Goose, Cackling
Description: Look for these birds, resembling miniature Canada geese, on the lakes or lawn when they come down on migration from the high tundra.
Goldfinch, American***
Description: These bright yellow "wild canaries" can be found in the Dixon Prairie and elsewhere. In their greenish winter plumage, this small, common finch can be found with flocks of siskins and redpolls in birches and alder or at bird feeders.
On any day of the year at the Garden, you might hear the friendly “perchickoree” song or the “potato-chip” call of the American goldfinch as it flits in undulating fashion to trees, shrubs, and grasses. The 4-inch-long bird has a slightly forked tail and short, conical beak.
Goldeneye, Common
Description: This large black-and-white diving duck is often seen on the lakes in winter and early spring.
Goldeneye, Barrow's
Description: This is an infrequent visiting western species with similarities to the common goldeneye.
Gnatcatcher, Blue-gray***
Description: This tiny, long-tailed bird is usually found in wooded areas of the Garden, where it occasionally builds its small lichen-cover nest on top of a branch.
Gadwall
Description: Visible on lakes, this plain-looking duck does not dive. Males are mainly brown with black tail feathers.
Flycatcher, Yellow-bellied
Description: Look up into the trees to spot this migrant flycatcher.
Flycatcher, Willow***
Description: This flycatcher is a breeding species that is most often found calling from willow thickets around the Dixon Prairie.
Flycatcher, Vermilion
Description: If this bird accidentally visits, it can be spotted by its bright red color.
Flycatcher, Scissor-tailed
Description: These southwestern, long-tailed flycatchers occasionally wander as far north as the Garden.