4 minute read
Birding For A Cause
GREAT WISCONSIN BIRDATHON MOBILIZES ON BEHALF OF BIRDS
Zach Wood
Zach Wood is a public information officer in the DNR’s Office of Communications.
For many, the mention of bird watching conjures images of tranquility, concentration and, maybe most of all, solitude. And yet, every spring, bird watchers across Wisconsin head outdoors to partake in what has become an exceedingly social affair — the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin’s annual Great Wisconsin Birdathon.
The event started in 2012 and is Wisconsin’s largest fundraiser for bird conservation. Each year, bird enthusiasts from across the state form teams to find as many bird species as possible within 24 hours while raising critical conservation funds.
It’s like a walkathon fundraiser, but participants record bird sightings instead of collecting pledges for miles logged.
Teams can participate any day from April 15 to June 15, and all skill levels are welcome. While most teams 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.
BIRD PROTECTION FUND
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 2023, the birdathon raised a record $122,162 for the cause.
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.
“These initiatives play a major role in our efforts to protect and restore vulnerable bird populations across Wisconsin,” said Owen Boyle, DNR species management section manager. “Many of these critical projects wouldn’t be possible without the Natural Resources Foundation’s annual birdathon.”
FOSTERING CONNECTIONS
The Great Wisconsin Birdathon isn’t just a great cause — for its 500-plus participants, it’s also a great time!
“Birders from around the state tell us they look forward to the birdathon all year,” said Soumika Gaddameedi, event and donor relations coordinator for the Natural Resources Foundation.
“Birders of all experience levels are brought together to celebrate Wisconsin’s birds. Participants swap stories, make new friends and build an organic network of people to share their hobby.”
Participants have even been known to rally their fellow birders to the scene of a rare or unique bird sighting.
“I can remember one instance where, as the sun was setting, a team caught sight of a very rare chuck-will's-widow singing at Indian Mound Conservancy (in McFarland),” Gaddameedi said. “This was only the third-ever recorded sighting of this species in Dane County and the 20th in Wisconsin!
“They stayed into the evening and were able to watch it for an hour straight. They even sent out a county-wide alert for other birders to come watch the amazing spectacle.”
Although the funds raised by the Great Wisconsin Birdathon make a difference in many ways, the fellowship it creates might be equally important.
“The bond birders foster through the birdathon — with their teams, with other birders, with nature itself — lasts well beyond the 60 days the event runs,” Gaddameedi said.
FIELD TRIPS: NOT JUST FOR KIDS
Want to learn more about critical conservation efforts across Wisconsin while experiencing our state’s lands, waters and wildlife for yourself? Join the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin on one of their more than 250 annual field trips to Wisconsin’s wild places. NRF field trips generally run from April to October and offer unique opportunities for all ages to explore some of Wisconsin’s best natural areas on foot, by bicycle or by boat. All trips are led by experienced naturalists who share their knowledge of and passion for the outdoors as participants enjoy up-close experiences with Wisconsin’s natural world.
Learn more about Natural Resources Foundation field trips and become a member to participate at wisconservation.org/field-trips.
LEARN MORE
For details on the Great Wisconsin Birdathon, including how to participate or make a pledge and how 2023 funds were used, visit dnr.wi.gov/tiny/2216.
