Birding by Ear
Enjoy the amazing birds around us, without needing to see them!
Birding by Ear meet up participants by Brenna Marsicek/SoWBA
Indigo Bunting singing by Carolyn Lehrke FCC
Birding by Ear as a hobby is perfect for birders of all abilities – new to the hobby or experienced birders, as well as disabled or not! The joy of birding is for everybody and every body! Through our Birding by Ear classes and offerings, co-hosted by Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance and the Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired and held at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center, participants can learn the tools and techniques for identifying birds by their sounds, rather than by sight.
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.
Birding by Ear offerings are held in spring, summer, and fall, including a Birding by Ear class each May, monthly Birding by Ear meet-ups, and a training to teach field trip leaders how to host accessible birding outings. Find an upcoming Birding by Ear activity below!
Upcoming Birding by Ear activities:
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