Bird & Nature Blog

,

Who's That Singing? Chimney Swift

,
Who's That Singing? Chimney Swift

Early September is a fabulous time to listen for Chimney Swifts, as they are migrating in full force from the US (including Wisconsin) to the Amazon basin in South America. During this time, Chimney Swifts will form big flocks at sunset through dusk, swirling around in a tornado of birds above a big chimney. Eventually they drop in and cling to the inside of the chimney, where they sleep for the night. It’s an amazing sight to behold, and full of the most adorable Chimney Swift twittering noises you can imagine! It’s so fun to watch, events called Swift Night Out are held around the country, including in Wisconsin.

Photo by Brenna Marsicek/SoWBA

, ,

Goose Pond Sanctuary Update, September 2025

, ,
Goose Pond Sanctuary Update, September 2025

Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance’s Goose Pond Sanctuary always has a ton going on. Bird conservation, habitat restoration, research, and outreach are always in season here. Learn more about Goose Pond in the latest update.

Photo by Arlene Koziol

Swift Night Out 2025 will feature *4 special guests*

This year, Swift Night Out will be held on Saturday, September 6, 6-8PM. The location, as always, is to be determined by the swifts as they choose which chimney they prefer to roost in this migration season. Each year the event is a little bit different, and this year, we are thrilled to partner with Dane County Humane Society’s Wildlife Center to release back into the wild four healthy Chimney Swifts they have rehabilitated! Read more about this effort below, and join us on Sept. 6!

Photo by Sandy Schwab

Patience on the Prairie

Patience on the Prairie

Remember those monarchs? They were nectaring on meadow blazing star, a lovely native species of blazing star (also known by its genus, Liatris). Of all the blooming plants at this point in the season, meadow blazing star has the reputation of being the monarchs' favorite and a most important source of energy as the flight generation of monarchs emerges. All native blazing stars offer these critical food resources, so SoWBA and its partners work hard to ensure their prairies include Liatris species.

Photo by Arlene Koziol

,

Who's That Singing? Eastern Wood-Pewee

,

But maybe part of me thinks they are so cute because of their song. The Eastern Wood-Pewee is a bird that “says its name” — you can hear the bird sing “peee-weeeee!” And they way they sing it reminds me so much of a whiney toddler! It makes me chuckle in an indulgent “well, at least it’s not my kid whining this time!” sort of way.

Photo by Kelly Colgan Azar FCC