Birdwatching in Middleton this Fall

Middleton is an excellent place for birdwatching, with multiple scenic parks, trails, ponds and conservancy areas. During the fall, hundreds of species of birds pass through Middleton as they migrate south for the winter. Here are a few great places to spot migrating birds.

Pheasant Branch Conservancy Wetlands and Ponds – At the center of Pheasant Branch Conservancy, a 682-acre protected natural area, one can find a creek and multiple ponds and wetlands, which attract birds of many types, particularly wading birds and waterfowl. Beautiful paved nature trails circle the marshes, giving birdwatchers opportunities to see visiting cranes, ducks, herons and geese. Jet off the main path onto boardwalks for a better chance to spot birds waiting in the water or feasting in the fields. The conservancy provides a quiet refuge for bird watchers to enjoy serene beauty. View more information on the birds of Pheasant Branch Conservancy here.

Tiedeman Pond Conservancy Area – Located just a few minutes out of downtown Middleton is Tiedeman Pond Conservancy Area, a 25-acre glacial kettle pond and restored wetland. Take a short walk around the pond’s boardwalk, and you’re sure to spot various wildlife. On the west side of the pond, there is a wildlife-viewing platform that gives birdwatchers an even more fantastic opportunity to spot feathered creatures. When at Tiedman Pond, it is common to encounter blue-winged teal, great blue herons, wood ducks, green herons, mallard ducks, Canada geese, cattle egrets, black-crowned night herons and double-crested cormorants.

Esser Pond – Located near Greenway Station, Esser Pond is another great place to see waterfowl. Despite its proximity to U.S. Highway 12 and a busy shopping area, birds love this open water and wetlands complex. A trail along the northern edge of the wetlands leads to and from Downtown Middleton making it an ideal nature escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.   

Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor Trail – Streaming through the heart of Middleton is Pheasant Branch Creek, which flows adjacent to a scenic, paved, mixed-use trail. The Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor Trail is 1.4 miles long and can be accessed from multiple points; enter from the west off Parmenter Street, east off Century Avenue or mid-trail at Parisi Park. The woods that line the creek are perfect for seeing migrating songbirds.

While scanning the landscape for migratory birds, don’t forget to take in the beautiful fall colors in Middleton.

See the Great Crane Migration

In November, one of nature’s most spectacular shows takes flight. Thousands of Sandhill cranes gather across Wisconsin for their annual “staging event,” preparing for their long journey south. The sight and sound of these graceful birds filling the sky is nothing short of unforgettable. While you can spot cranes throughout the day, the real magic happens at sunrise and sunset when they lift off or return to roost.

Just 15 minutes from Middleton, Lewis Nine Springs E-Way Natural Area offers a front-row seat to this awe-inspiring scene, with hundreds of cranes often gathering at once. For a truly bucket-list experience, head to Baraboo for the Great Midwest Crane Fest with the International Crane Foundation. Held each November, the festival celebrates Wisconsin’s largest crane congregation with expert-led tours, workshops, and presentations. And the best part — it’s just a scenic 50-minute drive from Middleton along Highway 12.

In Wisconsin, most migratory birds will have flown south by the end of November. Here is a great site to check year-round if you are an avid birder! And for tracking seasonal bird traffic, check out this site. E-bird is another great resource where birders can see exactly what birds have been reported in the area.