The Madison area has lots of natural areas that are wonderful for birdwatching, whether you're an experienced birder or just starting out. You can spot many species of migratory birds as they make their way through these birding hotspots near Madison and Dane County:  

1. Pheasant Branch Conservancy
   Location: Middleton, WI
   Birds You Might See: sandhill crane, bald eagle, eastern phoebe, Bell's vireo, barred owl
   Why Visit: This 682-acre nature preserve is a mix of springs, marshes, prairies, and wooded hills. The variety of landscapes provide habitat for numerous bird species, including a pair of bald eagles and a pair of sandhill cranes which nest here annually. The beautiful scenery and well-mainted trails make it great for new and casual birdwatchers as well as more seasoned, serious birders.
   
   
2. Capital Springs Recreation Area
   Location: 9 sections extending from the Nevin Fish Hatchery in Fitchburg, WI to Highway 51 in southeast Madison, WI
   Birds You Might See: northern shoveler, American white pelican, lesser scaup, osprey, eastern kingbird
   Why Visit: This 2,700 acre corridor includes birding hotspots Lunney Lake Farm County Park, Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District's Wildlife Observation Area, Lewis Nine Springs E-Way and Capital Springs State Park. The area's numerous ponds, lagoons and wetlands, along with Nine Springs Creek, Lake Waubesa and Upper Mud Lake, provide the perfect setting for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds. There are numerous bird species to observe in the woodland and prairie sections as well, including dozens of different warblers and sparrows, several species of raptors, and grassland birds like bobolinks and eastern meadowlarks.
       
3. Goose Pond Sanctuary
   Location: Arlington, WI
   Birds You Might See: northern harrier, sedge wren, horned lark, tundra swan, black-crowned night heron
   Why Visit: The Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance (formerly Madison Audubon) maintains Goose Pond Sanctuary, which is free and open to the public for year-round birding. Prairie wetlands and tallgrass prairies in the sanctuary host an impressive variety of over 270 observed bird species. Its status as one of Wisconsin's Important Bird Areas and as a Wisconsin State Natural Area add to its significance.
   
   
4. Military Ridge Prairie Heritage Area
   Location: Southwestern Dane & Eastern Iowa Counties, WI
   Birds You Might See: bobolink, Henslow's sparrow, grasshopper sparrow, eastern meadowlark, upland sandpiper
   Why Visit: This vast 95,000-acre conservation area represents one of the highest concentrations of prairie grassland habitat in the Midwest, making it vitally important for grassland bird species. The area contains both public and private land; Barneveld Prairie and Thomson Memorial Prairie are two of the sections open to the public. If you've ever wanted to bird by bike, the area features an 18-mile bike trail, aptly named Bob-o-Link Blast, starting at Barneveld Prairie and winding through a good portion of the conservation area.
   
   
5. Baxter's Hollow
   Location: Near Devil's Lake State Park, WI
   Birds You Might See: Cerulean warbler, Acadian flycatcher, worm-eating warbler, blue-gray gnatcatcher, hooded warbler
   Why Visit: Baxter's Hollow contains a sizable chunk of Big Woods, the largest intact southern deciduous forest in the state. Over 92 species of birds breed here, including rare forest-dwelling species. There is a rustic trail that's about 5 miles roundtrip, offering stunning views of the scenic gorge where Otter Creek flows. You'll want to gear up with good shoes, long pants, and insect repellant to enjoy an unforgettable birdwatching trip. 

Being so close to nature is one of the many things we love about calling the Dane County area home. Get in touch today, and we'll help you turn your bird-watching dreams into real life here in South Central Wisconsin.