News - Wisconsin Society for Ornithology

Weigh in on Wisconsin Wildlife Questions April 13-16

We can all make a difference for birds and other wildlife by completing the Spring Conservation Congress online survey available on April 13-16 found at this link. There are a series of natural resources advisory questions, including ones pertaining to hunting, fishing, trapping, and boating safety. See page 12 of the questionnaire booklet to see background on these... Read More

COVID-19 Revised Update: "Safer at Home Order" and Birding

Updated COVID-19 Birding Guidance from WSO The coronavirus crisis may make 2020 the absolute right time for all of us to plan on conducting our own Big Green Birding Year or learning how to set up on your own “patch” on eBird. Considering recent developments, WSO is toughening its guidance for those who are wondering whether they are still able to get out and bird-watch amid the COVID-19... Read More

Record 13 Recipients for WSO Awards

By Wendy Schultz (WSO Awards Committee Chair) One of WSO’s crown jewels is our annual recognition of outstanding individuals and organizations that have done amazing work on behalf of birds. Whether furthering the advancement of bird conservation, promoting the field of ornithology or contributing time or talent to the society itself, every January the Board of Directors selects from a list of... Read More

WSO Event Updates from COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic’s impact has touched the lives of most Americans and its ripple effects are sparing neither individuals nor organizations. WSO and the rest of the Wisconsin birding community obviously are among those affected. Most members of WSO may already be aware that, well before Gov. Evers issued his “Safer at Home” order, the Society canceled most of its events through June... Read More

COVID-19 Update: "Safer at Home Order" and Birding

The WSO provides the following guidance for those who are wondering whether they are still able to get out and bird-watch in light of Governor Evers’ recent “Safer at Home Order”: Although Governor Evers’ Order (issued on March 24, 2020) generally orders Wisconsinites to stay at home, the order provides an exception for Essential Activities, which include “outdoor... Read More

The Feminist Bird Club: An Inclusive Space for Birding

WSO’s Membership Committee is highlighting its members. If you would like the WSO membership to know about a bird-related activity or project you’re involved in, please email Membership Chair Mary Murrell at membership@wsobirds.org WSO member Jenn Schneiderman is a co-leader of the Madison chapter of the Feminist Bird Club. Jenn is a masters student in wildlife ecology at UW-Madison,... Read More

A Salute to the 2019 BIGBY Birding Champions

-By Wendy Schultz (WSO BIGBY Birding Coordinator)- WSO would like to congratulate ALL of Wisconsin’s BIGBY birders for the many MILES they put on their bikes and their feet, and for the birds they found, photographed and eBirded. They can be proud of their accomplishments. Here are the 2019 Champion BIGBY birders and their stories: Our 2019 FIRST PLACE CHAMPION is Steve Thiessen from... Read More

Golden-crowned Sparrow Makes Rare Appearance in Wisc.

-By Mark Korducki- The mild weather continued through February but it was snowier than January. A snowfall early in the month produced a rare visit from a Golden-crowned Sparrow at a Richland County feeder. This bird was seen on two occasions during a week but was very shy. There are only a handful of previous records of this colorful western sparrow. Susan Reed of Richland County... Read More

World Migratory Bird Day focuses on bird-tracking technologies

By Susan Bonfield Director, Environment for the Americas In 2009, scientists captured a Whimbrel in coastal Virginia, an important stopover site for the species. When the bird, a female nicknamed Hope, was released, she carried a satellite transmitter that provided details about her future travels. Shuttling between breeding grounds in northwestern Canada and a wintering site in the Virgin... Read More

New name, logo, energy and IBA project for bird partnership

A state bird organization is entering 2020 with new energy, a new name, a new logo, a new hire and a major new project – all aimed at recapturing its role as one of the nation’s leaders in mobilizing statewide bird conservation. The Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative (WBCI) is now the Wisconsin Bird Conservation Partnership (WBCP), highlighting its structure and the mission it... Read More

Time to submit 2019 Checklist Totals

WSO annually invites its members to update their Wisconsin year and life totals, their ABA Area life totals, their BIGBY total and all of their county life totals.

But you have only until March 1 to submit them.

Submissions are now closed for 2019.

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