We are excited to host our third joint Madison and Milwaukee event at Paradise Valley! Join us for an exciting afternoon and evening of birding and observing Short-eared Owls as they hunt for meadow voles and other prey. We will bird our way to areas where we should see some owls performing their moth-like dance as they search for food.

A Short-eared Owl, perching on a post. Photo by Rita Flores Wiskowski.

Please note: Our group will be abiding by the American Birding Association’s Code of Birding Ethics, specifically noting Section 1.b., “...Limit the use of recordings and other audio methods of attracting birds, particularly in heavily birded areas, for species that are rare in the area, and for species that are threatened or endangered. Always exercise caution and restraint when photographing, recording, or otherwise approaching birds.”

Preparation

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.

It is likely to be dark as we return to the parking lot, please be sure to bring either a cell phone or a flashlight.

Directions to Paradise Valley:

Google Maps: Paradise Valley Public Hunting Dousman (Kincaid Ln, Dousman, WI 53118)

Paradise Valley Wildlife Area is located at the west end of Kincaid Lane in Ottawa (near Dousman).

• From Milwaukee: Take I-94 W to N Sawyer Rd in Summit. Take exit 283 from I-94 W. Follow N Sawyer Rd, US-18 W/Sunset Dr and Gramling Ln to Kincaid Ln in Ottawa.

• From Madison: Take I-94 E to Delafield Rd. Take exit 277 from I-94 E. Continue on Delafield Rd. Take N Golden Lake Rd and US-18 E to Kincaid Ln in Ottawa.

Transportation

We encourage attendees to use our social media pages to arrange carpools! If you have any questions, please reach out to our admin team - we’re here to help!