2012 Madison Audubon Society Field Trip Details

2012 Madison Audubon Society Field Trip Details

2012 Field Trip Committee: Levi Wood, Peter Fissel, Nolan Pope, Peter Gorman

Click Here for a quick 2012 Field Trip Calendar 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. All trip activities are voluntary and participants assume their own risks and liabilities.

FF - Family Friendly Trips
While most Field Trips and events can be enjoyed by families and kids, be sure to check the writeups in the CAWS and in the Field Trip Details to make sure they are suitable for the age and interest level. To help you decide, we are now highlighting those especially Family Friendly Field Trips and events that families and kids will certainlyl enjoy! Look for trips like Frogs Night Out marked FF - Family Friendly, or check out this summary list of Family Friendly Field Trips

New: Birding Maps!
Here are Madison Audubon links to Google Maps showing the locations of Madison Audubon Sanctuaries, Wisconsin Birding Hotspots, and every Field Trip

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

Sat Jan 7 Wisconsin River Raptors Marty Evanson
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, Rough-legged 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.

FEBRUARY Field Trips

Fri-Mon Feb 17-20 Great Backyard Bird Count Everyone can participate!
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 Feb 25 FF Winter Birds of UW Arboretum Levi Wood
The UW Arboretum is noted for its diversity of birds in winter. Along with winter birds, such as chickadees, cardinals, finches and sparrows, there may be robins, hawks, owls or unexpected birds. Explore the edge of Curtis Prairie and wander through some woods to look and listen for bird activity. Trip leader Levi Wood guides tours of the Arboretum and has participated in the Madison Audubon bird count here for years. Meet at 8 a.m. at the Visitor Center parking lot on the side toward Curtis Prairie. If you drive in from Mills Street, park near the Visitor Center and walk through to the south part of the parking lot. We will be out for two to three hours depending upon the weather and the birds we find. It can still be cold the last weekend in February and might be snowy or icy, so dress warmly and wear appropriate foot gear. Any questions, call Levi at (608) 277-7959.

MARCH Field Trips

Sat Mar 10 Early Spring Migrants Steve Thiessen & Max Witynski
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.
Sat Mar 24 FF Beginning Birding Allen Holzhueter
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 7 & 21
Sun Mar 25 Spring Birding at Rose Lake Nolan Kollath & Brad Webb
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)
Sat Mar 31 Spring Birds of Columbia Co Tony Kalenic & Carol Anderson
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.

APRIL Field Trips

Sat Apri 7 Beginning Birding Allen Holzhueter
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 March 24 & April 21
Thu Apri 12 FF Frogs Night Out
(rain date: Apri 19) Bob Hay
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.
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. The rain date is April 19. Call trip leader Bob Hay only if you have questions. (608) 829-3123.
Fri Apri 13 Evening at Schoeneberg’s Marsh and Erstad Prairie Mark & Sue Martin
Come join us for an evening birding tour at Erstad Prairie - Schoeneberg Marsh Waterfowl Production Area. Much of the Abandoned Harvey Rd. has been removed, however part of the road was left in place for birders to walk down to the curve. The water is still high & should provide ideal habitat for wetland birds. If you have not visited the area lately you are in for a change. The Fish & Wildlife Service has established a hiking trail off Priem Road. We will hike the abandoned road to the curve 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.
Sat Apri 14 Ice Age Trail (Once Around the Sink and Down the Drain) Gary Werner
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.
Sat or Sun Apri 14 or 15 Jefferson-Dodge Bird Walk Jefferson-Dodge Team
This winter may feel more like spring, but when real spring does arrive, we will be starting our fifth season of Jefferson and Dodge County Birdwalks, which are affiliated with Madison Audubon. As before, the walks are “low-key” and will be led by experienced birders, including Nolan Kollath, lifelong birder and former instructor at Madison Area Technical College, Watertown; Karen Etter Hale, Executive Secretary, Madison Audubon Society; Brad Webb, Vice President of the Horicon Marsh Bird Club; and Royan Webb, long-time member of the Horicon Marsh Bird Club and experienced walk leader.
As in the past, walks will be held on the third weekend of the month, April through September. Our motto is “go where the birds are” so we choose the site and exact day of the walk close to the scheduled date. These are posted on our website, http://www. theropod.org/walks.html. Or join our mailing list at the website, and you’ll be notified of all upcoming walks as soon as they are planned. We will not give out any information you provide. We only use the list to keep people informed about the walks. We have had a lot of fun with good birds, good company, and pleasant walks each year. We’d be happy to have you join us for more of the same! All experience levels are welcome.
Sun Apri 15 Spring Migrants - Birding at Lake Farm Park Pat Ready
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.
Fri Apri 20 Evening at Cherokee Marsh Tony Kalenic & Levi Wood
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.
Sat Apri 21 FF Beginning Birding Allen Holzhueter
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 March 24 & April 7
Sat Apri 21 Baraboo Hills Spring Wildflowers and Birds Mike Mossman
Come enjoy the forest wildflowers and early spring birds at Baxter’s Hollow. We’ll walk through a wet woods in the Burga’s Slough area, where Louisiana Waterthrushes feed and sing along the springs and rocky stream, and spring ephemerals are rampant. We’ll see trilliums, trout lilies, and the gorgeous,diminutive golden saxifrage (Chrysoplenium.)Your guide will be Mike Mossman, local DNR ecologist.
Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the north end of Stone’s Pocket Rd. ((the far north end of the gravel section of road, past the TNC gate.) From Sauk City, drive 9 miles north on Hwy 12 (from Baraboo, go 8 miles south on Hwy 12,) then left (west) on King’s Corner Rd. for 1.7 mi, then north on Stone’s Pocket Rd. for 2 miles and park at the dead-end. There is not much room to park, so please carpool (there is now a new TNC parking area at the entrance to the hollow.) We’ll finish by noon. The route is wet, the path poor, and the stream must be crossed a few times, so wear appropriate footwear (rubber boots are recommended. If questions, call Mike Mossman at 608-544-5501 (michael.mossman@wi.gov) if you have any questions.
Wed Apri 25 Turville Point Spring Ephemerals Russ Hefty
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
Thu Apri 26 Warbler Walk at Pheasant Branch Mike McDowell
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 (800) 289-1132 or (birder@tds.net) and Aaron Stutz
Sat Apri 28 Birding at Wyalusing State Park Quentin Yoerger & Charles Naeseth
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 wildflow- ers.
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
Sun Apri 29 Wisconsin River Bottoms Chris West
The trip will visit several locations west of Mazomanie along the Wisconsin River bot- toms including Arena Boat Landing, Spring Green Preserve, Bakken’s Pond and Blue River Sand Barrens. Depending on the amount of rain we get this spring, we may also stop along CTH G and CTH JJ in 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 probably some shorebirds such as Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers, various plovers, etc.
The trip will meet at 6:30 a.m. in the parking lot at Mazomanie Bottoms (located about 3 miles north of Mazomanie on CTH Y & Laws Dr.) The trip should last until early afternoon. It may be helpful to bring FRS radios along if you have them. If you have questions, contact trip leader Chris West at little_blue_birdie@ msn.com (608) 475-9016

MAY Field Trips

Tue May 1 Warbler Walk at the Arboretum Levi Wood & Max Witynski
This is one of a handful of annual early morning warbler walks to be held in the UW Arboretum, looking for migrating warblers as well as vireos, thrushes, tanagers, and whatever else flies by. 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.
Wed May 2 Warbler Walk at Turville Point Peter Fissel & Quentin Yoerger
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.
Thu May 3 Warbler Walk at Pheasant Branch Mike McDowell
Join us for one of MAS’s early morning warbler walks. We’ll look for migrating warblers as well as vireos, thrushes, tanagers, and whatever else flies by. Meet at 6:00 a.m. and park at the dead-end that leads up to Parisi Park near where Park Lawn St. meets Park St. in Middleton. Mike McDowell (800) 289-1132 or birder@tds.net
Fri May 4 FF Evening Birding at Nine Springs Peter Fissel & Dan Doeppers
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. This area typically has good mud flats, marsh and pond habitat. 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 (608) 255-3013), Peter Fissel (608) 226-0260 or pfissel@library.wisc.edu
Sun May 6 Lakeshore Nature Preserve Bird Hike Peter Fissel & Dan Doeppers
We anticipate a pleasant spring morning of birding at one of Madison’s birding hot spots. With lots of shoreline, open water and a variety of woods, wetlands, and open areas, 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 with an opportunity to extend longer. Cosponsor: Friends of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve. Dan Doeppers (608) 255-3013 and Peter Fissel (608) 226-0260 or pfissel@ library.wisc.edu
Tue May 8 Warbler Walk at the Arboretum Jim Berkelman
This is one of a handful of annual early morning warbler walks to be held in the UW Arboretum, looking for migrating warblers as well as vireos, thrushes, tanagers, and whatever else flies by. 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. Jim Berkelman jberkelman@wisc.edu
Wed May 9 Warbler Walk at Cherokee Marsh Dan Graham & Peter Fissel
Meet at 6:00 a.m. at the north end of Sherman Ave. Dan Graham and Peter Fissel (608) 226- 0260
Tue May 15 Warbler Walk at Pheasant Branch Mike McDowell
Meet at 6:00 a.m. and park at the dead-end that leads up to Parisi Park near where Park Lawn St. meets Park St. in Middleton. Mike McDowell (800) 289-1132 or birder@tds.net
Wed May 16 FF Wildflowers at Sandburg Woods Russ Hefty
Explore this park with its rich diversity of oak woodland wild flowers. Meet along Sunbrook Rd. near the playground East of Sandburg School. Directions: From E. Washington Ave., turn off onto Portage Rd, then take a right on Donna Dr., Left onto Gerald Dr, then Right onto Sunbrook Rd to the playground near the bike path. Russ Hefty (608) 267-4918.
Thu May 17 Warbler Walk at Pheasant Branch Mike McDowell
Meet at 6:00 a.m. and park at the dead-end that leads up to Parisi Park near where Park Lawn St. meets Park St. in Middleton. Mike McDowell (800) 289-1132 or birder@tds.net
Fri May 18 FF Evening at Token Creek Ed Saur
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. 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
Sat May 19 FF Bird Banding Biocore Prairie Bird Observatory Mara McDonald
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. You can accompany bird banders to the nets and observe how they remove birds, band them, and measure the birds at the mobile station. Bring insect repellent. Meet at 8 a.m. (up until noon). 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.
Sat May 19 Janesville’s Cook Arboretum 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 forestinterior 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, tom.h.klubertanz@uwc.edu or (608) 758-6565 ext .722
Sat May 19 Butterflies of Bauer-Brockway Barrens (Jackson Co.) Mike Reese
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. A hat, long pants and long sleeves are recommended. 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. 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 PREREGISTER 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).
Sat May 19 Big Birding Day Join or Support a Team!
See the Big Birding Day web page to sign up and pledge
Sun May 20 FF Briggsville Sandhill Crane Tour Anne Lacey
“Sandhill Cranes in your backyard: who they are, what they do, and who they do it with” A May visit to the long term study area of the International Crane Foundation is an inside look at a fascinating species that defines spring to many Wisconsinites. Over 20+ years of studying these birds, ICF has discovered that it is often more soap opera than science! We’ll experience family group dynamics, Crane group-think in germinating cornfields, banded cranes we’ve known since the egg… and so much more. Learn about the work that ICF has conducted in the farming community of Briggsville WI, work that has informed on subjects as controversial as hunting and crop damage and as techno-savvy as cranes that text. In addition, experience all the species that call Wisconsin’s rich agricultural fields and wetlands home. Meet at 7:00 a.m. at Neenah Creek Elementary School, at the corner of CTH X and Hwy 23 in Briggsville WI. (From the Hwy 51/ I-90/94 exit it is 40 mi). Follow I-39 north to the Hwy 16 exit in Portage (N to WI Dells). Take the immediate right onto Hwy 127. Follow for 6.5 miles until CTH AA. Follow AA north until you end on Hwy 23 – turn right and you will see the elementary school on your right. Those wanting to carpool from Madison should meet at the American Family Park & Ride at 6:00 a.m. Take American Pkwy off Hwy 151 northeast of the interstate to East Park Blvd. and turn right. Contact trip leader Anne Lacy at ICF with any questions (608) 356-9462 ext. 146
Thu May 24 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. Meet at 6:00 p.m. 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. Mike McDowell (800) 289- 1132
Sat May 26 Birding Horicon Marsh Levi Wood & Peter Fissel
Join us as we explore the largest freshwater marsh in the U.S. We will look for a variety of birds in various spots around the marsh, including wetlands, open water, woodlands, and possibly mudflats to attract shorebirds, depending on conditions. We should return to Madison by early afternoon. Meet to carpool at 7:00 a.m. at the American Family Park & Ride lot (take American Pkwy off Hwy 151 northeast of the Interstate and turn right on East Park Blvd.) Peter Fissel (608) 226-0260 or pfissel@library.wisc.edu) and Levi Wood (608) 277-7959
Sat-Sun-Mon May 26-28 FF Madison Audubon Birding Camp at Lake Lucerne (please register to attend) Paul Noeldner
See the Audubon Camp Info and Registration web page 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.
Sun May 27 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 Worm-eating , Mourning, Cerulean and Hooded Warblers, Louisiana Waterthrush, both cuckoos, and any migrants passing through. Meet at 6:30 a.m. to carpool from the Copp’s parking lot (6800 Century Ave.) in Middleton. The trip may last for four hours. Aaron Stutz (920) 648-3761 or agstutz@sbcglobal.net.

JUNE Field Trips

Sat Jun 2 FF Warner Park Birds Trish O’Kane
Bring binoculars and good shoes. We’ll start at 7 a.m. and be out until 9 a.m. at least. Warner Park is home to or a stopover point for at least 10 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. Email: pokane@wisc.edu
Sat Jun 2 Birds of Devil’s Lake and 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, Yellow-throated Vireo, Acadian Flycatcher, Scarlet Tanager, Bluewinged 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, covering it for the Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas. (They found 117 possible nesting species.) Please note that a (day) Wisconsin state park sticker is required to park at Devil’s Lake. Wear sturdy walking shoes, and bring water and insect repellent. Since we will be there until about noon or even later, you might want to bring a sack lunch. Meet at 6:00 a.m. at the Middleton Park and Ride to carpool. 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 quetzal65@gmail.com with any questions.
Wed Jun 6 Edna Taylor Conservation Park Russ Hefty
Explore this beautiful park on the southeast side of Madison. A glacial drumlin rising above a broad ribbon of marsh forms the backbone of this Madison park. In 2012 staff will be implementing a large scale oak savanna restoration in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Meet at 6:30 p.m. at 802 Femrite Dr. (take Edna Taylor Pkwy off E. Broadway, or take Femrite Dr. off Monona Dr.) Russ Hefty (608) 267-4918.
Sat Jun 9 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 Eastern Kingbirds, Grasshopper Sparrows, and Willow Flycatchers. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Middleton Airport parking lot on Airport Rd., about ¼ mile west of the Beltline intersection in Middleton. There are no trails, so bring waterproof footwear if it has rained recently. The trip will last until 11:00 a.m. Trip leaders are Mike McDowell and Curt Caslavka (608) 836-1865.
Sun Jun 10 Table Bluff Ice Age Trail Steve Richter
The Madison Audubon Society will join the Ice Age Trail Alliance (IATI) for a hike through the beautiful Table Bluff prairie and woodlands. A site of very active, on-going restoration, Table Bluff is one of the premier hikes in Dane County. Steve Richter from The Nature Conservancy will lead you in identifying many early summer birds and plants. Meet at 9 a.m. at the IATA parking lot. Take Hwy 14 about 0.5 mile west of Cross Plains to CTH KP and turn right (north). Go north on KP about 2 miles and turn left on Table Bluff Road. Go 0.3 mile to the IATA parking lot. The trip will last until noon. Advance signup is not required but it would help to let Steve know you are coming so he can let you know about any weather-related changes. Contact Steve at (608) 577-3076 or srichter@tnc.org.
Sat Jun 16 FF Butterflies of Pleasant Valley Ann Thering
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. This time of year we hope to see Baltimore Checkerspots and perhaps some wetland skippers. Other possible butterfly species include swallowtails, Silvery Checkerspot, fritillaries, and blues. All of these butterflies will have many wonderful native plants to nectar on this time of year. We will be hiking about two miles. Long pants, a hat, water, and sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. Leaders are Ann Thering and Tom and Kathie Brock. This is a joint trip of the Southern Wis. Butterfly Association with The Prairie Enthusiasts. 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 extras). Meet at 11:00 a.m. The trip will last until about 12:30. Heading south into downtown Black Earth follow CTH F as it turns right (west). After a mile or so, F turns left (south). Continue on F for another 3.75 miles and turn left onto Pleasant Valley Rd. Drive 3/4 mile (past the buildings on the right) to the State Natural Area sign. Park off the road. We’ll meet near the sign/gate area and then proceed into the wetland. Contact the trip leaders only if you have a question about the trip. Tom at (608) 238-5050, tdbrock@charter.net or Ann at (608) 836-1097, acthering@gmail. com.
Sat or Sun Jun 16 or 17 Jefferson-Dodge Bird Walk Jefferson-Dodge Team
These third-weekend walks are “low-stress, laid-back” trips, especially geared toward beginners and families, but great fun for all. To find out exactly where and when to meet each month, sign up at http:// www.theropod.org/walks.html (go to “contacts” and subscribe to the e-mail list).
Tue Jun 19 Pheasant Branch Birding Mike McDowell
The focus of this trip will be breeding prairie and savanna sparrows, warblers, flycatchers, and other grassland specialists of Pheasant Branch Conservancy. Anticipated birds include Orchard Oriole, Field Sparrow, Clay-colored Sparrow, Sedge Wren, Eastern Kingbird, and Dickcissel, but around 80 bird species nest here during the breeding season. In the past there have been Yellow-breasted Chats and Bell’s Vireos. Meet at 7:00 a.m. To reach the Dane County parcel, drive 1.5 miles north on Pheasant Branch Rd. from Century Ave. in Middleton. Go to the third conservancy parking lot on the right after you pass the Conservancy Condominiums. Contact Mike McDowell at (800) 289-1132 with any questions.
Thu Jun 21 Evening at Black Earth Prairie Kathie & Tom Brock
This is a joint trip with The Prairie Enthusiasts (TPE). We will tour the Black Earth Rettenmund Prairie, one of the TPE preserves and a State Natural Area. This is one of the highest quality prairie remnants in southern Wisconsin and has responded well to its prescribed burn program. Trip leaders will be Kathie and Tom Brock, site managers for this prairie. The extensive wood lilies should be in peak bloom. We will look for other flowering plants and 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 CTH F. Follow F through the village and west for 1.25 miles. Turn right on Fesenfeld Road to the prairie entrance, about 300 yards. Park on right side of the road. If you have questions, call Kathie or Tom at (608) 238-5050 or kmbrock@ charter.net
Sat Jun 23 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, part of which is Olson Oak Woods. A State Natural Area owned by the Madison Metropolitan School District and WDNR, the forest hosts more than 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. 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 questions.
Fri Jun 22 Warner Park Evening Bird and Nature Walk 6-8pm Paul Noeldner
Meet at Warner Park, an easy bike ride for Madison residents on Madison's north side. If driving turn in from Sherman Avenue or Northport Drive. Go into the parking area until you see the colorful Tin Can shelter where we will meet. We will follow the walk paths with stops at the lagoon, woods, and open areas to enjoy the evening birdsong, observe wildlife, and talk about the important natural ecosystems of the park. Binoculars will be provided for folks who don't have them. Contact: Paul 608-698-0104.
Sat Jun 23 Warner Park Bluebird Walk and Talk 1:30-3pm Paul Noeldner and Tim Nelson
Meet at Warner Park, an easy bike ride for Madison residents on Madison's north side. If driving turn in from Sherman Avenue or Northport Drive. Go into the parking area until you see the colorful Tin Can shelter and meeting house. We will start there with a talk about the very successful Bluebird restoration efforts in Wisconsin and then take a walk around part of the Warner lagoon to monitor activity at some of the new Bluebird Trail boxes in Warner Park. Along the way expect to see some of the 100 plus species of birds that migrate through or make their home in Warner Park's wonderful natural areas. Binoculars will be provided for folks who don't have them. Contact: Paul 608-698-0104.
Sun Jun 24 Birds and Butterflies at Thompson Prairie Maureen O'Brien
Registration required On this joint trip with The Nature Conservancy, you’ll enjoy the beauty of this Iowa County prairie, see some of the butterflies and birds that thrive there, and learn about our work with partners to restore prairie and oak savanna. The Nature Conservancy conservation director, Steve Richter, and Dave Sample, Wisconsin DNR grassland ornithologist, will lead the trip. Bring water, binoculars, 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. ``The trip is limited to 30 people and registration is required. To register, contact Maureen O’Brien at (608) 316-6426 by June 20. From Mt. Horeb, go west on Hwy 18/151 about 4 miles to Blue Mounds. Turn south on CTH F and go 2 miles (be sure to veer right at CTH Z) to the The Nature Conservancy sign. Park along the shoulder or in the small lot by the sign.
Sat Jun 30 FF Butterflies of Cherokee Marsh Karl & Dorothy Legler
On this morning walk we’ll observe and learn about butterflies, those small but exquisitely beautiful creatures that dance about our ankles in summer. Karl & Dorothy Legler 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). It’s best to wear long pants and a hat for protection from the sun. This is a joint trip with the Southern Wis. Butterfly Assn. and Friends of Cherokee Marsh. Meet at 10:00 a.m. On the northeast side of Madison take Northport Drive (Hwy 113) then turn north on Sherman Ave. Meet at the Cherokee Marsh parking lot at the north end of Sherman Ave. Call the Leglers at (608) 643-4926, only if you have a question about the trip.

JULY Field Trips

Sun Jul 1 Madison Butterfly Count Karl & Dorothy Legler
This will be our 22nd annual butterfly count! Co-sponsors are 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 and 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 questions, contact Karl and Dorothy Legler at (608) 643-4926 or karlndot@charter.net.
Sat Jul 7 Butterflies of Sandhill Wildlife Area Ron Arnold
The Sandhill State Wildlife Area, in Wood County, covers more than 14 square miles. It is managed by the Wisconsin DNR as a living laboratory for wildlife management techniques. Sandhill has large marshes and many flowages, interspersed with low sandy uplands, pine and oak barrens and restored prairies. Butterfly enthusiast Ron Arnold has been surveying the butterflies at Sandhill for 20 years. On this trip Ron will lead us in finding such beauties as Acadian and Coral Hairstreaks, Aphrodite Fritillary, the rare Two-spotted Skipper, Bronze Copper, Eyed Brown, Northern Pearly-eye, White Admiral, and many others. Skippers will include Black Dash, Broad-winged, Dion, Long Dash and many others. We may see the beautiful Baltimore Checkerspot, Harris’ Checkerspot, and the federally endangered Karner Blue. If time permits, we may also visit a nearby spruce/tamarack bog (if you want to walk in the bog bring boots. Bog Coppers have been seen there). Bring binoculars, the closer they focus the better (we will have a few extras). Also bring insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes and ticks. A hat, long sleeves, and long pants are recommended. Bring a bag lunch and water. Co-sponsor is the Southern Wis Butterfly Assn. Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Sandhill Headquarters parking lot. The tour will last until 3:00 p.m. Take I-90/94 up to the New Lisbon area in Juneau Co. and take Hwy 80 north. In Wood County, just 1/3 mile before Babcock, turn left onto CTH X. Go 1 1/4 mile on X to the Sandhill entrance. Allow at least 1 hour 45 minutes for travel. Call Ron at (715) 424-2996 if you have questions. On the day of the trip, Ron will have his cell phone on (715) 741-0052. (If rain threatens, call Ron on his cell phone to see if the trip will be cancelled).
Wed Jul 11 FFNEW! Prairie Ridge Park Russ Hefty
Explore the steep topography of Prairie Ridge Park on the far southwest side of Madison. The topography allows for steep prairies, a.k.a. goat prairies, as only goats would be able to traverse these slopes. We’ll also visit an ongoing oak savanna restoration. Meet at 6:30 p.m. From Raymond Rd. on the southwest side of Madison, take Muirfield Rd. south. Drive ½ block and park by the Raymond Ridge Park sign. We will walk to Prairie Ridge from there. Contact the leader, Russ Hefty at (608) 233-8513 or rhefty@ci.madison.wi.us, if you have questions.
Sun Jul 15 Birds, Butterflies, and Dragonflies of Lakeshore Nature Preserve Edgar Spalding
On this two hour walk in the Picnic Point area we expect to see interesting birds, at least half a dozen species of dragonflies, and twice as many different butterflies. The walking route will include the edge of Lake Mendota’s University Bay, the woods of Picnic Point, and the Biocore Prairie. Bring your binoculars -the closer they focus the better (we will have a few extras). This trip is co-sponsored by Friends of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve and Southern Wis. Butterfly Assn. Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Picnic Point parking lot along University Bay Dr. on the UW campus. Call Edgar Spalding, trip leader, at (608) 265-5294 or 831-0616 if you have questions or if the weather is questionable.
Fri Jul 20 Warner Park Bluebirds and Nature Walk Paul Noeldner and Tim Nelson
Note date change from July 21 to July 20. This Family-Friendly bird and nature walk will meet at 6:00pm at the colorful Warner Park Tin Can shelter. We will start with a short presentation about the very successful Bluebird restoration efforts in Wisconsin, and then take a easy walk on park trails along the beautiful Warner Park lagoon and 'Wild Warner' woodland and prairie nature areas. We will monitor activity at some of the new Bluebird Trail boxes that provide homes for Bluebirds, Swallows, Wrens, Chickadees and other birds. Along the way expect to see some of the 100 plus species of birds that migrate through or make their home in Warner Park's wonderful natural habitats. Binoculars will be provided for adults and kids who don't have them. Warner Park is an easy walk or bike ride for residents on Madison's north and east side. If driving take Sherman Avenue or Northport Drive to Warner Park. Go into the back part of the parking area past the ball diamond where you will see the colorful Tin Can shelter where we will meet. Contact: Paul 608-698-0104, paul_noeldner@hotmail.com
Sat Jul 21 Flowers, Butterflies, and Birds of Schurch-Thomson Prairie Rich Henderson and Douglas Buege
We will visit The Prairie Enthusiasts’ Schurch-Thomson Prairie and the adjacent privately-owned Underwood Prairie. The latter is closed to the public, so this is a great opportunity to see it up close. These and adjacent properties form a complex of remnant prairie and CRP grasslands that are rich with grassland birds and other prairie animals. Summer flowers will be in bloom, and we hope to see the rare Regal Fritillary and other butterflies. Be prepared for a long hike and bring binoculars for butterfly viewing (the closer they focus the better). This is a joint trip with The Prairie Enthusiasts and the Southern Wis. Butterfly Assn. Leaders are Rich Henderson and Douglas Buege. Meet at 10:00 a.m. The trip will last until noon. From Hwy 151 at Blue Mounds take CTH F south (note: F makes a right turn). After 5 miles turn right onto Reilly Rd. Go to the end and park by the barn. Call Rich at (608) 845-7065 if you have questions.
Sat or Sun Jul 21 or 22 Jefferson-Dodge Bird Walk Jefferson-Dodge Team
These third-weekend walks are “low-stress, laid-back” trips, especially geared toward beginners and families, but great fun for all. To find out exactly where and when to meet each month, sign up at http:// www.theropod.org/walks.html (go to “contacts” and subscribe to the e-mail list).
Sun Jul 29 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 15 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 pm at Pleasant Valley Conservancy. From Black Earth go west and then south on CHT F about 4 miles. Turn left onto Pleasant Valley Rd. and stop at fire # 4609. Park along the road on the right (south) side. If you have questions, contact them at (608) 238-5050 or kmbrock@charter.net.

AUGUST Field Trips

Sat Aug 4 Cherokee Marsh, Upper Yahara River Tour 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. 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 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. Take School Road north from Northport Drive until the road starts turning east. Instead turn left onto the gravel road where there’s a sign for Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park and proceed to the pier and parking lot. If you have questions, contact the leader, Russ Hefty at (608) 233- 8513 or rhefty@ci.madison.wi.us.
Sat Aug 11 FF Goose Pond Prairie Restoration Mark & Sue Martin
Join us for a 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, so this will be a good opportunity to learn your prairie plants. We will focus the tour on the Browne Prairie where 50 acres were burned this past April. We will also visit a nearby prairie remnant that was burned this spring and check out the differences in restored and remnant prairies. The trip will last about 2.5 hours. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Audubon farm house, W7503 Kampen Road (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 Audubon house. If you have questions, contact Mark or Sue at (608) 635- 4160 or goosep@chorus.net.
Sat Aug 11 Butterflies of the Avoca/Blue River Area Mike Reese
In some years this can be the best butterfly trip of the year! This trip, cosponsored by the Southern Wis. Butterfly Assn and led by Mike Reese, will highlight several areas in the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway, including Avoca Prairie and Savanna State Natural Area in Iowa County and Blue River unit in Grant County. We expect to see late butterflies and several unusual southern immigrants. A hat and long pants are recommended. Bring a lunch and binoculars - the closer they focus the better (we have a few extras). Meet at 10:30 a.m. The trip may last until 4 p.m. Allow 50 minute travel time from Middleton. Take Hwy 14 west to Lone Rock, south on Hwy 130 then turn right on Hwy 133. Go west about 5.0 miles, turn right on Hay Rd, and drive north to the parking lot just before the creek. Call Mike at (920) 787-2341 if you have questions.
Sat Aug 18 CANCELLED - Shorebirds of Southern Wisconsin Aug 18
ALTERNATIVE TRIP - there is an alternative WSO trip at Horicon on Sun Aug 19, meet at 8:00 a.m. along Hwy 49 Peter Fissel
This 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. The trip will last 3-4 hours. Meet to carpool at 8:00 a.m. at the American Family Park & Ride lot (take American Pkwy off Hwy 151 northeast of the Interstate and turn right on East Park Blvd.) Peter Fissel (608) 226-0260 or pfissel@ library.wisc.edu)
Sat or Sun Aug 18 or 19 Jefferson-Dodge Bird Walk Jefferson-Dodge Team
These third-weekend walks are “low-stress, laid-back” trips, especially geared toward beginners and families, but great fun for all. To find out exactly where and when to meet each month, sign up at http:// www.theropod.org/walks.html (go to “contacts” and subscribe to the e-mail list).
Sat Aug 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 dead-end street by Parisi Park (where Park Lawn St. and Park St. meet). If you have questions, contact Mike at (608) 831-9989 or mike@birddigiscoper.com
Sat Aug 25 Butterflies and Blossoms at Pheasant Branch Dreux Watermolen
Join us on a 2-3 mile walk through the lovely Pheasant Branch Conservancy in Middleton. The many beautiful asters should be in bloom, and we hope lots of butterflies will be nectaring on them. 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. Close-focusing binoculars are useful (we will have a few extras.) Co-sponsors are Friends of the Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Southern Wis. Butterfly Assn. and Wis. Wetlands Association. Meet in Middleton at 10:00 a.m. The trip will last about 2 hours. 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 Rd., then right on Pheasant Branch Rd. and go north 1.2 miles to the small county parking lot on the right, at the beginning of the gated road. Contact trip leader, Dreux Watermolen, (608) 266-8931, dreux.watermolen@ Wisconsin.gov if you have questions.
Sun Aug 26 Fall Birding at Lakeshore Nature Preserve Marty Evanson & Roma Lenehan
Come search for fall migrants, including confusing fall warblers, flycatchers, and sparrows. 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: Marty Evanson and Roma Lenehan. Call Marty at (608) 271-6846 if you have questions.
Thu Aug 30 FF Evening Tour of Owen Park Sylvia Marek
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. With luck, 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 Owen 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.

SEPTEMBER Field Trips

Sat Sep 1 Birding Madison School Forest Peter Fissel, Peter Gorman, & Nolan Pope
8-11am. 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 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 a question about the trip.
Mon Sep 3 Pleasant Valley Conservancy Tour Kathie & Tom Brock
1-4pm. This is a 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 fifteen 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, and long pants and good hiking shoes are recommended. Meet at the property at 1 p.m. The trip will last three hours. 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 any questions contact Kathie or Tom at (608) 238-5050 or kmbrock@charter.net.
Fri Sep 7 FF Swift Night Out Sandy Fuller
6:30pm. 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! Meet 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 Schwab at (608) 658-4139 or sschwab49@gmail.com if you have questions. If the weather is really, really bad, the trip will be rescheduled for Saturday, Sept. 9.
Wed Sep 12 FF Owen Park Prairies Russ Hefty
6:30pm. 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 you have questions, contact Russ Hefty at (608) 233-8513 or rhefty@ci.madison.wi.us
Thu Sep 13 Warbler Walk at Pheasant Branch Mike McDowell
7-9am. 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. Meet in Middleton at the deadend street by Parisi Park (where Park Lawn St. and Park St. meet). If you have questions, contact Mike at (608) 289-1132 or mike@birddigiscoper.com
Sat Sep 15 FF Bird Banding Biocore Prairie Bird Observatory Mara McDonald
8am-noon. Join us to celebrate 11 years of bird banding and research on the Biocore Prairie this weekend! Visitors can watch our volunteers take birds out of the net and band them. You’ll see how birds are netted, measured, banded, and released, and learn 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. This is an easy field trip. You can come late, leave early, or stay the full time. We’ll have refreshments. 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 to the site. Contact Mara McDonald at (608) 274-2534 or mamcdona@wisc.edu before 8:30 p.m., please.
Sun Sep 16 Birding Zeloski Marsh Nolan Kollath & Brad Webb
9am-noon. 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 two miles of walking to get good views of the birds. Meet 9am at the DNR parking lot at the end of Alley Road 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.
Tue Sep 18 Warbler Walk at Pheasant Branch Mike McDowell
7-9am. 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. Meet in Middleton at the deadend street by Parisi Park (where Park Lawn St. and Park St. meet). If you have questions, contact Mike at (608) 289-1132 or mike@birddigiscoper.com

OCTOBER Field Trips

Sat Oct 6 Migrant Songbirds of Pheasant Branch Conservancy Mike McDowell
7:15am. 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 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 weather. Contact Mike McDowell at (800) 289-1132 or mike@ birddigiscoper.com with questions.
Sat Oct 6 FF Saw-whet Owl Banding Research Station - super for families! Paul Noeldner
7:30pm-10pm. (advanced registration, fee, meet at location) Come visit the Linwood Springs Research Station near Stevens Point for an educational evening banding charming little saw-whet owls. This popular Family Friendly field trip is great for school age kids along with bird-loving adults. Reservations are required (email paul_noeldner@hotmail.com). The trip is limited to 25-35 participants, and the cost is $7 per person to be paid at the banding station (please bring exact change). Participants will observe the owls being caught and watch the banding through infrared video surveillance equipment and in the research station education center. Kids can sit right up front! The banders will discuss owl migration, mortality rates, diet, vision, flight, and hearing. You will get close-up views of many owl characteristics—eyes, beak, talons, ears, and feathers—before the owl is released. Participants are also encouraged to support this non-profit research station effort by purchasing a t-shirt or other souvenir. And you can “Adopt an Owl” for just $15! Bring a flashlight and camera (please note that camera flash is not allowed). To plan your time, the owl banding lasts more than two hours, the drive from Madison is about two hours, and some participants may want to stay after the program to ask questions and purchase items. You may want to stay overnight in Stevens Point and enjoy birding and related attractions in the area such as the Schmeekle Reserve in Stevens Point and the marvelous Birds In Art exhibit at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in nearby Wausau. See raptorresearch.com for more information about the research station and for driving directions.
Wed Oct 10 Cherokee Marsh North Unit Russ Hefty
5:30pm. Cherokee Marsh is the largest wetland in Dane County and is home to a spectacular variety of plants and wildlife. We’ll see wetland and oak woodland restoration projects and the birds associated with them. Meet at 6098 N. Sherman Ave. Contact Russ Hefty at (608) 266-5949 with any questions.
Sat Oct 13 Fall Birding at Lakeshore Nature Preserve Eric Wood & Roma Lenehan
8-10am. Birding at Lakeshore Nature Preserve 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 two hours. Meet 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.
Sun Oct 21 CANCELLED Goose Pond Scope Day Dorothy Haines & Lester Doyle
Goose Pond is dry, despite the more than 6” of rain that fell from mid-July to early September. Between the dry ground and the sea of smartweed that’s sprung up over the summer, waterbird viewing is not expected to improve soon.
Sat Oct 27 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 7:30am 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 trip leader Mike McDowell at (800) 289-1132 or mike@ birddigiscoper.com with questions.

NOVEMBER Field Trips

Sun Nov 4 6:30am Lake Michigan Birding Aaron Stutz
Join us as we bird Lake Michigan and its shoreline. This trip is timed to coincide with the 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-legged hawk, 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. NEW CARPOOL LOCATION! Meet 6:30am at the Dutch Mill Park & Ride lot on the southeast side of of Madison to carpool. From the Beltline take Hwy 51 (Stoughton Road) north to Dutch Mill Rd. and turn right. We will return to Madison between 4:30 and 6 p.m. If you have questions contact Aaron Stutz at (920) 648-3761 or agstutz@ sbcglobal.net
Sat Nov. 11: 7 a.m. to ? Behind the Scenes of the Bird Lab at the Field Museum in Chicago! Levi Wood
We have been invited to take up to 20 participants on a private tour behind the scenes of the Bird Lab at the Field Museum in Chicago. Dave Willard, a career curator and internationally known ornithologist, has invited MAS to tour the Field Museum bird collection. This is a unique, once-in-alifetime private tour. As Dave’s guests we will not have to pay admission to the museum. This may be one of your only chances to see an ivory-billed woodpecker and other rare birds from all around the world. If you have a fovorite bird you would like to see, Dave might be able to show it to us! The trip is limited to the first 20 people to sign up with Levi Wood, trip coordinator. If participants are interested we might rent a 12-person van to drive to Chicago and back. Some people will travel by car. We plan to meet to carpool by 7 a.m., arrive at the museum about 10 a.m., meet Dave by 10:30 and stay at the museum until after 3:30 p.m. We may have some time in the afternoon to visit other parts of the museum. If enough participants want to stay overnight in Chicago on their own, Dave is willing to lead a lakeshore field trip on Sunday morning. If you are interested in going on this exceptional trip, contact Levi at (608) 277-7959 or woodlevi@aol.com. This trip will fill fast.
Sat Nov 17 Mississippi River Birding Chris West
This trip, which will last until late afternoon, will focus on Mississippi waterfowl from Prairie du Chien to as far north as LaCrosse. Most viewing will be from the Wisconsin side of the river, but we’ll likely cross over to the west side of the Mississippi where the viewing is better in several places. Our first stop will be at Villa Louis in Prairie du Chien to check for passerines and ducks before heading north along the river. We will be driving during most of the trip but will spend some time outdoors if the birding is good. The trip will convene at the Villa Louis at 8 a.m. If you wish to carpool from Madison, meet at the Home Depot on Verona Rd. just south of the Beltline at 6 a.m. Please bring appropriate gear for the weather, binoculars, spotting scopes, and 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. Please notify the trip leader ahead of time if you plan to attend. If you have any questions, contact trip leader, Chris West, at (608) 647-6403, (608) 475-9016 or Chris.W.Birder@gmail.com

DECEMBER Field Trips

Sat Dec 1 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 Red-throated 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.
Sat Dec 15 Madison Christmas Bird Count Aaron Stutz
This is a popular annual bird count with teams in many Madison Audubon areas. It is one of the oldest Citizen Science research projects, started by Audubon in the early 1900's as a replacement for Christmas 'bird shoots'. Join a team and you may be surprised at how many birds are out there even in cold and snow. Watch for more information in the CAWS!

JANUARY 2013 Field Trips

Tue Jan 1 New Year's Sunrise Over Faville Marsh Matt Weber
There is simply no better way to start the New Year. Meet at Buddy’s Place, the old farmstead at N7710 Hwy 89. If there is good snow and you have snowshoes, bring them along. Otherwise, sturdy boots for uneven terrain will do. We will enjoy the predawn light as we meander through the prairie, arriving at the marsh overlook by 7:23 a.m. to see the sun rise over the Faville Grove Marsh. We will spend the early morning exploring the winter marsh and surrounding uplands. From I-94, take the Lake Mills/Waterloo exit north on Highway 89 about 2.5 miles to the driveway on the right immediately past North Shore Road. Contact Matt Weber at (920) 255-1757 or favillegrove@gmail.com with questions.
Sat Jan 12 Wisconsin River Raptors Marty Evanson
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, rough-legged 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. If you have a scope, please bring it along. Dress appropriately for the weather and bring snacks if you wish. To carpool, meet at Copp’s Supermarket parking lot, 6800 Century Ave., Middleton to carpool. Riders are expected to share expenses with drivers. Contact Marty, (608) 271- 6846, with questions.
Sat Jan 19 Winter Birds of the UW Arboretum Chuck Henrikson
The UW Arboretum is noted for its diversity of birds in winter. Along with winter birds, such as chickadees, cardinals, nuthatches and juncos, we may also see robins, hawks, wild turkeys and even a pileated woodpecker. Explore the edge of Curtis Prairie and wander through some woods to look and listen for bird activity. Trip leader Chuck Henrikson is a volunteer steward and birder at the Arboretum, has participated in several Madison Christmas Bird Counts and regularly posts his bird sightings to eBird hosted by the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. Meet at 8 a.m. at the Visitor Center parking lot. We will be out for two to three hours depending upon the weather and the birds we find. It can be cold, snowy and/or icy, so dress warmly and wear appropriate foot gear. Any questions, call Chuck at (608) 273-0151.