Owen Conservation Park, Dane County, WI, US - eBird Hotspot
Habitat: Southern Hardwood Forest, Oak Savannah, Native and Restored Grassland
Best Birds: The prairie and edges are reliable in the breeding season for Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, Willow Flycatcher, Field Sparrow, and Orchard Oriole. During migration these areas can yield Black-Billed Cuckoo, and occasional records of Northern Mockingbird and Bell’s Vireo. This park is one of Dane County’s most reliable spots for Olive-Sided Flycatcher (high perches).
The wooded sections of the park are great for migrant warblers and are reliable for Golden-Winged, Mourning, and Black-Throated Blue-Warbler. Hermit, Swainson’s, and a few Gray-Cheeked Thrush are regular each spring (Wood Thrush is a resident). Carolina Wren is found regularly in the park at any season and Winter Wren is abundant during spring migration. The park is also home to many species of woodpecker including nesting Red-Headed.
Directions: Located 5 miles from downtown Madison on Old Middleton Road. The park can be accessed from several areas, but the main parking lot is on Owen Park Road, (43.072985, -89.486971).
Site Address & Additional Information:
This large 100 acre urban park has many miles of trails through heavy deciduous woods and prairie parcels, and holds an incredible diversity of birdlife during migration as well as breeding season. Start at the main parking area and head any direction into the trail system.
6021 Old Sauk Rd, Madison, WI 53705
https://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/find-a-park/park.cfm?id=1305
Shawn Miller
