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.
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.
- Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District’s Wildlife Observation Area (WOA)
- Also known as eBird’s Nine Springs Natural Area, the WOA includes wetland-type lagoons and woodland habitats. Access the WOA from the Capital City State Trail on Moorland Road E-Way parking lot. See WOA brochure and map.
- Bird Checklist
- William G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park (LLFCP)
- Includes lake shoreline, woodlands, prairies, and marsh. Access from the park drive at 4330 Libby Road entrance or from trails heading east from the Lussier Family Heritage Center. LLFCP map.
- eBird hotspot
- Bird Checklist
- plus Lower Yahara River Trail overland and Lake Waubesa boardwalk (separate eBird hotspot but much of it within LLFCP boundary).
- Capital Springs Centennial State Park
- Access the State Park from the parking lot on the south side of Libby Road close to Lake Waubesa. See map and DNR park page for more information.
- Ebird hotspot
- Lewis Nine Springs E-Way
- Marsh and prairie habitats. Access from the E-Way Moorland Road parking lot, Baxter Park Spur Trail, or other trailhead areas along the Capital City Trail. See Capital Springs map with E-Way.
- eBird hotspot
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.
