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

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

7/18/2026US-14 W, Fitchburg US-WI (42.9836,-89.3857)1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/18/2026Lakeview Park (Middleton,WI)1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/17/2026Wingra Park

Carolina Wren

Thryothorus ludovicianus

7/17/2026Sheffield Rd (Home)1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

7/17/2026Lake Farm County Park1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

7/16/2026Military Ridge State Trail west of Town Hall Rd2 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

7/15/2026Sub-Zero Pkwy ponds1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Red-winged Blackbird

7/12/2026

Mourning Dove

17/11/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/11/2026

Broad-winged Hawk

17/11/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/11/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

17/11/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

27/11/2026

Song Sparrow

17/11/2026

Swamp Sparrow

17/11/2026

Baltimore Oriole

17/11/2026

Common Yellowthroat

37/11/2026

Northern Cardinal

27/11/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/10/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

17/10/2026

Northern Flicker

27/10/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/10/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

27/10/2026

Tree Swallow

47/10/2026

European Starling

7/10/2026

Gray Catbird

37/10/2026

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.