Enjoy these World Migratory Bird Day events
Spring bird migration is a great time for birders! Scores of organized events in May can help us discover or deepen our joy in birdwatching and learn more about birds and ways to protect them.
Many of these events celebrate World Migratory Bird Day, May 13 this year, because communities recognized as Bird Cities by the Bird City Wisconsin program are required to celebrate the day in some fashion. Many nature centers, state parks, and bird conservation groups also offer events on this day or month to celebrate birds too and introduce new people to birdwatching.
As well, the Great Wisconsin Birdathon runs April 15 through June 15 and offers great ways for people to enjoy and help birds. Participants log bird sightings instead of miles walked and get pledges for doing so. Start a team, join a team or donate. Proceeds from the event, coordinated by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin, fund priority bird conservation projects in Wisconsin, including SOS Save Our Songbirds.
A sampling of events statewide and other places to check for events near you
Below is a sampling of World Migratory Day events in Wisconsin. Those where SOS Save Our Songbirds will have a booth or materials present are marked by a bird icon 🐦.
To find other events near you, check Bird City Wisconsin, search “birding” for type of event on Wisconsin DNR’s listings of state park events, and check listings for your local Audubon chapter, bird club or local nature center.
May 6
World Bird Day, bird by mini-train and build a bluebird house, Alma
Chequamegon Bird Club World Migratory Bird Day events, various locations on May dates
Forest Exploratory Center Bird Migration Celebration, Wauwatosa 🐦
Oshkosh Bird Fest, Oshkosh 🐦
World Migratory Bird Day at 1000 Islands Environmental Center, Kaukauna
May 9
Spring Bird Walks in honor of World Migratory Bird Day, Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Onalaska
May 12
Horicon Marsh Bird Festival, Horicon, continuing through May 14
Brew City Birding Festival, Milwaukee, continuing through May 19
World Migratory Bird Day, L.H. Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve, Suamico
May 13
World Migratory Bird Day, Glendale
McFarland Bird Festival, McFarland
World Migratory Bird Day, Oregon 🐦
10th Annual Bird Fest, Peshtigo
May 18
Annual Chequamegon Bay Birding & Nature Festival, Ashland, continuing through May 20 🐦
May 19
Friends of Crex Meadows Spring Festival, Grantsburg, continuing through May 20
The Wisconsin Society for Ornithology has brought back its annual conference of half-day field trips, speakers and other events on May 19-21 in Waukesha County. Pre-registration has closed but walk-in registration is allowed May 19.
May 20
World Migratory Bird Day at Lake Michigan Bird Observatory, Port Washington 🐦
Woodland Dunes Nature Center Bird Breakfast & Migration Celebration, Two Rivers 🐦
May 27-28
Door County Festival of Nature, various locations and registration required for many events