Fauna

Fauna: Educational and Interpretive Resources

There are numerous ways to learn about native wildlife, including insects, at the Capital Springs Recreation Area.

Birding at Capital Springs


The best-known birding locations within the eight units of the Capital Springs Recreation Area are listed below. Each location is linked to its eBird-designated hotspot page, and two locations have excellent bird checklists created by dedicated area birders from local nonprofit associations, including the Friends of Capital Springs Recreation Area.

male White-winged Crossbill - photo curtesy of Tom Benson, Flickr.com
Updated in 2024 with new birds and information! Link to our Winter Birds page!
Are you interested in birds that spend winters here in southern Wisconsin?
Dive into interesting behaviors and field markings of some southern Wisconsin’s winter bird residents. Most species are grouped with a “look alike” or bird of the same family to help with identification.


Fiery Skipper Butterfly – sighting confirmed by Mike Reese of wisconsinbutterflies.org. Learn more about this special butterfly that infrequently wanders into southern Wisconsin here.


Guide to Prairie Pollinators and other Insects at Capital Springs

Use this guide while spending time in a prairie or near a native plant flower garden to easily identify common (or not so common) pollinators and other insects that rely on native prairie plants. Pollinators and their allies can be found from April through November in our area.

Entire document in PDF | JPG PG 1 | JPG PG 2