Wetland birding habitat

UW Madison Arboretum - Gardner Marsh

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
WetlandForestUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

UW Madison Arboretum - Gardner Marsh is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 200 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and forest habitat attracts Sandhill Crane, Bald Eagle, and Red-tailed Hawk 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

6/1/2026UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve--Picnic Point1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

6/1/2026UW - Observatory Hill1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

6/1/2026Indian Mound Conservation Park (Dane Co)1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

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

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

6/1/2026KP Yard1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

5/31/2026Solid #21 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

5/31/2026Solid #21 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

5/31/2026Sub-Zero Pkwy ponds1 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

5/31/2026Black Earth Creek Natural Resource Area (Black Earth Creek Headwaters)1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/30/2026Fish Camp1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

5/30/2026Indian Springs Park/Baxter Park/Baxter Park Spur Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Bald Eagle

26/1/2026

Willow Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/31/2026

Tree Swallow

35/31/2026

Northern House Wren

15/31/2026

Gray Catbird

15/31/2026

American Robin

15/31/2026

Swamp Sparrow

15/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

55/31/2026

Common Grackle

15/31/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

15/31/2026

Mourning Dove

25/30/2026

Virginia Rail

35/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

35/30/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/30/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Downy Woodpecker

25/30/2026

Eastern Phoebe

15/30/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

25/30/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit UW Madison Arboretum - Gardner Marsh for birding?
The best months to visit UW Madison Arboretum - Gardner Marsh for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at UW Madison Arboretum - Gardner Marsh?
Notable species at UW Madison Arboretum - Gardner Marsh include Sandhill Crane, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-winged Blackbird, American Crow. The area supports wetland, forest, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at UW Madison Arboretum - Gardner Marsh?
Birding at UW Madison Arboretum - Gardner Marsh is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at UW Madison Arboretum - Gardner Marsh?
UW Madison Arboretum - Gardner Marsh offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.