Read on for highlights and results from this year’s Great Wisconsin Birdathon.<\/a><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Feminist-Bird-Club-2025-Birdathon-team-by-Caitlyn-Schuchhardt-1.jpg” alt=”people taking a group photo in a forest” title_text=”Feminist Bird Club 2025 Birdathon Team By Caitlyn Schuchhardt (1)” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_margin=”||23px|||” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”] Team ‘Yes We Pelican!’, representing the Feminist Bird Club Madison Chapter, partnered with SOS Save Our Songbirds<\/a> for the 2025 Great Wisconsin Birdathon. Photo by Caitlyn Schuchhardt.<\/em><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_margin=”-11px|||||” custom_padding=”||21px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”] The 2025 Great Wisconsin Birdathon has truly ruffled feathers in the best way! A record-breaking 620+ birders<\/strong> across 91 teams<\/strong> flocked together to raise $127,001<\/strong>\u2014our biggest nest egg yet\u2014to protect Wisconsin\u2019s birds.<\/p>\n The funds raised by this incredible effort will support the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin\u2019s Bird Protection Fund<\/a>, which helps top-priority bird conservation projects take flight across the state.<\/p>\n We couldn\u2019t have soared this high without our incredible birders, team captains, donors, and sponsors\u2014our loyal flock who return year after year. Your passion and support keep this event flying strong.<\/p>\n The 2025 Birdathon Report is here to showcase some of the fun stories, great successes, and standout moments from the 14th annual Birdathon. From rare sightings to clever team names, this season was truly one for the books!<\/p>\n Be sure to mark your calendars: the Birdathon will take off again next spring, April 15 \u2013 June 15<\/strong>. Until then, keep your binoculars ready and your spirits sky-high!<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/issuu.com\/wisconservation\/docs\/2025_birdathon_report” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”View the full 2025 birdathon report on Issuu” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-11px|||||” custom_padding=”||21px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”2025 Birdathon participant” portrait_url=”data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iNTAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjUwMCIgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDUwMCA1MDAiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+CiAgICA8ZyBmaWxsPSJub25lIiBmaWxsLXJ1bGU9ImV2ZW5vZGQiPgogICAgICAgIDxwYXRoIGZpbGw9IiNFQkVCRUIiIGQ9Ik0wIDBoNTAwdjUwMEgweiIvPgogICAgICAgIDxyZWN0IGZpbGwtb3BhY2l0eT0iLjEiIGZpbGw9IiMwMDAiIHg9IjY4IiB5PSIzMDUiIHdpZHRoPSIzNjQiIGhlaWdodD0iNTY4IiByeD0iMTgyIi8+CiAgICAgICAgPGNpcmNsZSBmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk9Ii4xIiBmaWxsPSIjMDAwIiBjeD0iMjQ5IiBjeT0iMTcyIiByPSIxMDAiLz4KICAgIDwvZz4KPC9zdmc+Cg==” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] I am a part of a birding spectacle that encompasses the whole state of Wisconsin. My team, route, and fundraising are just one small part of a larger movement with everyone cooperating to raise money and see birds.<\/p>[\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/red-headed-woodpecker-seen-by-GLC-Chickadees-in-2025-Birdathon.-Photo-courtesy-of-Jennifer-Rutten-1.jpg” alt=”red-headed woodpecker, the 2025 Birdathon Bird of the Year, perched on the side of a tree” title_text=”Red Headed Woodpecker Seen By GLC Chickadees In 2025 Birdathon. Photo Courtesy Of Jennifer Rutten (1)” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_margin=”28px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_padding=”||16px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”] The red-headed woodpecker was chosen as our 2025 Bird of the Year to raise awareness about this Species of Special Concern and the woodland bird community. Photo by Sarah Dezwarte.<\/em><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”] We’re thrilled to share where this year\u2019s flock of funds will land!<\/p>\n The Birdathon fuels the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin\u2019s Bird Protection Fund<\/a>, which helps Wisconsin\u2019s most threatened and endangered birds thrive. From creating and restoring crucial habitat and supporting research to helping young birders take flight through education and outreach\u2014every dollar helps protect our state\u2019s birds.<\/p>\n Each year, the Bird Protection Fund Committee, a \u201ctalon-ted” team of Wisconsin bird conservation experts, works carefully to ensure these funds fly straight to where they’ll make the biggest impact for our feathered friends.<\/p>\n We\u2019re proud to announce the 2025 Bird Protection Fund recipients:<\/strong><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Advancing Bird Conservation within Wisconsin\u2019s Important Bird Area System” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”on”] Wisconsin\u2019s Important Bird Area (IBA) system brings partners and stakeholders together to coordinate and plan management, stewardship, and monitoring activities that will benefit vulnerable bird species, ensuring access to essential habitat. Funds will provide financial and technical support for IBA partnerships that address widespread bird population declines, with a special focus on grassland birds. Partner: Wisconsin Bird Conservation Partnership<\/a><\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Audubon Conservation Ranching” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”] Over the last three years, Audubon Great Lakes has improved grazing and grassland habitat management practices across more than 12,500 acres in Wisconsin. This work primarily occurs on farms within Important Bird Areas, Wisconsin Grassland Bird Conservation Areas, and priority areas identified in the Wisconsin State Wildlife Action Plan. These working lands will deliver significant benefits to grassland birds, wildlife, water, soil, and people, and specifically address rapid population declines of species such as upland sandpiper, Henslow\u2019s sparrow, eastern and western meadowlark, and bobolink. Partner: Audubon Great Lakes<\/a><\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Bird Conservation, Research, and Outreach with Tribal Partners” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”] This funding will support habitat work, research, and education in partnership with several Wisconsin Tribes. One will enhance bird habitat by opening the forest canopy to support species like the Canada warbler and northern goshawk. Another will support grassland bird populations on former industrial land that is being converted into native habitat. Another project will engage tribal youth and community members through bird-focused field trips and educational programs. We’re excited to share more details in partnership with the Tribes as the projects progress.<\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Building an Inclusive Bird Conservation Partnership for Milwaukee” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”] This project will develop a partnership to achieve Urban Bird Treaty City designation, enabling Milwaukee partners to access more funding and pursue landscape-level initiatives needed to reverse bird declines. A special focus will be on diversity, equity, and inclusion to ensure historically underrepresented groups in bird conservation and birding are a part of the process from the beginning. Partner: Lake Michigan Bird Observatory<\/a><\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Bus to Nature Program” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”] The BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin hosts monthly birding events in Madison and Milwaukee and special events around the state that bring BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and allies together to enjoy and experience the birds and natural wonders of Wisconsin. This year\u2019s grant will support the club\u2019s efforts to make meaningful connections with schools and organizations in the Madison area and provide birding experiences for students. This will occur via grants to provide transportation to green spaces through the club\u2019s pilot program, \u201cBus to Nature.\u201d Partner: BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin<\/a><\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Climate Lifeboat Initiative: Building Climate Resilience for People and Migratory Birds” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”] This project will restore and enrich forest habitat along Costa Rica\u2019s Amistosa Biological Corridor, creating an elevational pathway critical for bird survival, including many of Wisconsin\u2019s most treasured migratory birds. Through native tree planting and strategic reforestation, it will strengthen a climate-resilient corridor linking lowland and highland ecosystems. Partner: Osa Conservation<\/a><\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Endangered Bird Conservation” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”] Wisconsin is home to both the piping plover (federally endangered) and the Kirtland\u2019s warbler (state endangered). The Lower Green Bay area home to one of only three Wisconsin piping plover populations. Last year for the first time, four chicks were captive-reared and then released at Cat Island. Additionally, the overall Great Lakes piping plover population had the most nesting pairs (80) since they were listed as endangered in 1986. Funding will support the Lower Green Bay team and contribute to a multi-partner collaborative endangered species recovery project.<\/p>\n The Kirtland\u2019s warbler has nested in Wisconsin for over 15 years. Funding will support continued population recovery and conservation of the species in Wisconsin, including through monitoring efforts. The state is crucial for the birds\u2019 population expansion beyond its core breeding range in Michigan because it provides the 5- to 20-year-old jack pine stands necessary for breeding. Partner: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources \u2013 Natural Heritage Conservation<\/a><\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Long-term Bird Monitoring at Restoration Sites on the Oneida Nation Reservation” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”] This collaborative volunteer bird monitoring program, co-led by Northeastern Wisconsin (NEW) Bird Alliance, has an impressive track record of surveying birds at restoration sites on the Oneida Nation Reservation. This year\u2019s funding will support community outreach events and data collection and analysis at existing bird monitoring locations. It will also help provide land management guidance for the Oneida Nation, expand understanding of what constitutes bird conservation though a formalized Oneida cultural exchange, and build bridges between the Oneida and non-Tribal communities. Partner: Northeastern Wisconsin (NEW) Bird Alliance<\/a><\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Neotropical Flyways Project – Creating Stepping Stones for Migratory Birds in Urab\u00e1, Colombia” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”] This project will identify and delimit a series of habitat islands, designed to act like stepping stones for migratory landbirds stopping over in a major migratory bottleneck in NW Colombia. Through a participatory process with local communities, the project will promote the protection of native forests and the restoration\/enrichment of the native tree cover associated with agroforestry systems and degraded lands. Partner: SELVA Investigaci\u00f3n para la Conservaci\u00f3n en el Neotropico<\/a><\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Restoring Historical Grassland in the Badger Army Ammunition Plant Important Bird Area ” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”] The Badger History Group, Inc is working to expand and connect critical grassland tracts by forestry mowing, hand-cutting, and treating non-native and encroaching species. They will monitor the effects of this work on breeding birds and small mammal populations within and adjacent to the project area. Partner: Badger History Group, Inc<\/a><\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Smith-Reiner Drumlin Prairie Grassland Bird Habitat Enhancement ” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”] This project seeks to improve habitat for rare and threatened grassland birds by improving the floristic quality of the non-remnant areas through interseeding and removing non-native invasive weeds that threaten to degrade existing habitat quality. Partner: The Prairie Enthusiasts<\/a><\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Save our Songbirds: Bird Protection in Southern Wisconsin through Community Outreach” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”] SOS Save Our Songbirds<\/a> and Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance are working to raise awareness about songbird decline in Wisconsin and spur action at home. By providing basic Wisconsin-tailored information, hands-on events, and discounts and supplies, they\u2019re helping people make small changes at home to give birds the habitat they need year-round and to reduce threats. Partner: Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance<\/a><\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Whooping Crane Reintroduction” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”] The International Crane Foundation is committed to the long-term reintroduction and protection of migratory whooping cranes in eastern North America. Grant funding will support captive breeding and rearing of chicks using costume-rearing and parent-rearing methods, specialized veterinary care, research and monitoring of reintroduced whooping cranes in Wisconsin, and community education and outreach. Partner: International Crane Foundation<\/a><\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas II Book Publication” open=”off” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Announcing the 2025 Bird Protection Fund grant recipients<\/strong><\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”1px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]