Protecting Wildlife During Nesting Season

Why June Matters for Ground-Nesting Birds

As Wisconsin transitions from spring into summer, our fields, grasslands, wetlands, and field edges become nurseries for wildlife. June is one of the most critical months of the year for many bird species as hens settle onto nests and newly hatched broods begin their journey toward survival.

From ring-necked pheasants and wild turkeys to ducks and grassland songbirds, ground-nesting birds depend on suitable habitat and minimal disturbance during this important period. The decisions landowners, farmers, and conservationists make in June can have a lasting impact on local wildlife populations for years to come.

A Busy Time for Ground-Nesting Birds

Many of Wisconsin's most recognizable bird species are actively nesting throughout late spring and early summer.

Pheasant hens carefully conceal their nests within tall grasses and native vegetation. Wild turkeys seek secluded nesting sites along grasslands, woodland edges, and brushy cover. Waterfowl nest near wetlands, marshes, and upland grass cover, while songbirds such as meadowlarks, bobolinks, and savannah sparrows build nests directly on the ground within prairie and grassland habitats.

These nests often contain eggs or young chicks that are difficult to detect, even when standing just a few feet away. Their camouflage is remarkable—but it also makes them vulnerable to habitat disturbances during the nesting season.

Why Delaying Mowing Can Save Nests

One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect nesting birds is to delay mowing whenever possible.

When grasslands, road ditches, hay fields, and conservation plantings are cut during nesting season, nests may be destroyed before eggs hatch or young birds are old enough to escape. Even if adult birds survive, the loss of a single nest can mean the loss of an entire year's reproductive effort.

Many conservation organizations encourage delaying mowing until later in the summer whenever practical. Allowing grasses and wildflowers to remain undisturbed through the peak nesting period gives hens the opportunity to successfully hatch and raise their broods.

While not every property can postpone mowing indefinitely, even delaying a few weeks can significantly improve nesting success for local wildlife.

Managing Grasslands During Nesting Season

Grasslands provide some of the most important habitat in Wisconsin, yet they require thoughtful management.

During nesting season, landowners should focus on minimizing disturbance in areas known to support wildlife. Activities such as prescribed burning, heavy mowing, brush removal, or large-scale habitat projects are often best scheduled outside of peak nesting periods.

Instead, June is an excellent time to monitor habitat conditions. Walk your property, identify nesting cover, note areas with invasive species concerns, and begin planning improvements for later in the year.

Native warm-season grasses such as switchgrass, big bluestem, and Indiangrass provide excellent nesting cover because they create dense vegetation while still allowing birds to move freely beneath the canopy.

Properties that contain a mix of grasses, wildflowers, shrubs, and wetland edges often support the greatest diversity of nesting wildlife.

Creating Brood Habitat for Young Birds

Protecting nests is only the first step. Once chicks hatch, they need access to quality brood habitat.

Young pheasants, turkeys, and many songbirds depend heavily on insects during their first weeks of life. Protein-rich insects provide the nutrition necessary for rapid growth and development.

The best brood habitat includes a diverse mixture of native grasses and flowering plants that attract insects while maintaining open spaces for chicks to move and forage.

Excellent brood habitat plants include:

• Purple coneflower

• Black-eyed Susan

• Wild bergamot

• Partridge pea

• Goldenrod

• Native milkweeds

These plantings not only support young birds but also benefit pollinators such as bees and butterflies throughout the growing season.

Small Actions Make a Big Difference

Conservation often begins with simple choices. Delaying mowing, preserving native vegetation, restoring grasslands, and planting diverse native species can dramatically improve nesting success and brood survival.

Every successful nest contributes to healthier wildlife populations and stronger ecosystems. By protecting habitat during June's critical nesting season, landowners and conservationists play a direct role in ensuring that future generations will continue to enjoy the sights and sounds of Wisconsin's upland birds, waterfowl, and songbirds.

As summer unfolds, take a moment to appreciate the hidden activity taking place in fields, prairies, and wetlands across the state. Beneath the grasses and among the wildflowers, the next generation of Wisconsin wildlife is taking its first steps.

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