Help Birds During Spring Migration

Native bird populations in the U.S. and Canada have declined by nearly 3 billion birds since 1970. You can help birds during this key time by taking a few small steps. / Photo Credit: Jacob Collison

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages bird watchers to enjoy the return of migratory birds to Wisconsin this spring and take a few simple steps to help our feathered friends.

Because Wisconsin is next to the Mississippi River flyway and Great Lakes shorelines, more than 350 species of birds have been reported in May. In addition, our diverse grasslands, marshes and forests provide key habitats for migratory birds.

Warblers, orioles, thrushes, hummingbirds, tanagers, indigo buntings and shorebirds are among the favorite long-distance migratory birds people will likely see. Their migration is influenced primarily by changes in the duration of daylight.

Where To Watch Birds

The DNR’s Birding and Bird Conservation webpage contains links to birding hot spots and organizations that often provide guided bird outings. Several Wisconsin cities hold birding festivals, including:

• Madison Bird and Nature Festival, April 27
• Oshkosh Bird Fest, May 3
• Horicon Marsh Bird Festival, May 9-11
• Door County Festival of Nature, May 22-25
• Chequamegon Bay Birding & Nature Festival, May 22-24
• Brew City Bird Festival, May 9-18

Find more event listings on the SOS Save Our Songbirds website.

Give Birds A Hand This Spring

Native bird populations in the U.S. and Canada have declined by nearly 3 billion birds since 1970. We can help birds during this key time by taking a few small steps at home:

• Plant native plants, including fruit-bearing native trees like serviceberry, dogwood and cherry, which provide both food and cover.
• Take care of bird feeders by cleaning them once every two weeks and attracting the most species with a high-fat seed like black oil sunflower.
• Shut off exterior lights at night during peak migration.
• Reduce window collisions with external screens, markers or cords. Get DIY solutions from SOS Save Our Songbirds.

Natural Resources Foundation Annual Birdathon

The Great Wisconsin Birdathon will take place from April 15 to June 15. This event is Wisconsin’s largest fundraiser for bird conservation and is hosted by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin, a nonprofit that protects our state’s lands, waters and wildlife and connects all people with nature.

Bird enthusiasts from across the state form teams each year to find as many bird species as possible while raising critical conservation funds. Similar to a walkathon fundraiser, participants record bird sightings for pledges instead of miles logged.

“Wisconsinites play a critical role in our efforts to protect and restore vulnerable bird populations across the state, whether by helping to raise funds for conservation work, volunteering as community scientists or providing habitat for birds,” said Owen Boyle, DNR species management section manager. “Many conservation projects wouldn’t be possible without the Natural Resources Foundation’s annual Birdathon.”

Individuals or teams can participate any time from April 15 to June 15, and all skill levels are welcome. While many participants choose to compete over 24 hours, teams also can opt to bird for a weekend, a week or even the whole 60-day event.

Teams can bird anywhere in Wisconsin – a state or local park, wooded areas or even in their backyard. Anywhere you can see birds, you can participate.

The money raised by the Birdathon supports the Natural Resources Foundation’s Bird Protection Fund, which provides financial backing for projects around Wisconsin that protect bird habitats, support avian research and monitoring efforts, and promote education and outreach. In 2024, the Birdathon raised $117,846 for bird conservation.

Each year after the event concludes, the Bird Protection Fund Committee – composed of Wisconsin bird conservation experts, including DNR staff – helps determine where the funds will positively impact the state’s birds and allocates funding accordingly.

Visit the Great Wisconsin Birdathon webpage to register, make a pledge or learn more.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.