Male Northern Cardinal. Photo by Dexter Patterson.

Christmas Bird Counts have been happening for over 120 years nationwide! New and experienced birders work together to visit various parks, backyards, and natural areas to count up all the species and individual birds we can find. The Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance coordinates the Madison-area CBC with help from over 100 volunteers throughout the community: the Madison-area Christmas Bird Count is citizen science in action.

We love new birders! As always, birders of all skill levels are welcome and we have child- and adult-sized binoculars available for those who’d like to borrow a pair.

Location

We’ll meet at Elver Park by the main shelter at 9 am with a volunteer Area Captain with Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance. The route follows the disc golf course that weaves its way around the park in open grassy areas and into the woods. After that, depending on how cold everyone is, we can hike to the ponds, if the water is open, and then around the lower cross-country ski trails. 

What to Expect

Be sure to dress warmly since we’ll be outside for an extended time (hats, gloves, thick socks, hand warmers)! We also suggest preparing for ice on pavement and dirt surfaces, so consider wearing ice trekkers or shoes with good traction.

The disc golf course path (primarily dirt, gravel, and mulch) has some elevation changes. We’ll move at a gradual birding pace up the sledding hill to the pine forest at the top. Please contact us if you have any accessibility concerns - we’re here to help!

Bathrooms are available at the main park shelter year-round, 10am-8pm.

Accessibility note: If tromping around during the depths of December isn't your scene, but you'd still like to participate in the counting fun, sign up to count birds at your home feeders OR count at the indoor bird-watching event at Olbrich Botanical Gardens via our friends at Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance!

Transportation

Metro Transit Route H stops across the street from Elver Park (Stop ID: 6962).