[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22.1″ custom_padding=”0px|||||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ custom_padding=”3px||24px|||”]<\/p>\n
Interested in taking up birdwatching (also known as birding) as a hobby? Spring migration is beginning here in Wisconsin, so it\u2019s a great time to get out there. Kim Kreitinger, our resident bird expert (and NRF\u2019s Field Trips Coordinator) has a few tips for new birdwatchers to get you started!<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Blog-post-photo-dimensions-43-2024-01-30T101844.263.png” alt=”Kim Kreitinger smiling while standing in a sunny, lightly forested park” title_text=”Kim Kreitinger” _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ custom_padding=”||13px|||”]<\/p>\n Kim Kreitinger, NRF Field Trip Coordinator, birding at Hudson Park in Madison. Photo by Shelly Torkelson<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n Birdwatching has been a part of my life for more than 20 years. From the desert scrub and marshland habitats of California to the oak woodlands and prairies of southern Wisconsin, I have watched birds both for work and for fun. It is an important part of my life and helps connect me to the natural world. It sparks my curiosity and provides a sense of community. Here\u2019s some advice for you new birders out there.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ custom_padding=”0px||24px|||”]<\/p>\n When you begin your birdwatching journey, certain types of birds are better \u2018starters\u2019 than others. Starting with Calidris<\/em> sandpipers may not set you up for success. Birds that are bigger bodied, slow moving, and allow for close viewing are ideal for honing your identification skills. Look no further than waterfowl! Many ducks can be viewed close to shore and have unique identification features that help you easily distinguish the different species. We are fortunate to have a bounty of waterbodies in Wisconsin to begin your waterfowl study.<\/p>\n Check out: <\/strong>Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Horicon Marsh, Wisconsin Point, Harrington Beach State Park, University Bay (Madison)<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Blog-post-photo-dimensions-43-2024-01-30T101834.741.png” alt=”Birdwatcher Kim Kreitinger looking through binoculars looking over the water while standing on the Patrick Marsh Boardwalk” title_text=”Blog Post Photo Dimensions 43 2024 01 30T101834.741″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ custom_padding=”||13px|||”]<\/p>\n Kim Kreitinger birding on the Patrick Marsh boardwalk in Dane County. Photo by Groundswell Conservancy DeBoer Fund<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||2px|||”]<\/p>\n If you are new to the hobby, it can be a bit overwhelming to go out on a mid-May morning when warblers are dripping from the trees. Trying to determine wingbar presence, leg coloration, or flank streaking while these tiny birds are flitting around the canopies can be a discouraging exercise on your own. But joining an experienced birdwatcher in the field or an organized birdwatching trip can provide some valuable lessons on ID and help boost your confidence. There are many groups throughout the state that offer guided birding excursions led by local experts.<\/p>\n Check out:<\/strong> regional bird clubs, Wisconsin Society for Ornithology<\/a>, BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin<\/a>, Feminist Bird Club-Madison<\/a>, and of course, NRF Field Trips<\/a>!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Blog-post-photo-dimensions-43-2024-01-30T101824.641.png” alt=”People birdwatching while standing on a path in a lightly forested area” title_text=”Feminist Bird Club – Madison Chapter during the Great Wisconsin Birdathon” _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ custom_padding=”||13px|||”]<\/p>\n Members of team Yes We Pelican! representing the Feminist Bird Club-Madison Chapter bird during the 2022 Great Wisconsin Birdathon. Photo by Caitlyn Schuchhardt<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n Many birds are secretive and difficult to see, and sometimes learning their song or \u201ccall notes\u201d is the only way to confirm their presence. Owls, rails, certain sparrows and warblers all fall into this category. Other bird species may look very similar to one another and can only be distinguished by voice. Eastern and western meadowlarks and many Empidonax<\/em> flycatchers are examples of this. Use online resources to learn the songs of your local birds. When you hear an unfamiliar bird song, take the time to track down that bird. I\u2019ve found seeing the actual bird singing their song helps commit it to memory. You can also associate words or phrases with certain songs, known as mnemonics. \u201cSweet, sweet, little more sweet\u201d says the yellow warbler.<\/p>\n Check out:<\/strong> Merlin Bird ID app, Cornell Lab\u2019s All About Birds website<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Blog-post-photo-dimensions-43-2024-01-30T104741.372.png” alt=”An eastern meadowlark calling from a fence post” title_text=”Eastern Meadowlark by Eric Preston” _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ custom_padding=”||13px|||”]<\/p>\n An eastern meadowlark calling from a fence post. Photo by Eric Preston, Kim’s husband who shares her love for birding and expresses it through photography!<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n You don\u2019t need to drive across the state to see birds. Birds can be found anywhere. I live in a very urban section of Madison not known for an abundance of public greenspace. Housing is dense, yards are small, and parks are few. Yet birds are still all around. My family has recorded 110 species of birds from our (very small) yard. Birding the small city park in my neighborhood, I\u2019ve observed 25 species of warblers in a single morning.<\/p>\n Focusing on the birds in your neighborhood has several advantages. You become tuned in to the seasonal rhythm of birds and nature, also known as phenology. I excitedly anticipate the return of dark-eyed juncos in early November and the white-throated sparrows in April!<\/p>\n Birding your neighborhood will also reduce your carbon footprint and provide exercise. Sometimes you even get to know individual birds. For years the same limping crow visited our peanut feeder, whom we nicknamed Rocky. It\u2019s fun to have a more personal relationship with your feathered neighbors!<\/p>\n Check out:<\/strong> eBird<\/a> (start a yard or local patch bird list), Wisconsin Green Birding Challenge<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n I wish you luck on your birdwatching journey. I hope it brings as much joy to you as it has to me. Maybe I\u2019ll see you out on the trail!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Blog-post-photo-dimensions-43-2024-01-30T104227.012.png” alt=”Field Trip participants birding on the Mississippi River” title_text=”Migration on the Mighty Mississippi FT by Brad Mueller” _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ custom_padding=”||13px|||”]<\/p>\n Field Trip participants birding on the Mississippi River. Photo by Brad Mueller<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ min_height=”3.4px”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n Go birding with NRF on a Field Trip! Here are the bird trips that Kim is most excited about this year. She\u2019s also co-leading Biking for Birds in Madison (trip #21) this year.<\/p>\n Shorebirds and waterbirds of Cat Island (#202)<\/p>\n Migration on the Mighty Mississippi (#274)<\/p>\n Bobolink Hill Farm Saunter (#57)<\/p>\n Biking for Birds in Madison (#21)<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/field-trips\/” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Learn more about Field Trips” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ min_height=”3.4px”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\nNew birdwatcher tips<\/h2>\n
Tip #1: Start easy. <\/strong><\/h3>\n
Tip #2: Go birding with experienced birdwatchers.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Tip #3: Learn bird vocalizations. <\/strong><\/h3>\n
Tip #4: Get to know your local patch. <\/strong><\/h3>\n
Kim\u2019s picks: NRF’s birding Field Trips<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Go birding for a cause with the Great Wisconsin Birdathon<\/strong><\/h3>\n