Owl, Great Horned***
Description: This large owl is commonly seen at the Garden as it nests in old hawk nests in the McDonald Woods or other wooded areas.
Owl, Eastern Screech***
Description: One of the smallest owls at the Garden, this elusive bird nests in holes in trees trees and bird houses. It may be found in wooded areas.
Ovenbird
Description: Look for this common migrant and potential breeding species in any wooded habitat at the Garden. Like most ground nesting species, they are negatively affected by abundant deer populations and degradation of our woodlands.
Osprey
Description: This state-endangered bird is often seen hovering and diving into the lakes for fish.
Oriole, Orchard***
Description: Look in areas of scattered trees for this distinctively colored bird of open savanna habitats. They are often seen in the Dixon Prairie.
Oriole, Baltimore***
This brightly colored member of the blackbird family is a common breeding bird at the Garden. It is usually found around groves of cottonwoods and willow trees where it constructs a characteristic, pendent nest.
Nuthatch, White-breasted**
Description: A year-round resident at the Garden. Look for it on the trunks of trees, especially in the McDonald Woods.
Nuthatch, Red-breasted
Description: The less common of two species of nuthatches seen at the Garden, it is usually seen in winter in wooded areas and at bird feeders.
Nighthawk, Common**
Description: This cryptic bird is most often seen in large flocks during fall migration, flying erratically while catching insects. A member of the goat-sucker family, it is less likely to be seen when perched.
Mockingbird, Northern
Description: A southern visitor here, the mockingbird is usually heard before it is seen.