bobolink

Holding the haying for grassland birds

Holding the haying for grassland birds

In southern Wisconsin, the rolling hills and family farms go hand in hand. We sometimes get questions from farmers about how to make sure their practices support birds, as well as the livestock and crop needs of their farm. Here is the answer to a question we hear from farmers: when can I hay my fields so grassland nesting birds can raise their young?

Photo by Carolyn Byers

Wisconsin's Birds in a Changing Climate

Three birds, similar stories. We are in a climate crisis, and a bird emergency. Higher temperatures, more storms, changes in food supply, and more make the future for many of the world’s — and our state’s — birds look pretty grim. These three examples shed some light on the problem, and most importantly, the real, impactful things we all can do to help.

Bobolinks, scarlet tanagers, and Wisconsin’s woodpeckers need you.

Photo by Rick Kelly

Into the Nest: An egg is just the beginning

Into the Nest: An egg is just the beginning

The grassland birds that we’ve been following this summer have completed the arduous journey back to Wisconsin, set up territories, and found mates. They have built a nest and laid a clutch of breathtakingly beautiful eggs. Now they need to ensure the eggs survive until hatching-- no small feat.

Photo by VSPYCC