UW Madison Arboretum

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
ForestUrban Park
Best Seasons
SpringFall
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

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

3/6/2026Tenney Park1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/5/2026Fish Camp Park, Lake Kegonsa3 observed

Iceland Gull (Thayer's)

Larus glaucoides

3/5/2026McDaniel Park1 observed

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

3/5/2026Yahara Heights County Park/Cherokee Marsh Natural Resource Area—West Trailhead1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Greater White-fronted Goose

13/3/2026

Canada Goose

73/3/2026

Wild Turkey

63/3/2026

Mourning Dove

33/3/2026

Barred Owl

23/3/2026

Downy Woodpecker

23/3/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

103/3/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

23/3/2026

American Robin

453/3/2026

House Finch

13/3/2026

American Tree Sparrow

13/3/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

153/3/2026

Northern Cardinal

33/3/2026

Mallard

43/3/2026

American Herring Gull

13/3/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

23/3/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

33/3/2026

Northern Flicker

13/3/2026

Blue Jay

23/3/2026

American Crow

173/3/2026

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.