Phalarope, Wilson's
Description: Look in shoreline habitats or mudflats for this rare migrant shorebird. Distinguish females by their colorful appearance, while less obvious males incubate eggs.
Pelican, American White
Description: May be seen flying over, possibly in groups.
Parula, Northern
Description: Look for this common migrant warbler in any wooded habitat at the Garden.
Owl, Short-eared
Description: If this state-endangered owl is seen at the Garden, it is either flying over, or roosting on the ground, in the Dixon Prairie.
Owl, Northern Saw-whet
Description: Look carefully for the smallest owl species at the Garden during its migration in late October and November. Although it is difficult to find, it may be seen in any shrubby or wooded area.
Owl, Long-eared
Description: This nomadic owl appears erratically and may be seen in conifer plantings or in the McDonald Woods.
Long-eared owls are nomadic birds, found abundantly some years and difficult or impossible to find others. Choosing their locations based on prey abundance (small mammals, like mice and voles), they often form fairly large groups in winter roosts where a dozen or more birds can be found together. They are also known to perform a broken-wing act in order to draw predators away from the nest sites, not unlike the behavior many people associate with the kildeer.
Owl, Great Horned***
Description: This large owl is commonly seen at the Garden as it nests in old hawk nests in the McDonald Woods or other wooded areas.
Owl, Eastern Screech***
Description: One of the smallest owls at the Garden, this elusive bird nests in holes in trees trees and bird houses. It may be found in wooded areas.
Ovenbird
Description: Look for this common migrant and potential breeding species in any wooded habitat at the Garden. Like most ground nesting species, they are negatively affected by abundant deer populations and degradation of our woodlands.
Osprey
Description: This state-endangered bird is often seen hovering and diving into the lakes for fish.