McFarland Bird Festival

05/09/2026

Our special guest, Uncle Butzie, has arrived! Stop by and see him until noon today.

05/09/2026

The McFarland Bird Festival is underway!

05/08/2026

Be a part of The Great Wisconsin Birdathon! Join Shawn & Alex for a guided bird walk at 9:30 during the festival. We are raising funds for an installation of interpretive signage at Orchard Hill Park featuring the American Woodcock. For more info, check out Shawn's Birdathon site. IF YOU PLAN TO JOIN THE WALK, PLEASE BRING BINOCULARS, HIKING POLES/WALKING STICK (TERRAIN UNEVEN) AND GOOD WALKING SHOES.

Hello everyone, happy spring! Based on the smashing success of our McFarland Bird Festival Birdathons the last several years, we are back again in 2026 with another Birdathon! Myself and fellow birdathoner Alex Arnold are conducting a Birdathon on Saturday May 9th, 2026 to raise funds for an AMERICA...

05/06/2026

Still need something for Mother's Day or just want to support local artists? Stop by the McFarland Bird Festival on Saturday May 9th, 9-12, @ Lewis Park. Three local artists, Gary Schneider, Anne Urso and Ron Larson have all generously donated items to our prize raffle and will have a selection of items available for purchase.

05/05/2026

Reminder, if you're coming out to the McFarland Bird Festival this Saturday, the intersection of HWY 51 and Exchange St is closed to all traffic. Please check out the alternate route below.

05/05/2026

Guided bird walk at Orchard Hill Park on Friday May 8th @ 7 am.
Meet at 7 am at the asphalt parking lot by the disc golf course.
Let us know if you're coming along. Please bring binoculars, sturdy walking shoes and hiking stick/pole for uneven terrain.

Join Shawn Miller for guided bird walks on Friday May 1st and/or Friday May 8th. Walks will start at 7 am. The terrain is uneven, so please wear good walking shoes and bring a hiking stick/trekking pole and dress for the weather. Please bring your own binoculars! If you have any questions prior to t...

05/03/2026

Here are some of the featured exhibitors that will be attending the McFarland Bird Festival on Saturday, May 9th, 9-12, at the Lewis Park Shelter.
Natural Resources Foundation of WI
Dane County Humane Society Wildlife Center
Specialty Serpents
Madison Mycological Society - NEW!

05/01/2026

Uncle Butzie will be visiting the McFarland Bird Festival on Saturday May 9th, 9-12 @ the The Lewis Park Shelter. Stop by and check out this handsome guy and learn his story and about turkey vultures from Lisa Hartman.

04/29/2026

Let us know if you're planning to join a guided bird walk this Friday, May 1st, 7 am at Indian Mound park. Sign up using the google form or drop a note in the comments.

Join Shawn Miller for guided bird walks on Friday May 1st and/or Friday May 8th. Walks will start at 7 am. The terrain is uneven, so please wear good walking shoes and bring a hiking stick/trekking pole and dress for the weather. Please bring your own binoculars! If you have any questions prior to t...

04/28/2026

Sneak peak at the remaining raffle prizes for the McFarland Bird Festival:
8x8 Canvas print by Ron Larson, great crested flycatcher
5 Culver's value basket vouchers
DVD copy of "An Invitation to Wonder - Waubesa Wetlands"
Butterfly House & Butterfly Guide
Mad Bluebird Puzzle
Illustrated Wildflower Guide
3 8x10 photographic prints from Shawn Miller's extension library of bird photography
Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. Tickets will be available during the event on May 9th, 9-12 @ the Lewis Park Shelter - bring cash, check, or Venmo!