As springtime takes over Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is once again appealing to bird enthusiasts to not just enjoy the spectacle of migratory birds but also to give them a helping hand. In a statement made by the Wisconsin DNR, the agency highlighted Wisconsin as a critical habitat for over 350 species of birds, with a particular diversity noted in May. This is no doubt thanks to the Mississippi River flyway and Great Lakes shorelines, not to mention the state's grasslands, marshes, and forests.
With migratory favorites like warblers, orioles, and hummingbirds about to make their appearances, the DNR is urging the public to consciously try to help birds during this key time. Actions as simple as shutting off exterior lights during peak migration and planting native fruit-bearing trees could significantly aid in bird conservation. Alarmingly, native bird populations in the U.S. and Canada have plummeted by roughly 3 billion since 1970, so it seems every small step could help to somewhat stem the tide.
For those interested in where to best catch sight of these winged travelers, the DNR's Birding and Bird Conservation webpage offers links to prime locations and birding events throughout the state. Events like the Madison Bird and Nature Festival on April 27, and the Horicon Marsh Bird Festival from May 9-11, serve as opportunities for bird lovers to gather, observe, and learn. Additional events are listed on the SOS Save Our Songbirds website, a hub for bird conservation efforts and resources for the public.
Amidst these efforts, the Great Wisconsin Birdathon is already taking flight. From April 15 to June 15, birding teams across the state are expected to take part in a concerted effort to simultaneously bird watch and raise funds for bird conservation—as Owen Boyle, DNR species management section manager, told Wisconsin DNR, “Wisconsinites play a critical role in our efforts to protect and restore vulnerable bird populations across the state.” Last year's Birdathon raised an impressive $117,846, all of which goes towards the Natural Resources Foundation's Bird Protection Fund to back projects that protect and research bird populations, with a slice also going towards education and outreach endeavors.
The Birdathon welcomes all who are keen on participating, whether you're a seasoned birder or a curious newcomer. Dynamically, teams can choose to bird for as short as a day or as long as the full 60-day event period, all within the confines of their city parks, local forests, or even their own backyards. Funds raised are then strategically allocated by the Bird Protection Fund Committee to maximize their impact on Wisconsin's avian friends.
