Merganser, Common
Description: This rare, large, fish-eating duck with a narrow toothed bill may be seen diving on the lakes.
Meadowlark, Western*
Description: Look for these rare visitors in the Dixon Prairie. Although identical in appearance to the eastern meadowlark, they are less common and their songs are different.
Meadowlark, Eastern***
Description: Look for this classic grassland species in the Dixon Prairie. Like many grassland birds, the meadowlark has declined with its habitat availability.
Martin, Purple***
Description: The Garden's largest member of the swallow family is the purple martin. Look for them flying around or perched on the large, aluminum birdhouses on poles at various locations around the Garden.
Mallard***
Description: Mallards are commonly seen on the lakes and throughout the Garden.
Loon, Common
Description: The common loon may be seen flying over, or less frequently on, the larger bodies of water at the Garden.
Longspur, Smith's
Description: This Great Plains migrant is a rare sighting in the Dixon Prairie.
Longspur, Lapland
Description: In early spring and late fall, look for this bird of the high tundra as it scurries along the paths in the Dixon Prairie or flies over in small flocks.
Lark, Horned
Description: One of the earliest nesting species in our region, this grassland species is most often seen flying over in spring, but occasionally lands in the Dixon Prairie.
Kinglet, Ruby-crowned
Description: This tiny migrant is most often seen in wooded areas of the Garden very early in the spring and late in the fall.