A Fox Sparrow nestling on branch during a light snowfall. Photo by Rita Flores Wiskowski.

Seminary Woods is a beautiful woodland that often attracts winter finches, many species of woodpeckers, and owls (typically Great Horned and Screech Owls). In late February the Great Horned Owls will be on their nest and we may have a chance to see them. We will likely have to be quiet so we do not startle any  owls, but the seminary woods are so serene that  quiet is second nature there. We’ll explore an old cemetery and a grotto in the middle of the woods and see what birds can be found there as well. 

Parking

Park at the north end of the Mary Mother of the Church Pastoral Center (formerly called the Cousins Center).

What to Expect

Expect uneven trails, stairs leading to the cemetery, and possibly icy conditions. We’ll go slow, but shoes with good traction work well here in the winter.

Species List

• 2 Canada Geese

• 1 Mallard

• 1 Herring Gull

• 1 Great Horned Owl

• 3 Red-bellied Woodpecker

• 1 Downy Woodpecker

• 2 Hairy Woodpeckers

• 17 American Crows

• 6 Black-capped Chickadees

• 1 Tufted Titmouse

• 8 White-breasted Nuthatches

• 6 American Goldfinches

• 1 Northern Cardinal

Separate location in northern Milwaukee County

• 1 Northern Saw-whet Owl