Nuthatch, White-breasted**
Description: A year-round resident at the Garden. Look for it on the trunks of trees, especially in the McDonald Woods.
Nuthatch, Red-breasted
Description: The less common of two species of nuthatches seen at the Garden, it is usually seen in winter in wooded areas and at bird feeders.
Nighthawk, Common**
Description: This cryptic bird is most often seen in large flocks during fall migration, flying erratically while catching insects. A member of the goat-sucker family, it is less likely to be seen when perched.
Mockingbird, Northern
Description: A southern visitor here, the mockingbird is usually heard before it is seen.
Merlin
Description: Merlins may be spotted flying overhead on migration in fall or perched in a tree.
Merganser, Red-breasted
Description: Look for the shaggy-black head and narrow-toothed bill of this medium-sized duck as it dives on the lakes.
Merganser, Hooded
Description: This is a fish-eating duck that can be found diving in Garden lakes.
Merganser, Common
Description: This rare, large, fish-eating duck with a narrow toothed bill may be seen diving on the lakes.
Meadowlark, Western*
Description: Look for these rare visitors in the Dixon Prairie. Although identical in appearance to the eastern meadowlark, they are less common and their songs are different.
Meadowlark, Eastern***
Description: Look for this classic grassland species in the Dixon Prairie. Like many grassland birds, the meadowlark has declined with its habitat availability.