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

This event is cancelled. 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

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

Join us at the Blanchardville 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

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

In this free, online presentation, Dr. Karen Oberhauser will describe the amazing biology of migratory monarchs, how we can use data collected by scientists and public to understand what is driving monarch numbers, and what we can do with that information. The take-home message will be how we can address species conservation—in our own gardens and beyond—in the face of climate and other human-driven changes.

Photo by USFWS Midwest Region FCC

In this free, online presentation, Steffanie Munguía will describe Chimney Swifts’ biology, migration, and conservation needs. You’ll also learn more about why taking steps like protecting large, old chimneys is so critical for this species. And find out more about upcoming Swift Night Out events in Madison on Sept. 6 and throughout Wisconsin!

Photo by Brenna Marsicek/SoWBA

In this free, online presentation, Jennifer Lazweski will describe the incredible Ruby-throated Hummingbird’s biology, migration, and conservation needs. You’ll also learn more about why taking steps like purchasing Bird-Friendly certified coffee and installing window collision deterrents is so critical for this species. And find out more about an upcoming event on International Hummingbird Day on Sept. 6 in Madison!

Photo by Michael Janke

Build a 5-plant native garden for your balcony, patio or porch to bolster birds, bees and butterflies! 

Join us for a presentation about growing native plants in any location — including a small balcony or front porch — and how that container of native plants can support wildlife. Then, head outside for a hands-on activity of planting your own container to take home, each container having one of the following: Wild petunia, purple hyssop, spotted bee balm, prairie dropseed, and butterfly milkweed.

Photo by Eric Manges

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 Robert Rolley

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You’re invited to Audubon Great Lakes Advocacy Day at the Wisconsin State Capitol, a special day of action that will bring together Audubon members from across the state to speak up for bird-friendly policies.  

Photo by Arlene Koziol

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, how a local citizen science group is studying the problem and provide recommendations on ways to address problem windows at home to make them more bird-safe.

Photo by Kelly Colgan Azar

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

Up to 3.5 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 presentation will share some science behind why birds hit windows, and provide recommendations on ways to address problem windows at home and in our communities to make migration and buildings safer for birds.

Photo by Linda Crubaugh

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

Don’t miss this inspiring evening with Christian Cooper, Emmy-winning host of Extraordinary Birder and bestselling author of Better Living Through Birding! This event will take place in the Playhouse Theater at the Overture Center for the Arts or through online live-stream on Wednesday, March 12.

Join the Fond du Lac Audubon Society for a presentation by Brenna Marsicek about the Bald Eagle Nest Watch program!

Photo by Peter Schmidt

Join like-minded conservationists in Madison on March 12, 2025 to advocate for the reauthorization of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. Gathering Waters staff will share success stories with legislators and demonstrate why its continued funding is essential for preserving Wisconsin’s outdoor legacy.

Photo provided by Gathering Waters

This presentation and gathering are designed for individuals who lead nature-related field trips and outings, regardless of topic! There will be two presenters, one with general tips and tricks for leading great hikes, and one with information about building accessibility into your field trips from the get-go.

Free to attend, with in person and online viewing options.

Photo by Kaitlin Svabek/Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance

Citizen science is a wonderful way for community members to participate in important research studies, and the studies greatly benefit too! Through the Bald Eagle Nest Watch and Bird Collision Corps programs, volunteers with the Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance help study Bald Eagle populations and nesting success, as well as the dangers windows pose to birds. Learn how these programs work and the important information the volunteers have collected in this presentation.

Photo by Lisa Frank

Neonicotinoids are the most widely used insecticides in North America; they are applied to our crops, nursery plants, and lawns in vast amounts. These chemicals are uniquely problematic for birds; they are coated onto seeds, leached into waterways, and drifted into habitats. We will explore the chemistry behind neonics that makes them so harmful, the ways they are used in modern life, the various ways they impact birds, and learn how to reduce our dependence on them.

Photo by Kelly Colgan Azar