/
Tips and Tools for Starting Birding
Tuesday, Feb 24, 6:00pm
Frank L. Weyenberg Library of Mequon/Thiensville
Details: https://flwlib.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=286471
Winter Break at Havenwoods
Saturday, Feb 28 from 12-3:00pm
Details https://www.winterbreakmke.com/
MARCH
ExpressScape Workshop: Next Steps with Native Plants
Thursday March 5, at Urban Ecology Center – Washington Park
Program by Lake Michigan Bird Observatory connects participants with expert native plant designers for one-on-one conversations and site-specific guidance. Attendees receive a brief personalized landscape plan to help guide their next steps. Registration required; spots are limited
Register by Feb. 26: https://lmbo.questionpro.com/mke2026
Sheboygan Lake Front Birds with Wisconsin Society for Ornithology
Saturday, Mar 7
Details and registration: https://wsobirds.org/birding-events/eventdetail/22244/-/sheboygan-lakefront-birds
Opening The Door to A New Chapter with Dan Scheiman, The Ridges Sanctuary
Wednesday, Mar 11 at 7:00pm
in person at Mequon Nature Preserve and via Zoom
In 2023, Dan and Samantha Scheiman moved from Arkansas to Door County, renowned for its nature and outdoor opportunities. Dan works at The Ridges Sanctuary, a land trust that focuses on preservation, education, and research. The Ridges protects some 2,000 acres that harbor a rare ridge-and-swale system, 29 native orchids, and federally threatened and endangered species. Dan
will talk about the county, The Ridges, and his ongoing pursuit of birds, butterflies, orchids, and more. Dr. Scheiman is the Visitor Engagement Specialist at The Ridges Sanctuary. Previously, he worked for the National Audubon Society at the Little Rock (Arkansas) Audubon Center. He was vice president of his Audubon chapter and an eBird reviewer. Dan has a B.S. from Cornell
University, an M.S. from Eastern Illinois University, and a Ph.D. from Purdue University.
Register: https://ticketstripe.com/TheRidgesSanctuary
To join meeting via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Qfancx7zSmCC1cXp1O8eEA
Introduction to Bird Language
Saturdays Mar 7 & 14 at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
Details and Registration HERE
Guided Bird Hike: Early Spring Migrants
Sunday, March 15 at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
Details and registration HERE
WIngs Volunteer Training
Monday, March 16th 5:30 – 6:30 PM at Urban Ecology Center
Becoming a new volunteer or returning for the 2026 spring season of WINGS monitoring? This training is a good chance to restock your supplies, meet other volunteers, ask questions, and hear any changes or updates to the protocols. Learn more about the WIngs program here.
Dane and Columbia County Birding with Wisconsin Society for Ornithology
Saturday, March 21
Details and Registration: https://wsobirds.org/birding-events/eventdetail/22245/-/dane-columbia-counties
Birds & Stars: Navigation at Night
Wednesday, March 25th 7-8:30 PM at Urban Ecology Center
This relaxed evening lecture explores how birds navigate using stars, landscapes, and Earth’s magnetic field. We’ll take a fascinating look at migration, night skies, and the science that guides birds across incredible distances. Join the UEC Research Team (me) and guest presenter Bob Bonadurer, Daniel M. Soref Planetarium Director, for a short indoor presentation followed by an outdoor exploration of the night sky, where we’ll look for the same navigational clues birds rely on to find their way. Register here.
Understanding Bird Populations and How They Change
Thursdays Mar 26-Apr 23 at UW Field Station
Details and Registration HERE
Field Trip: Columbia/Dane counties in search of early migrants
Saturday, March 29, 7:00am meet up
Tour ponds and flooded fields in this very productive area. A wide variety of water birds, shorebirds, migrant passerines and others are possible (i.e.: swans, Greater White-fronted &Ross’s Geese, pipits, longspurs, sparrows, etc.).Carpooling at 7 a.m. from park & ride lot at Highway 33 and I-41. No signup required.
Trip Leader: Carl Schwartz; you can contact him at cschwartz3@wi.rr.com or 414-416-3272
** Follow Bird City Milwaukee on Facebook! for event announcements
Check out Chirp Chat episodes by Xcaret Nuñez. It’s all about birding Milwaukee area on WUWM 89.7 last Wednesday of the month
List of Milwaukee area BIRD CLUBS !
Milwaukee parks that need birding this week
The county needs eBird records throughout the year for every park and natural area. Every week there are priority parks needing eBird lists. A park could be a priority because no surveys have been done for that week. Alternatively, it could be prioritized because there are surveys, but MKE Parks suspect more species might reside there than previously identified.
We can help MKE Parks! Pick a priority park, go bird, eBird it and note time spent there.
MILWAUKEE COUNTY PARKS : February 15-21
- Alcott Park
- Baran Park
- Barnard Park
- Chippewa Park
- Honey Creek Pkwy 5
- Kosciusko Park
- Melody View Preserve
- Menomonee River Pkwy 8
- Milwaukee River Pkwy 2
- Mitchell Blvd Park
- Pulaski (Milwaukee and Cudahy)
- Servite Park
- Southwood Glen (next to the elementary school, check in with the office if going on a school day)
- Wyrick Park
- Zablocki Park
Based on the needs spreadsheet from MKE Parks, Wisconsin Metro Audubon Society (Thanks Colleen!) curates suggested locations based on accessibility to the property and availability on the ebird hotspots tool. Please track your time spent! At the end of the year WMAS provides hours to the county.
Follow Wisconsin Metro Audubon on Facebook for their weekly park posts.
Note- even if it’s already been birded this week, going another day or even a different time of day helps. The parks department wants a number of surveys for each park. Birding more than once in a week is very helpful!
Find a park and a park map: https://county.milwaukee.gov/EN/Parks/Explore/Find-a-Park
Wisconsin Metro Audubon is also birding for Waukesha Parks…
Bird where you can and share your ebird list with their ebird account: WaukeshaCountyBirding
February bird surveys needed at these locations- all are ebird hotspots
- Berg Property – free – address S102W33451 CTH LO should get you there or very close. It’s just west of Mukwonago so you could do them both in one trip!
- Fox Brook Park- fee or pass- looking for 4 shared surveys
- Minooka Park (pass or daily fee)- looking for 3 shared surveys in Feb
- Mukwonago Park (pass or daily fee) – looking for 6 shared surveys
- Nagawaukee Park- (pass or daily fee) – looking for 7 shared surveys
- Ryan Park (pass or daily fee) – looking for 6 shared surveys
- Ashippun Lake – Waukesha County- (free)- looking for 6 shared surveys
- New Berlin Trail (free)- 6 shared surveys needed
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