Celebrating Black Birders' Week: A day at the Zoo (FULL)
May
31
8:00 AM08:00

Celebrating Black Birders' Week: A day at the Zoo (FULL)

Join us for Black Birders Week 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin with the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance, and Henry Vilas Zoo! This special event is a great way for you to explore the Zoo before it opens to the public, looking and listening for wild birds that visit the property as well as captive birds that are on exhibit.

Photo by Eric Kilby FCC

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Kestrel Banding (Lafayette County)
Jun
1
7:45 AM07:45

Kestrel Banding (Lafayette County)

Experience the amazing American Kestrel close up! We will visit the kestrel nest boxes that volunteers in our Kestrel Nest Box Monitoring Program steward, open them up, and place research bands on the chicks' ankles. It doesn't harm the birds, and allows scientists to study things like nesting preferences, migration, etc. Plus, it is really, really fun!

Photo by Richard Jones

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Birding By Boat: Cherokee Marsh South (FULL)
Jun
5
6:00 PM18:00

Birding By Boat: Cherokee Marsh South (FULL)

  • Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - South Unit (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This field trip is full. Join the waiting list. Join SoWBA staff and board members for a slow paddle exploring the incredible diversity of Cherokee Marsh. Get a great experience looking for spring birds, insects, and aquatic plants by boat; we expect to see species like Green Heron, Kingfishers, swallows, Sora, and more!

Photo by Brenna Marsicek/SoWBA

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Beginning Birders with the WiscoBirder (FULL)
Jun
7
9:00 AM09:00

Beginning Birders with the WiscoBirder (FULL)

This field trip is full. Join the waiting list. Join us for an energetic field trip to Patrick Marsh Wildlife Area! This field trip is geared for all levels, and will be especially fun for entry-level birders who want to enjoy a bird outing with Dexter "The Wisco Birder" Patterson, co-founder of the BIPOC Birding Club of WI.

Photo by Dexter Patterson

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Bats and Barn Swallows (FULL)
Jun
8
7:30 PM19:30

Bats and Barn Swallows (FULL)

This field trip is full. Join the waiting list. Join us for a summer evening to watch Barn Swallows feeding and coming into the barn to roost for the evening, and counting bats coming out for their nightly foraging! This exciting, marvelous event is part of the Wisconsin Bat Program surveys coordinated by the Wisconsin DNR; Fair Meadows has been a site for surveys for X years.

Photo by Jared Kelly FCC

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Beginning Bird and Wildlife Action Photography (FULL)
Jun
9
7:30 AM07:30

Beginning Bird and Wildlife Action Photography (FULL)

  • Curt and Arlys Caslavka's Backyard (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Hone your skills at taking beautiful, inspiring wildlife photographs. Experienced bird and nature photographer, Arlene Koziol (you may have noticed that her bird photos are everywhere on our website and printed materials!), will lead you through techniques and strategies for getting that perfect bird capture using your own equipment.

Photo by Arlene Koziol

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Birding by Bike (FULL)
Jun
9
5:30 PM17:30

Birding by Bike (FULL)

  • Capital City Trail Head near Turville Point Conservation Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This field trip is full. Join the waiting list. Join us for an adventurous, unique way to enjoy hearing and seeing our feathered friends: Birding by bike! This field trip will involve slow to moderate-paced biking with stops at multiple points along the way to enjoy the birds we see and hear in these great natural areas.

Photo by Brenna Marsicek/Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance

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Fair Meadows Birding Day
Jun
10
6:00 AM06:00

Fair Meadows Birding Day

Come enjoy Fair Meadows Sanctuary during the Birding Day! This 374 acre sanctuary and State Natural Area has many trails and habitats to explore. During this Birding Day, attendees can grab a map, wipe their boots, and hit the trails independently. No guided walks are provided.

Fair Meadows Birding Days are held the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, except in November.

Photo by Gary Shackelford

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Birding by Ear Meet-up (FULL)
Jun
14
8:30 AM08:30

Birding by Ear Meet-up (FULL)

This field trip is full. Join the waiting list. Train yourself to listen for the birds rather than looking for them! Birding by Ear is a great way to practice your skills at bird ID using a totally different sense. Join leader Kerry Wilcox (volunteer and teacher of last spring’s Birding by Ear class) for a trip to Lakeshore Nature Preserve, where you will walk the paths through the woods and prairie, and learn tools, tips, and techniques for birding by ear.

Photo by Kenneth Cole Schneider

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Night Hike at Fair Meadows Sanctuary (FULL)
Jun
20
9:00 PM21:00

Night Hike at Fair Meadows Sanctuary (FULL)

This field trip is full. Join the waiting list. In a celebration of early summer, we'll hike the paths to listen, see, and smell the natural world on what should be a warm summer’s eve. This is the peak time of the year to see bats, glowworms and fireflies, and hear the calls of owls in the woods and the frogs, toads and night birds of the ponds and marshes. The spectacular display of fireflies at this site alone is worth the hike, and we may also get to hear the calls of coyotes nearby.

Photo by Gary Shackelford

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Butterflies and Wildflowers of Pleasant Valley Conservancy (FULL)
Jun
21
10:00 AM10:00

Butterflies and Wildflowers of Pleasant Valley Conservancy (FULL)

This field trip is full. Join the waiting list. Pleasant Valley Conservancy is a beautiful state natural area situated in the Driftless Area, with steep goat prairies, oak savanna, and a large, high quality marsh. We hope to see beautiful Baltimore Checkerspots and other wetland butterflies nectaring on wonderful native plants.

Photo by Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance

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Fair Meadows Birding Day
Jun
24
6:00 AM06:00

Fair Meadows Birding Day

Come enjoy Fair Meadows Sanctuary during the Birding Day! This 374 acre sanctuary and State Natural Area has many trails and habitats to explore. During this Birding Day, attendees can grab a map, wipe their boots, and hit the trails independently. No guided walks are provided.

Fair Meadows Birding Days are held the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, except in November.

Photo by Gary Shackelford

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Field Trip for Kids: Pond Life!
Jun
24
9:00 AM09:00

Field Trip for Kids: Pond Life!

  • Lake Farm County Park Shelter #1 (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Grab the kids and join us for a fun morning outdoors learning about nature in our Field Trips for Kids series this summer! On Tuesday, June 24, we’re focusing on Pond Life! Read a great pond-related children’s book, learn about what lives in a pond, learn how to and try dipping for pond critters, use magnifying glasses to see the critters close-up.

Photo by Carolyn Byers/SoWBA

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Explore our Newest Sanctuary (FULL)
Jun
28
9:30 AM09:30

Explore our Newest Sanctuary (FULL)

This field trip is full. Join the waiting list. Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance purchased this 348-acre property from David Gunnulson in December 2024. There is some restored prairie and woodland, but most of the land is open grassy fields which have been used only for haying over the last 30 years. Explore the new property with us!

Photo by Graham Steinhauer/SoWBA

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Fair Meadows Birding Day
Jul
8
6:00 AM06:00

Fair Meadows Birding Day

Come enjoy Fair Meadows Sanctuary during the Birding Day! This 374 acre sanctuary and State Natural Area has many trails and habitats to explore. During this Birding Day, attendees can grab a map, wipe their boots, and hit the trails independently. No guided walks are provided.

Fair Meadows Birding Days are held the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, except in November.

Photo by Gary Shackelford

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Odonates! Dragonfly and Damselfly Ecology and Identification
Jul
12
10:00 AM10:00

Odonates! Dragonfly and Damselfly Ecology and Identification

Odonates are a fierce group of insects with highly variable coloration and habitat preferences. Dragonfly expert Bob Honig will discuss the life history and ecological importance of dragonflies and damselflies. Then we’ll explore Goose Pond’s prairies and identify as many species as we are able!

Photo by Arlene Koziol

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Field Trip for Kids: Insect Detectives
Jul
15
9:00 AM09:00

Field Trip for Kids: Insect Detectives

  • Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - North Unit (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Grab the kids and join us for a fun morning outdoors learning about nature in our Field Trips for Kids series this summer! On Tuesday, July 15, we’re focusing on being Insect Detectives! Check out our bug collection (non-living), search for bugs using magnifying glasses, and discuss why insects are amazing and not always scary.

Photo by Carolyn Byers/SoWBA

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Exploring Erstad Prairie & Schoeneberg Marsh
Jul
18
9:30 AM09:30

Exploring Erstad Prairie & Schoeneberg Marsh

  • Erstad Prairie & Schoeneberg Marsh (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Together, these properties provide beautiful and high quality habitats for wetland, grassland, and savanna wildlife. We'll walk though Erstad Prairie on mowed trails and then shift over to Schoeneberg Marsh which has a parking lot a half mile away. The WPA has accessible hiking (paved path and boardwalk) which terminates at an overlook with a great view of the marsh.

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Fair Meadows Birding Day
Jul
22
6:00 AM06:00

Fair Meadows Birding Day

Come enjoy Fair Meadows Sanctuary during the Birding Day! This 374 acre sanctuary and State Natural Area has many trails and habitats to explore. During this Birding Day, attendees can grab a map, wipe their boots, and hit the trails independently. No guided walks are provided.

Fair Meadows Birding Days are held the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, except in November.

Photo by Gary Shackelford

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Whip-poor-will Hike to Ferry Bluff
Jul
26
8:00 PM20:00

Whip-poor-will Hike to Ferry Bluff

Ferry Bluff is one of the prettiest places in southern Wisconsin. It is also one of the few places to consistently hear the call of the Eastern Whip-poor-will. If you miss hearing this bird on a summer night or have always wanted to hear them, then this outing is for you! Join us for a short hike to the top of Ferry Bluff where we'll sit and wait for the whip-poor-wills to sing, usually about 30 minutes after sunset.

Photo by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren

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Birding by Ear Meet-up
Aug
2
8:00 AM08:00

Birding by Ear Meet-up

  • Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - North Unit (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Train yourself to listen for the birds rather than looking for them! Birding by Ear is a great way to practice your skills at bird ID using a totally different sense. Join Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance educator Mickenzee Okon for a trip to Cherokee Marsh - North Unit, where you will walk the paths through the woods and prairie, and learn tools, tips, and techniques for birding by ear.

Photo by Mick Thompson

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Goose Pond Prairies: Land Trust Days
Aug
2
9:00 AM09:00

Goose Pond Prairies: Land Trust Days

Join us for this mostly sitting tour of Goose Pond Sanctuary's restored mesic prairies. Tallgrass prairie is one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world with less than 3% of the original area remaining. We will have a touring wagon ready to explore our trails, and there will be frequent stops to allow folks to get out and explore.

Photo by SoWBA

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Field Trip for Kids: Bird Hike for Kids
Aug
9
9:00 AM09:00

Field Trip for Kids: Bird Hike for Kids

Grab the kids and join us for a fun morning outdoors learning about nature in our Field Trips for Kids series this summer! On Saturday, August 9, we’ll be doing a Bird Hike for Kids! Enjoy the sights and sounds of birds in summer with a guided hike. Learn how to use binoculars and basic bird identification skills.

Photo by Carolyn Byers/SoWBA

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Fair Meadows Birding Day
Aug
12
6:00 AM06:00

Fair Meadows Birding Day

Come enjoy Fair Meadows Sanctuary during the Birding Day! This 374 acre sanctuary and State Natural Area has many trails and habitats to explore. During this Birding Day, attendees can grab a map, wipe their boots, and hit the trails independently. No guided walks are provided.

Fair Meadows Birding Days are held the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, except in November.

Photo by Gary Shackelford

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Seed Collecting at Goose Pond
Aug
23
9:30 AM09:30

Seed Collecting at Goose Pond

Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance has some of the largest restored prairies in Wisconsin. Our Goose Pond Sanctuary, located near Arlington, is a major part of SoWBA's restoration efforts... but our restoration work is only possible with the help of volunteers!

Seed collecting occurs almost every Saturday, 9:30-12:00 from Aug. 23 - Nov. 8.

The meeting location varies each week. RSVP to Graham Steinhauer, Goose Pond Land Steward, at gsteinhauer@swibirds.org or 608-333-2947, to get involved.

Photo by Carolyn Byers

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Fair Meadows Birding Day
Aug
26
6:00 AM06:00

Fair Meadows Birding Day

Come enjoy Fair Meadows Sanctuary during the Birding Day! This 374 acre sanctuary and State Natural Area has many trails and habitats to explore. During this Birding Day, attendees can grab a map, wipe their boots, and hit the trails independently. No guided walks are provided.

Fair Meadows Birding Days are held the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, except in November.

Photo by Gary Shackelford

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Seed Collecting at Goose Pond
Aug
30
9:30 AM09:30

Seed Collecting at Goose Pond

Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance has some of the largest restored prairies in Wisconsin. Our Goose Pond Sanctuary, located near Arlington, is a major part of SoWBA's restoration efforts... but our restoration work is only possible with the help of volunteers!

Seed collecting occurs almost every Saturday, 9:30-12:00 from Aug. 23 - Nov. 8.

The meeting location varies each week. RSVP to Graham Steinhauer, Goose Pond Land Steward, at gsteinhauer@swibirds.org or 608-333-2947, to get involved.

Photo by Carolyn Byers

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Seed Collecting at Goose Pond
Sep
6
9:30 AM09:30

Seed Collecting at Goose Pond

Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance has some of the largest restored prairies in Wisconsin. Our Goose Pond Sanctuary, located near Arlington, is a major part of SoWBA's restoration efforts... but our restoration work is only possible with the help of volunteers!

Seed collecting occurs almost every Saturday, 9:30-12:00 from Aug. 23 - Nov. 8.

The meeting location varies each week. RSVP to Graham Steinhauer, Goose Pond Land Steward, at gsteinhauer@swibirds.org or 608-333-2947, to get involved.

Photo by Carolyn Byers

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Monarch Tagging
Sep
6
9:30 AM09:30

Monarch Tagging

Monarchs make a huge migration each year, from Wisconsin (and even further north) all the way down to their winter grounds in Mexico. It is an incredible journey, and one that scientists are still studying. This monarch tagging event, one of the most celebrated activities Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance hosts, will teach you about the amazing monarch life history, migration, and conservation needs. We will teach you how to safely catch, handle, tag, and release a monarch, all in the name of science and love of nature.

Photo by Michael Anderson

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Birding by Ear Meet-up
Sep
7
8:30 AM08:30

Birding by Ear Meet-up

  • Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - South Unit (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Train yourself to listen for the birds rather than looking for them! Birding by Ear is a great way to practice your skills at bird ID using a totally different sense. Join Anna Walther, a wonderful birder by ear and educator, to explore Cherokee Marsh South and practice the tools, tips, and techniques for birding by ear.

Photo by Arlene Koziol

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Monarch Tagging
Sep
10
9:30 AM09:30

Monarch Tagging

Monarchs make a huge migration each year, from Wisconsin (and even further north) all the way down to their winter grounds in Mexico. It is an incredible journey, and one that scientists are still studying. This monarch tagging event, one of the most celebrated activities Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance hosts, will teach you about the amazing monarch life history, migration, and conservation needs. We will teach you how to safely catch, handle, tag, and release a monarch, all in the name of science and love of nature.

Photo by Kaitlin Svabek/SoWBA

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Monarch Tagging
Sep
13
9:30 AM09:30

Monarch Tagging

Monarchs make a huge migration each year, from Wisconsin (and even further north) all the way down to their winter grounds in Mexico. It is an incredible journey, and one that scientists are still studying. This monarch tagging event, one of the most celebrated activities Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance hosts, will teach you about the amazing monarch life history, migration, and conservation needs. We will teach you how to safely catch, handle, tag, and release a monarch, all in the name of science and love of nature.

Photo by Kaitlin Svabek / SoWBA

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Seed Collecting at Goose Pond
Sep
13
9:30 AM09:30

Seed Collecting at Goose Pond

Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance has some of the largest restored prairies in Wisconsin. Our Goose Pond Sanctuary, located near Arlington, is a major part of SoWBA's restoration efforts... but our restoration work is only possible with the help of volunteers!

Seed collecting occurs almost every Saturday, 9:30-12:00 from Aug. 23 - Nov. 8.

The meeting location varies each week. RSVP to Graham Steinhauer, Goose Pond Land Steward, at gsteinhauer@swibirds.org or 608-333-2947, to get involved.

Photo by Carolyn Byers

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Fall Prairies at Faville Grove
Sep
14
9:00 AM09:00

Fall Prairies at Faville Grove

Prairies in fall can be spectacularly beautiful.  On this trip you will immerse yourself in the textures, colors, sounds, and smells of fall at Faville Grove. We will meet by the Kiosk at W7480 Prairie Lane, Lake Mills, and then tour the Prairie Lane restorations and take in the fall landscape with its autumn colors including late blooming wildflowers (such as gentians, asters, and goldenrods), talk about the role of seed collecting in our restorations, and more.

Photo by Jeff Pieterick

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Seed Collecting at Goose Pond
Sep
20
9:30 AM09:30

Seed Collecting at Goose Pond

Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance has some of the largest restored prairies in Wisconsin. Our Goose Pond Sanctuary, located near Arlington, is a major part of SoWBA's restoration efforts... but our restoration work is only possible with the help of volunteers!

Seed collecting occurs almost every Saturday, 9:30-12:00 from Aug. 23 - Nov. 8.

The meeting location varies each week. RSVP to Graham Steinhauer, Goose Pond Land Steward, at gsteinhauer@swibirds.org or 608-333-2947, to get involved.

Photo by Carolyn Byers

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Beyond Backyard Birding: Cherokee Marsh North
Sep
27
7:30 AM07:30

Beyond Backyard Birding: Cherokee Marsh North

This morning trip is especially for backyard birders looking to grow their skills! Come to have your bird questions answered and get help identifying all of those small, streaky brown birds! We'll also be keeping our eyes out for any exciting migrants and recently fledged birds! The walk will be on even trails at a leisurely pace so bring the whole family! We will have binoculars for loan.

Photo by Arlene Koziol

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Seed Collecting at Goose Pond
Sep
27
9:30 AM09:30

Seed Collecting at Goose Pond

Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance has some of the largest restored prairies in Wisconsin. Our Goose Pond Sanctuary, located near Arlington, is a major part of SoWBA's restoration efforts... but our restoration work is only possible with the help of volunteers!

Seed collecting occurs almost every Saturday, 9:30-12:00 from Aug. 23 - Nov. 8.

The meeting location varies each week. RSVP to Graham Steinhauer, Goose Pond Land Steward, at gsteinhauer@swibirds.org or 608-333-2947, to get involved.

Photo by Carolyn Byers

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Birding by Ear Meet-up
Oct
4
9:00 AM09:00

Birding by Ear Meet-up

Train yourself to listen for the birds rather than looking for them! Birding by Ear is a great way to practice your skills at bird ID using a totally different sense. Join Bob Kendall, a wonderful birder and educator, to slowly walk through bird habitat, and practice the tools, tips, and techniques for birding by ear.

Photo by Kelly Colgan Azar

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Seed Collecting at Goose Pond
Oct
4
9:30 AM09:30

Seed Collecting at Goose Pond

Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance has some of the largest restored prairies in Wisconsin. Our Goose Pond Sanctuary, located near Arlington, is a major part of SoWBA's restoration efforts... but our restoration work is only possible with the help of volunteers!

Seed collecting occurs almost every Saturday, 9:30-12:00 from Aug. 23 - Nov. 8.

The meeting location varies each week. RSVP to Graham Steinhauer, Goose Pond Land Steward, at gsteinhauer@swibirds.org or 608-333-2947, to get involved.

Photo by Carolyn Byers

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Seed Collecting at Goose Pond
Oct
11
9:30 AM09:30

Seed Collecting at Goose Pond

Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance has some of the largest restored prairies in Wisconsin. Our Goose Pond Sanctuary, located near Arlington, is a major part of SoWBA's restoration efforts... but our restoration work is only possible with the help of volunteers!

Seed collecting occurs almost every Saturday, 9:30-12:00 from Aug. 23 - Nov. 8.

The meeting location varies each week. RSVP to Graham Steinhauer, Goose Pond Land Steward, at gsteinhauer@swibirds.org or 608-333-2947, to get involved.

Photo by Carolyn Byers

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Seed Collecting at Goose Pond
Oct
18
9:30 AM09:30

Seed Collecting at Goose Pond

Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance has some of the largest restored prairies in Wisconsin. Our Goose Pond Sanctuary, located near Arlington, is a major part of SoWBA's restoration efforts... but our restoration work is only possible with the help of volunteers!

Seed collecting occurs almost every Saturday, 9:30-12:00 from Aug. 23 - Nov. 8.

The meeting location varies each week. RSVP to Graham Steinhauer, Goose Pond Land Steward, at gsteinhauer@swibirds.org or 608-333-2947, to get involved.

Photo by Carolyn Byers

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Seed Collecting at Goose Pond
Oct
25
9:30 AM09:30

Seed Collecting at Goose Pond

Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance has some of the largest restored prairies in Wisconsin. Our Goose Pond Sanctuary, located near Arlington, is a major part of SoWBA's restoration efforts... but our restoration work is only possible with the help of volunteers!

Seed collecting occurs almost every Saturday, 9:30-12:00 from Aug. 23 - Nov. 8.

The meeting location varies each week. RSVP to Graham Steinhauer, Goose Pond Land Steward, at gsteinhauer@swibirds.org or 608-333-2947, to get involved.

Photo by Carolyn Byers

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An Evening of Cemetery Birding
Oct
28
4:15 PM16:15

An Evening of Cemetery Birding

Did you know that cemeteries were a precursor to city parks? Starting in the early 1830s, “rural cemeteries” were established to create tranquil, beautiful settings where families could visit and commemorate their loved ones. Birdwatching quickly became one of many popular recreational activities in cemeteries.

Illustration by Kaitlin Svabek/SoWBA

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Seed Collecting at Goose Pond
Nov
1
9:30 AM09:30

Seed Collecting at Goose Pond

Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance has some of the largest restored prairies in Wisconsin. Our Goose Pond Sanctuary, located near Arlington, is a major part of SoWBA's restoration efforts... but our restoration work is only possible with the help of volunteers!

Seed collecting occurs almost every Saturday, 9:30-12:00 from Aug. 23 - Nov. 8.

The meeting location varies each week. RSVP to Graham Steinhauer, Goose Pond Land Steward, at gsteinhauer@swibirds.org or 608-333-2947, to get involved.

Photo by Carolyn Byers

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Seed Collecting at Goose Pond
Nov
8
9:30 AM09:30

Seed Collecting at Goose Pond

Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance has some of the largest restored prairies in Wisconsin. Our Goose Pond Sanctuary, located near Arlington, is a major part of SoWBA's restoration efforts... but our restoration work is only possible with the help of volunteers!

Seed collecting occurs almost every Saturday, 9:30-12:00 from Aug. 23 - Nov. 8.

The meeting location varies each week. RSVP to Graham Steinhauer, Goose Pond Land Steward, at gsteinhauer@swibirds.org or 608-333-2947, to get involved.

Photo by Carolyn Byers

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Madison Lakes Waterfowl
Dec
6
8:00 AM08:00

Madison Lakes Waterfowl

As winter sets in, smaller ponds and lakes in south-central Wisconsin freeze, causing migrating birds to become concentrated on Madison’s large lakes, which remain open longer. We will look for waterfowl, gulls, and winter birds. This trip has produced some unusual sightings in the past, including Red-throated Loons, so don’t miss it!

Photo by Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance

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Fair Meadows Birding Day
May
27
6:00 AM06:00

Fair Meadows Birding Day

Come enjoy Fair Meadows Sanctuary during the Birding Day! This 374 acre sanctuary and State Natural Area has many trails and habitats to explore. During this Birding Day, attendees can grab a map, wipe their boots, and hit the trails independently. No guided walks are provided.

Fair Meadows Birding Days are held the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, except in November.

Photo by Gary Shackelford

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Birdathon: The Flockadelics
May
19
8:00 AM08:00

Birdathon: The Flockadelics

The Flockadelics Birdathon Team comprises members of SoWBA staff and interns. We'll hold our Birdathon on May 19 at our newest sanctuary (not yet named!) and surrounding natural areas in southeastern Dane County. We are excited to explore these habitats, and see/hear which birds we can find! You can donate to support bird conservation and SoWBA on this day!

Photo by Rob Streiffer

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Evening Songscape Walk (FULL)
May
16
7:00 PM19:00

Evening Songscape Walk (FULL)

This field trip is full. Join the waiting list. Join us for an evening stroll that is filled with the evening sounds of nature. Frogs, toads, and evening-active birds are calling heartily this time of year, and because each species has their own unique sound, we can identify which species are present even without seeing them.

Cover photo by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren

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Birding by Bike: Capital City Trail (FULL)
May
14
5:30 PM17:30

Birding by Bike: Capital City Trail (FULL)

This field trip is full. Join the waiting list. Join us for an adventurous, unique way to enjoy hearing and seeing our feathered friends: Birding by bike! This field trip will involve slow to moderate-paced biking along the Capital City State Trail, starting at the McDaniel Park parking lot in McFarland, northwest across the boardwalk at Lake Waubesa, through Lake Farm County Park and ending at the ponds near the sewerage treatment plant, before turning around and heading back. We will stop at multiple points along the way to enjoy the birds we see and hear in these great natural areas. Total distance biked is approximately 7 miles.

Photo by Ruth Smith

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Fair Meadows Birding Day
May
13
6:00 AM06:00

Fair Meadows Birding Day

Come enjoy Fair Meadows Sanctuary during the Birding Day! This 374 acre sanctuary and State Natural Area has many trails and habitats to explore. During this Birding Day, attendees can grab a map, wipe their boots, and hit the trails independently. No guided walks are provided.

Fair Meadows Birding Days are held the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, except in November.

Photo by Gary Shackelford

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Spring Sit (FULL)
May
12
5:30 PM17:30

Spring Sit (FULL)

This field trip is full. Join the waiting list. The number of different species present in a small area can be remarkable! Join us for a “sit,” where we’ll remain in one spot while looking and listening for any birds who might be in the area. This trip is designed to be intentionally inclusive and accessible for birders of all skill levels (beginners welcome!).

Photo via Pixabay

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Last Day to Order: Native Plant Sale
May
11
12:00 AM00:00

Last Day to Order: Native Plant Sale

  • Online sale; pick up from Holy Wisdom Monastery or Madison's east side (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This spring, when you order native plants through our special Native Plant Sale with Johnson’s Nursery out of Menomonee Falls, you get native plants delivered to Middleton, WI in May AND 15% of the sale totals go to Holy Wisdom Monastery and Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance (split 50/50).

Photo by Courtney Celley/USFWS

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CLASS: Birding by Ear
May
10
8:00 AM08:00

CLASS: Birding by Ear

  • ONLINE & Aldo Leopold Nature Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Just as unique as their coloration and shape, bird sounds come in all tunes and pitches. Identifying birds by their song is an exciting activity and skill, and any experienced bird watcher will tell you that most birding is done without actually seeing the bird, but by hearing it.

This class teaches the tools and techniques for identifying birds by close listening (we don’t spend a lot of time memorizing particular bird songs). We welcome participants who are new to the hobby of birding by ear, as well as birders of any level interested in continuing to learn and practice their birding by ear skills. This class is for anyone interested in birding by ear, of all physical abilities, ages, and birding skills.

Photo by Mick Thompson

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Spring Migration Celebration
May
9
10:00 AM10:00

Spring Migration Celebration

Spring migration is here and birds are on the move! Help celebrate the return of our amazing migratory birds like Baltimore Orioles, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, warblers, and more at this celebration. Activities for children and adults alike, including hummingbird mask-making, sewn bird decorating, information on native plants and a local native plant sale, how to make your home and windows safer for birds, and more!

Photo by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren

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American Kestrels and You!
May
8
6:30 PM18:30

American Kestrels and You!

Join us at the Dodgeville Public Library for a presentation on North America’s smallest falcon, the American Kestrel! Landowners across the state have been working with Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance to create habitat for these declining birds to survive and thrive. Learn all about the ecology, life history, and status of this small but mighty raptor, and how you can make a difference for their survival!

Photo by Kaitlin Svabek/SoWBA

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Warbler Walk: Turville Point  (FULL)
May
6
6:15 AM06:15

Warbler Walk: Turville Point (FULL)

This field trip is full. Join the waiting list. With over two dozen warblers moving in and through Madison this time of year, we always have fun tallying up how many we can find! Early orioles or lingering waterfowl are also a possibility. Those new to birding and to experienced birders are welcome.

Photo by David Rihn

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Birding in Madison School Forest (FULL)
May
4
7:00 AM07:00

Birding in Madison School Forest (FULL)

This field trip is now full. Join us as we walk the trails of this mature hardwood forest, much of which is part of the Olson Oak Woods State Natural Area, looking for a variety of migrating warblers, thrushes, tanagers, orioles, and others. There will be some up- and downhill hiking, although we will move at a leisurely pace.

Photo by Kelly Colgan Azar

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Beyond Backyard Birding: Lakeshore Nature Preserve (FULL)
May
3
7:30 AM07:30

Beyond Backyard Birding: Lakeshore Nature Preserve (FULL)

This field trip is full. Join the waiting list. This morning trip is especially for backyard birders looking to grow their skills! Come to have your bird questions answered and get help identifying all of those small, streaky brown birds and distant ducks! We'll also be keeping our eyes out for any exciting spring migrants! The walk will be on even trails at a leisurely pace so bring the whole family! We will have binoculars for loan.

Photo by Arlene Koziol

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Spring Migration at Zeloski Marsh (FULL)
Apr
27
7:30 AM07:30

Spring Migration at Zeloski Marsh (FULL)

This field trip is full. Join the waiting list. Join us as we gather on Lake Mills State Wildlife Area- Zeloski Marsh with Wisconsin DNR’s Wildlife Management for a birding excursion. Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance and WDNR’s Wildlife Management have been longtime partners on this property, beginning with SoWBI’s purchase and donation of the property to the Department of Natural Resources in 2006. This contribution from SoWBA and the management by the WDNR have led to Zeloski Marsh becoming a major stopover for waterfowl, wading birds, and songbirds during spring migration.

Photo by Arlene Koziol

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Butterflies and Birds of Spring Green Preserve East (FULL)
Apr
26
10:00 AM10:00

Butterflies and Birds of Spring Green Preserve East (FULL)

This field trip is full. Join the waiting list. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) area in what is often called Wisconsin’s desert includes some of the state’s rarest plant communities in its sand and dry bluff prairies and black oak barrens. It hosts a diversity of unusual plants, insects, reptiles and birds. We should see cactus and, hopefully, Olympia Marble butterflies and Lark Sparrows. Co-hosted by Southern Wisconsin Butterfly Association and Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance

Photo by Peter Gorman

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Habitat Diversity at Faville Grove West (FULL)
Apr
26
7:30 AM07:30

Habitat Diversity at Faville Grove West (FULL)

This field trip is full. Join the waiting list. Experience restorations of various stages from recent plantings to a well-developed 29-year old prairie. Other habitat features of this landscape include: a shallow wetlands, open water marsh/tamarack-sphagnum bogs, woodlands, and a black oak savanna. Join us for an enjoyable hike as we discuss the site’s history, stages of restorations, bird and plant identification, and more.

Photo by Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance

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American Kestrels and You!
Apr
23
6:30 PM18:30

American Kestrels and You!

Join us at the Argyle Public Library for a presentation on North America’s smallest falcon, the American Kestrel! Landowners across the state have been working with Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance to create habitat for these declining birds to survive and thrive. Learn all about the ecology, life history, and status of this small but mighty raptor, and how you can make a difference for their survival!

Photo by Mick Thompson

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Fair Meadows Birding Day
Apr
22
6:00 AM06:00

Fair Meadows Birding Day

Come enjoy Fair Meadows Sanctuary during the Birding Day! This 374 acre sanctuary and State Natural Area has many trails and habitats to explore. During this Birding Day, attendees can grab a map, wipe their boots, and hit the trails independently. No guided walks are provided.

Fair Meadows Birding Days are held the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, except in November.

Photo by Gary Shackelford

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TRAINING: Learn to lead Birding by Ear outings
Apr
19
10:00 AM10:00

TRAINING: Learn to lead Birding by Ear outings

Birding by Ear is a wonderful way to experience birds without relying on sight! Join volunteers and staff affiliated with the Birding by Ear class, Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired, Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance, and Aldo Leopold Nature Center for this great opportunity to advance your leadership skills.

Participants of this field trip will not learn bird songs or how to bird by ear; rather the focus will be on leading field trips to make them more accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Photo by Brenna Marsicek / SoWBA

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Woodcock Walk at Cherokee Marsh (FULL)
Apr
18
6:30 PM18:30

Woodcock Walk at Cherokee Marsh (FULL)

  • Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - North Unit (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This field trip is now full. Join the waiting list. View the sky dance of the American Woodcock at dusk and look for Sandhill Cranes, Wilson's Snipe, Bonaparte's Gulls, and other spring migrants and arriving resident birds. Co-hosted with the Friends of Cherokee Marsh.

Photo by Sally Meier

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Chocolate & Coffee Tasting and Digging into Native Plants -- for the birds!
Apr
16
5:00 PM17:00

Chocolate & Coffee Tasting and Digging into Native Plants -- for the birds!

  • Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join us for short presentations and hands-on activities to learn about how your favorite cup of coffee, backyard garden, and picture window can represent important and meaningful ways to have a positive impact on the birds you love.

Photo by Chad Horwedel FCC

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