Nominations are now open for submission.
The Wisconsin Society for Ornithology Awards Program recognizes individuals or organizations who have made outstanding achievements in advancing bird conservation, promoting the field of ornithology, and contributing to the Society.
The Wisconsin Society for Ornithology Board of Directors selects recipients based on nominations received during an open nomination period. With the exception of the Hospitality Award, all award recipients are formally recognized during the Awards Presentation and Reception held at the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology Annual Convention.
We encourage recognizing peer contributions by submitting a nomination. For additional information about individual awards or the awards process, contact our Awards Chair, Wendy Schultz, at awards@wsobirds.org. To submit a nomination, please use this form.
Award Categories
To learn more about each award, and see current and past recipients, click an award category.
- Bronze Passenger Pigeon Award - presented to individuals who have made outstanding contributions in their local communities or in the state to promote the field of ornithology.
- Silver Passenger Pigeon Award – presented to members of WSO for distinguished service to the Society.
- Golden Passenger Pigeon Award – presented to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the field of ornithology.
- Certificate of Appreciation- given to previous recipients of the Silver Passenger Pigeon who continue to provide exceptional service to the WSO.
- Noel J. Cutright Conservation Award – recognizes outstanding contributions to bird conservation in Wisconsin.
- Samuel D. Robbins Lifetime Achievement Award – honors people who actively contribute to the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology above and beyond their having previously received the Silver Passenger Pigeon Award.
- Special Recognition Award – recognizes the collective efforts of a far-reaching project or partnership that increases the public's awareness and appreciation for birds, their habitats or the need for conservation.
- Hospitality Award – recognizes home and business owners that are gracious hosts and stewards of rare bird species.
