green trees on brown field during daytime

UW Madison Arboretum

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
ForestUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

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

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

6/2/2026UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve--Picnic Point1 observed

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

6/2/2026Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park--South Unit1 observed

Brown Creeper

Certhia americana

6/2/2026UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve--Picnic Point1 observed

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

6/2/20266195 Purcell Rd, Oregon US-WI 42.94309, -89.475811 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

6/2/2026Lakeshore Nature Preserve, Madison US-WI (43.0768,-89.4094)1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

6/2/2026UW Madison Arboretum (general)1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/2/2026UW Madison Arboretum (general)1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

6/2/2026UW Madison Arboretum (general)1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

6/2/2026UW Madison Arboretum (general)1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

6/2/2026UW Madison Arboretum (general)1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

6/2/2026UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve--Picnic Point2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

16/2/2026

Killdeer

16/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/2/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

16/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

26/2/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

26/2/2026

Northern Flicker

16/2/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/2/2026

Willow Flycatcher

26/2/2026

Eastern Phoebe

16/2/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/2/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/2/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

26/2/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

16/2/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

26/2/2026

Blue Jay

16/2/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

16/2/2026

Tufted Titmouse

16/2/2026

Tree Swallow

36/2/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

26/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

  4. 4

    This urban green space acts as a migrant trap — birds concentrate here during migration, especially after overnight flights.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit UW Madison Arboretum for birding?
The best months to visit UW Madison Arboretum for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at UW Madison Arboretum?
Notable species at UW Madison Arboretum include Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Wild Turkey, Mourning Dove, Barred Owl, Great Horned Owl, Eastern Screech-Owl, Mallard, American Robin, House Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird. The area supports forest, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at UW Madison Arboretum?
Birding at UW Madison Arboretum is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at UW Madison Arboretum?
There is no entrance fee at UW Madison Arboretum. Hours: Open daily, 7 AM - 10 PM.
What amenities are available at UW Madison Arboretum?
UW Madison Arboretum offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.