Friday Feathered Feature

Goose Pond Moth Survey

Goose Pond Moth Survey

When I think of the order Lepidoptera, it’s easy for brightly colored butterflies to overshadow the generally dull-colored moths. When asked about the distinction between moths and butterflies, Kyle replied that there wasn’t one: “owls are a group of birds, and butterflies are a group of moths.”

Photo by Kyle Johnson

Indigo Bunting

Indigo Bunting

The Indigo Bunting, cerulean on its body and a brilliant indigo on its head, is one of my favorite birds to introduce to beginning birders. Their loud, colorful, and puts on a show during the spring and summer months when it calls Wisconsin home.

Photo by Jim Hudgins/USFWS Midwest

Spring ‘Shorebirding’ at Goose Pond

Spring ‘Shorebirding’ at Goose Pond

As we say goodbye to spring and welcome the heat of summer, we must also bid farewell to the birds that keep even the most advanced birders turning the pages of their field guides: the shorebirds. Shorebirds are a large reason spring birding is so exciting—though short-lived!

Photo by Laura Wentz

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

A cheery and rather remarkable looking bird, with an apparent stab wound at its throat (uneven looking red plumage) contrasting its formal looking white chest and black wings. It looks as though this bird attended a dinner party gone wrong.

Photo by Andy Reago and Chrissy McClarren

10 years of the Reckless Wrens Birdathon Team

10 years of the Reckless Wrens Birdathon Team

It’s hard to believe that the Reckless Wrens have been birding for 10 years. I heard about the Great Wisconsin Birdathon its very first year, and we’ve been doing this every year because it’s fun! It is also a wonderful way to raise money for Madison Audubon and the Bird Protection Fund.

Photo by Arlene Koziol