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

Over a billion birds die every year in the US after hitting windows, and almost half of those happen at homes. The good news is that the solutions are affordable and easy to implement! This presentation will share some of the science behind why birds hit windows and will also provide recommendations on ways to address problematic windows at homes and in our communities to make migration and buildings safer for birds.

Photo by Mick Thompson

eBird is a community science platform where you can record bird observations. It keeps track of your life list, helps you discover new birding locations, and shows you what other birders in the community are finding. This online class will teach you the main functions and tools of the eBird mobile app for your smartphone, so you can be creating checklists on the go! Learn how to submit your observations, discover birding hotspots, and explore recent sightings all from your phone.

Photo by Caitlyn Schuchhardt

If you love all things nature and want to get to know the birds you'll find in and around Madison, this class is for you. This is a four-part session with both classroom and field-based learning, and geared toward adults. Each day involves a slightly more advanced set of skills and information, but this course is intended for entry-level birders. This is a judgement-free bird learning experience; join us!

Photo by Kelly Colgan Azar

Join us for an in-depth, hands on training that will cover all the aspects of protecting our resident and migrating birds from hitting windows. This workshop is geared to movers and shakers in the community. Particularly those who manage their Bird City Wisconsin status, outreach staff or volunteers, and community members interested in preventing bird window collisions and promoting or enacting city ordinances.

Photo by Wayne Rayfield

This training is designed for people with little to no prescribed fire training and experience who would like to volunteer on prescribed burns. It is also an opportunity to learn why fire is an integral part of Wisconsin’s natural communities.

Photo by Ralph Russo

Welcome to our Drawing Dead Stuff adult education class! In this class, you will learn some basic techniques for creating drawings from specimens — birds, mammals, and plants. We’ll pull out educational specimens like skulls, feathers, study skins, mounts, and dried plants. You’ll get to see them up close, and draw! If you like, we’ll have dissection microscopes and magnifying glasses available for you to use. 

Artwork by Carolyn Byers

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

This field trip is now 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 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

Sketching birds from life can be tricky. The lighting can be funny, birds can be far away, and hardest of all… they move! In this Sketching Waterfowl class we'll share tips for getting quick sketches on paper while you're out in the field. You'll get to practice drawing using your eyes, binoculars, and spotting scopes.

Photo by Tom Koerner/USFWS

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

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

This workshop has two parts. First, participants will learn about American Kestrels (where they live, what they eat, how to help them) and the Kestrel Nest Box Monitoring & Banding Program. Then, participants will put together a kestrel nest box (one box per participant). The pieces for the nest boxes will be pre-cut, and all you will need to do is assemble your box using a screwdriver or drill.

Photo by Phil Brown FCC

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 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

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

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

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

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

If you love all things nature and want to get to know the birds you'll find in and around Madison, this class is for you. This is a four-part session with both classroom and field-based learning, and geared toward adults. Each day involves a slightly more advanced set of skills and information, but this course is intended for entry-level birders. This is a judgement-free bird learning experience; join us!

Photo by Kelly Colgan Azar

eBird is a community science platform where you can record bird observations. It keeps track of your life list, helps you discover new birding locations, and shows you what other birders in the community are finding. This online class will teach you the main functions and tools of the eBird mobile app for your smartphone, so you can be creating checklists on the go! Learn how to submit your observations, discover birding hotspots, and explore recent sightings all from your phone.

Photo by Caitlyn Schuchhardt

This training is designed for people with little to no prescribed fire training and experience who would like to volunteer on prescribed burns. It is also an opportunity to learn why fire is an integral part of Wisconsin’s natural communities.

Photo by Ralph Russo

Join us at the Garden Expo to learn about how you can prevent birds from hitting your home’s windows. Up to a billion birds die every year in the US after hitting windows, and almost half of those happen at homes. The good news is that the solutions are easy and affordable! This seminar will share some science behind why birds hit windows, and provide recommendations on ways to address problem windows at home to make them more bird-safe.

Photo by Corliss Karasov

Join us at the Garden Expo to learn about how you can prevent birds from hitting your home’s windows. Up to a billion birds die every year in the US after hitting windows, and almost half of those happen at homes. The good news is that the solutions are easy and affordable! This seminar will share some science behind why birds hit windows, and provide recommendations on ways to address problem windows at home to make them more bird-safe.

Photo by Corliss Karasov

If you want to find out more about some of the common bird species you’re seeing where you live this winter, this class is for you! Learn who they are, why they’re there, and how they survive winters in Wisconsin.

Photo by USFWS Midwest

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

Registration is now open to Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance members! In this in-person class, you’ll learn how to create a nature journal page by observing, sketching, and writing about autumn leaves. This can be a powerful way to notice new things and to wonder more deeply about nature.

Art and image by Amy Schleser

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 Kelly Colgan Azar

Learn the strategies, techniques, tools, and considerations to restore medium to large-sized prairies. This workshop is designed for individuals or organizations who are planning or actively pursuing prairie restoration on three acres and up. We will discuss soil, hydrology, seed mixes, seed sources including hand collecting, planting techniques and timing, vegetation management the first growing year and beyond including invasive species control with herbicide, mowing, and fire. We will also discuss government programs like the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and funding opportunities.

Photo by Arlene Koziol

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 Kaitlin Svabek and Becky Abel at Tenney Park, where you will walk the paths through the woods and prairie, and learn tools, tips, and techniques for birding by ear.

Photo by Courtney Celley/USFWS