Breeding birds and winter visitor birds from listings of birds routinely observed in neighboring parks and open spaces were reviewed to developed the list of targeted bird species for the habitat present and proposed to be restored.

E-bird field checklists from Woodland Dunes SNA, Point Beach SF-Molash Creek, Point Beach SF; Woodland Dunes Nature center-HQ and Cattail Trail; and special status birds from the WDNR statewide listing, and the Bird Conservation Joint Ventures-Assessment Summary for ROW CROP, Upland Forest, Grassland, Hay and Pasture conversion habitat areas were used to develop the listing for the site.

The VDBA site will be in important migratory stopover because:

  • The structure of the trees and shrubs and grasses that will provide escape and foraging habitat for birds during breeding season and migratory season.
  • For spring migratory birds, seeds, insects and plant materials provide primary migratory bird energy. For fall migratory birds, fruit and insects and seeds provide the energy necessary for migration. The plant palette for each zone includes species for migratory, breeding, and winter resident birds.
  • Creation of habitat that is continuous with the habitats of adjoining properties. By restoring golf course lawns, essentially a black hole (from a habitat perspective) back to native habitat, this space becomes a part of a larger habitat of great value to birds and other wildlife.

The listing for VDBA is focused on creating the list of targeted species associated with each habitat, the transitional conditions as changes to the final vegetation occurs, and the ultimate bird community most likely to be found in the final planned vegetation types.

Our list represents the birds that are likely to show up on the site. Some species will be migratory and temporary inhabitants, others are year-round. Some are non-native; these are omni-present in the neighborhood and already using the site.

The birds have been divided up into a matrix by the habitat type each bird is likely to use on site, which associates with the variety of plant communities proposed for the site: avian plots, native ground plane seed mixes, arboretum collection parterres, and restored wetland areas.

Some other species are likely to be occasional visitors as the transition and final planned vegetation is established. This can include some of the rare birds in Wisconsin, including summering, perhaps breeding grasshopper sparrows, and during the winter it is possible to attract short-eared owls in the future grasslands. And, in conifers during the winter, it is likely that long-eared owls may be found.