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.
Photo by Jared Kelly FCC
Dragonflies are a fascinating and exciting group of animals to observe, and Fair Meadows Sanctuary has them in spades! Join us for a field trip that focuses on spotting, identifying, and learning about the many dragonfly species that call Fair Meadows home.
Photo by Gary Shackelford
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
Join fellow bird lovers of all skill levels on a slow-paced walk at Fish Camp County Park to listen and look for birds! Fish Camp County Park in McFarland is located along the shores of Lake Kegonsa, with trees, native prairie plantings, and wetlands all in the park. We expect to find lots of great migrating and resident bird species. We’ll walk on paved trails and board walk to enjoy this natural area.
Photo by Arlene Koziol
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 Brenna Marsicek, director of outreach with Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance, for an outing at Edna Taylor Conservation Park in Monona. We will walk the paths through the wetlands, woods, and prairie, and learn tools, tips, and techniques for birding by ear.
Photo by Arlene Koziol
Grab the kids and join us for a fun morning outdoors learning about nature! 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
Join the Madison Nature Journal Club and Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance for a special opportunity to nature journal a live bird model–Uncle Butzie the Turkey Vulture! Lisa Hartman, a vulture researcher, will be bringing ambassador vulture Uncle Butzie for us to observe. Nature journaling includes sketching, but also writing questions and notes about what you’re seeing, sensing, and feeling. You do not need prior drawing experience to attend; we won’t be aiming to make beautiful pictures so much as we will be using words, numbers, and pictures to capture what we notice on our pages.
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
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
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
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
Join fellow bird lovers of all skill levels on a slow-paced walk at Fish Camp County Park to listen and look for birds! Fish Camp County Park in McFarland is located along the shores of Lake Kegonsa, with trees, native prairie plantings, and wetlands all in the park. We expect to find lots of great migrating and resident bird species. We’ll walk on paved trails and board walk to enjoy this natural area.
Photo by Kelly Colgan Azar
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
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
One of the most fascinating aspects of the lives of birds is their ability to migrate thousands of miles as they follow the changing seasons. This presentation by Wisconsin bird expert Bill Volkert will explore the annual migration of birds, their seasonal phenology, and explore recent studies that are revealing more information and instilling greater wonder over the phenomenon of bird migration. Part of the Mighty Migrations 2026 webinar series!
Photo by Ron Welker/USFWS
What if we could predict when and where migration is most intense and use that knowledge to turn off the lights at exactly the right moment? Ecological forecasting is making that possible. Drawing on radar data, weather models, and machine learning, researchers can now generate real-time forecasts that let us anticipate the pulse of bird movement before it happens. Part of the Mighty Migrations 2026 webinar series!
Photo by Joe Lynde
Did you know that the coffee drink can affect the birds in your backyard? Smithsonian Bird Friendly® does more than any other certification to conserve habitat for birds and wildlife on coffee farms. During this talk, Bird Friendly Program Manager Kirstin Hill will describe the link between coffee and conservation, discuss what makes Bird Friendly certification the gold standard in biodiversity protection, and share ways to join the movement to “Drink Bird Friendly.” Your coffee is stronger than you think! Part of the Mighty Migrations 2026 webinar series!
Photo provided by the Smithsonian Institute
Smith-Reiner Drumlin Prairie is a small parcel owned and managed by The Prairie Enthusiasts and a State Natural Area. It has 13 acres of remnant prairie between the two glacial drumlins. The drumlins will be covered with rough and cylindrical blazing stars and the valleys in between will have gay feather. This should be a monarch and grassland bird hotspot. Gentians and other prairie specialist flowers will also be blooming. This is a trip in conjunction with Southern Wisconsin Butterfly Association and The Prairie Enthusiasts.
Photo by Joshua Mayer
Swift Night Out returns this September, and we are collaborating with fellow bird-loving organizations to celebrate the incredible natural phenomenon of Chimney Swifts coming in to roost during migration! In addition to Swift Night Out, our organizations will also be hosting informal get togethers each evening to watch the swifts. We’re calling it Swift Week!
Hosted by BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, the Feminist Bird Club - Madison Chapter, and Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance.
Photo by Steve Benoit
In addition to Swift Night Out, the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, the Feminist Bird Club - Madison Chapter, and Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance will also be hosting informal get togethers each evening to watch the swifts. We’re calling it Swift Week!
Photo by Brenna Marsicek/SoWBA
In addition to Swift Night Out, the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, the Feminist Bird Club - Madison Chapter, and Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance will also be hosting informal get togethers each evening to watch the swifts. We’re calling it Swift Week!
Photo by Brenna Marsicek/SoWBA
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
In addition to Swift Night Out, the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, the Feminist Bird Club - Madison Chapter, and Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance will also be hosting informal get togethers each evening to watch the swifts. We’re calling it Swift Week!
Photo by Brenna Marsicek/SoWBA
Fall is an amazing time to see warblers passing through Southern Wisconsin on their way to their tropical wintering grounds. Although they won't be singing or sporting their spring breeding plumages, finding them in fall is just as exciting as in the spring! In fact, their variable fall plumages make identifying them extra fun. This online class will teach you where and how to look for warblers this fall and how to ID them.
Photo by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren FCC
In addition to Swift Night Out, the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, the Feminist Bird Club - Madison Chapter, and Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance will also be hosting informal get togethers each evening to watch the swifts. We’re calling it Swift Week!
Photo by Brenna Marsicek/SoWBA
In addition to Swift Night Out, the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, the Feminist Bird Club - Madison Chapter, and Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance will also be hosting informal get togethers each evening to watch the swifts. We’re calling it Swift Week!
Photo by Brenna Marsicek/SoWBA
In addition to Swift Night Out, the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, the Feminist Bird Club - Madison Chapter, and Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance will also be hosting informal get togethers each evening to watch the swifts. We’re calling it Swift Week!
Photo by Brenna Marsicek/SoWBA
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
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
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
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
September is a great month to explore New Glarus Woods State Park. Birders of all skill levels are welcome! We will hike the south side of the park through mature woods and restored prairies. Come see what fall migrants are visiting. The park is normally home to a variety of woodpeckers, songbirds, and wildlife such as deer, squirrels and turkeys. Best for hikers in good physical condition.
Photo by Mick Thompson
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
This morning trip is especially for new 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
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
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
Late fall through winter is prime time to view dozens of waterfowl species that migrate through south-central Wisconsin. In this class, you'll learn about what species you can expect to find, useful field marks for identifying waterfowl in varied viewing conditions (especially if you don't have a scope!), helpful birding tips for waterfowl viewing, and recommended locations to visit. Before you know it, you'll be picking out a Redhead hiding in a raft of Canvasbacks!
Photo by Arlene Koziol
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
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
Join SoWBA and Dick Nikolai, retired DNR staff, Wisconsin Purple Martin Association board member, and Purple Martin expert (he’s banded over 10,000 Purple Martins!), to learn about this incredible species, its interesting connections with people and Amish communities, and how you can help bolster their populations by banding Purple Martin chicks in Green Lake and Columbia County on July 6 or 7.
Photo by Arlene Koziol
This will be a great opportunity to explore the prairies, socialize with other wildlife enthusiasts, and of course to learn about butterflies. The only gear you'll need is long pants, sturdy shoes, and sun protection. A camera, binoculars, and butterfly ID book are other beneficial items. You are not required to stay for both morning and afternoon sessions.
Photo by Mark Martin
On this midsummer morning walk, we’ll observe and learn about butterflies, those exquisitely beautiful creatures that dance around us in summer. We will observe a variety of butterflies as they take nectar from wildflowers, and learn about their identification, behavior, and lifestyle.
Cover photo by Arlene Koziol
Fair Meadows Sanctuary is full of diverse life in the summer! Join us for a hike through the prairies to see and learn about the plants in bloom, the insects that buzz around them, and the birds that nest, forage, and rest in these habitats.
Photo by Gary Shackelford
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
Join the Madison Nature Journal Club and Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance at Governor’s Island in the northeast part of Madison. This little-known park juts out into Lake Mendota and has amazing views. (It’s called an island but it’s actually a round peninsula.) The club will kick off with some quick tips on how to nature journal. Then people can split up to find what’s interesting to them to journal about. At the end of the event everyone will meet back up and optionally share what they nature journaled about.
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
This field trip is full. Join the waiting list. Join fellow bird lovers of all skill levels on a slow-paced walk at Fish Camp County Park to listen and look for birds! Fish Camp County Park in McFarland is located along the shores of Lake Kegonsa, with trees, native prairie plantings, and wetlands all in the park. We expect to find lots of great migrating and resident bird species. We’ll walk on paved trails and board walk to enjoy this natural area.
Photo by Arlene Koziol
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
Birds see the world differently, and often, that beautiful reflection of the sky is a deadly illusion. Every year, millions of birds are lost to window collisions—but you can help change the narrative. Join the Friends of Lapham Peak for a presentation by WI Master Naturalist, Window Collisions Bird Ambassador, and Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance partner Samantha Humes. Samantha will share an eye-opening exploration into the science of why these strikes happen and the simple, life-saving steps you can take at home.
Photo by Monica Hall
Experience the amazing American Kestrel close up! We will visit two kestrel nest boxes in our Kestrel Nest Box Monitoring & Banding Program, open them up, and place research bands on the chicks' legs. 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 Ruth Smith
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
Experience the amazing American Kestrel close up! We will visit two kestrel nest boxes in our Kestrel Nest Box Monitoring & Banding Program, open them up, and place research bands on the chicks' legs. 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 Ruth Smith
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
Experience the amazing American Kestrel close up! We will visit two kestrel nest boxes in our Kestrel Nest Box Monitoring & Banding Program, open them up, and place research bands on the chicks' legs. 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 Pat Eagan
Experience the amazing American Kestrel close up! We will visit two kestrel nest boxes in our Kestrel Nest Box Monitoring & Banding Program, open them up, and place research bands on the chicks' legs. 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 Ruth Smith
Experience the amazing American Kestrel close up! We will visit two kestrel nest boxes in our Kestrel Nest Box Monitoring & Banding Program, open them up, and place research bands on the chicks' legs. It doesn't harm the birds, and allows scientists to study things like nesting preferences, migration, etc. Plus, it is really, really fun!
Join us in a celebration of YOU — our members! During this special, members-only event, our staff and board will take the opportunity to thank you for all you contribute to nature and the organization. Pizza and music will be provided, along with a short program with updates on what’s new and important within the organization, and see how your membership dues make a difference. You’ll have a chance to socialize with other Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance members, board, and staff throughout the evening. This is a family-friendly event, with activities for youth including a playground and yard games.
Photo by Ruth Smith
Hillside Prairie Sanctuary is our newest sanctuary and we are excited for you to explore it! During this open house event, we will have staff on site to welcome you, make suggestions for where to hike, and answer your questions.
Photo by Kaitlin Svabek
This field trip is full. Join the waiting list. Birding is a fun, rewarding hobby — but can be a bit intimidating to get into! This Beginning Birders event is designed to give you an easy, welcoming entry-point to birding. We will walk slowly through the Arboretum, looking and listening for birds, identifying the ones we find, and talking about how to tell them apart. No pressure, no judgement, just fun!
Photo by Rob Streiffer
Through the tremendous power of on-the-ground volunteers, the Bald Eagle Nest Watch program has gathered important information about the health, productivity, and nesting success of around 200 Bald Eagle nests in Wisconsin since 2018. Join this presentation to learn more about what these volunteers look for, why the work matters, and how eagle nests are doing in the Middleton area this year.
Photo by Mike Williams
Protect birds and help with bird conservation efforts on the UW-Madison Campus during the Bird-safe Glass Fundraiser and Trivia Night. Grab your friends and join us for bird-related trivia and a short presentation about our fundraising effort to reduce bird-window collisions at UW-Madison’s Microbial Sciences building (learn more about that here!).
Photo by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren
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
May is a great month to explore New Glarus Woods State Park. Birders of all skill levels are welcome! We will hike the south side of the park through mature woods and restored prairies. Come see what spring migrants are visiting. The park is normally home to a variety of woodpeckers, songbirds, and wildlife such as deer, squirrels and turkeys. Best for hikers in good physical condition.
Photo by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren
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! Come enjoy the sunrise from the Arboretum and listen to the morning chorus.
Photo by Cynthia Bridge
Join fellow bird lovers of all skill levels on a slow-paced walk at Fish Camp County Park to listen and look for birds! Fish Camp County Park in McFarland is located along the shores of Lake Kegonsa, with trees, native prairie plantings, and wetlands all in the park. We expect to find lots of great migrating and resident bird species. We’ll walk on paved trails and board walk to enjoy this natural area.
Photo by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren
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
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! Come enjoy the sunrise from the Arboretum and listen to the morning chorus.
Photo by Monica Hall
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! Join us for an early morning walk to look for colorful warblers and other spring migrants.
Cover photo by Phil Brown
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 Kelly Colgan Azar
