UW Madison Arboretum
Wisconsin · Midwest
Moderate
April-May, September-October
Free
Open daily, 7 AM - 10 PM
About This Location
UW Madison Arboretum is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 249 species recorded on eBird. This forest and urban park habitat attracts Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, and Wild Turkey among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.
Location
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Notable Species
Live Bird Data
Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Notable Sightings
Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days
Carolina Wren
Thryothorus ludovicianus
Merlin
Falco columbarius
Little Blue Heron
Egretta caerulea
Lesser Scaup
Aythya affinis
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Sphyrapicus varius
American Avocet
Recurvirostra americana
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Wild Turkey
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Great Crested Flycatcher
Barn Swallow
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Northern House Wren
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
House Sparrow
American Goldfinch
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Common Yellowthroat
Indigo Bunting
Spotted Sandpiper
Birding Tips
- 1
Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.
- 2
Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.
- 3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.
- 4
This urban green space acts as a migrant trap — birds concentrate here during migration, especially after overnight flights.
- 5
Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Curtis Prairie
- Lake Wingra
- University of Wisconsin campus
More in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Wisconsin →