[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Section” module_class=”sub-head” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/52243429336_bb719f5a68_o-1-1-scaled.jpg” min_height=”400px” top_divider_flip=”vertical” top_divider_arrangement=”above_content” bottom_divider_style=”curve” bottom_divider_color=”#FFFFFF” bottom_divider_height=”80px” bottom_divider_flip=”vertical” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/natural-resources-foundation-wisconsin-circle-mark.png” alt=”The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin – Logo Circle” title_text=”Natural Resources Foundation – Logo Circle” align=”center” disabled_on=”off|off|off” module_class=”nrf-icon” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_module=”23876″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=”sub-h1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”http:\/\/www.WIBirdathon.org” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”JOIN, DONATE & LEARN MORE” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”4px||16px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”11px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The Great Wisconsin Birdathon is Wisconsin\u2019s largest fundraiser for bird conservation. It’s like a walk-a-thon style fundraiser, but instead of logging miles, our participants are logging bird sightings!<\/strong> Each year, bird enthusiasts from across the state raise support and awareness for bird conservation by forming a team or donating to a team.<\/p>\n Birdathon teams can participate any day from April 15th to June 15th<\/strong>, and donations are accepted from March 15th to June 30th. Participation is free and all skill levels are welcome to join.<\/p>\n How, when, and where you bird is up to you.<\/strong> While most teams choose to compete over a 24-hour period, many teams opt to bird over the course of a weekend, a week, or even the entirety of the Birdathon! Teams can bird anywhere in Wisconsin \u2014 a backyard, a local park, or a route to hit all their favorite birding hot spots. Both novice and expert birders can have fun and make a difference in protecting birds \u2014 the Birdathon is for everyone!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Birdathon-Color.png” alt=”NRF’s Great Wisconsin Birdathon logo” title_text=”Birdathon Color” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_margin=”87px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”http:\/\/www.WIBirdathon.org” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”learn more” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The Great Wisconsin Birdathon <\/span>began in 2012 and since then has raised more than $1 million <\/strong>for bird protection in Wisconsin.<\/p>\n The funds are collected and managed by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin through the Bird Protection Fund.<\/a><\/p>\n Projects supported by the Bird Protection Fund include conservation of Wisconsin\u2019s most threatened and endangered bird species; creation and protection of critical breeding, stopover, and overwintering habitat; research and monitoring; and education and outreach.<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Trumpeter-Swan-Family-by-Beverly-Engstrom-1.jpg” alt=”A family of trumpeter swans on the water.” title_text=”Trumpeter Swan Family By Beverly Engstrom” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A family of trumpeter swans, our 2026 #BirdOfTheYear, on the water. Photo by Beverly Engstrom<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/2026-Birdathon-merch.jpg” alt=”graphic of red-headed woodpecker with an acorn in it’s beak, a black hoodie with the same graphic printed on it and a grey t-shirt with same graphic printed on it and text that reads 2025 Great Wisconsin Birdathon WIBirdathon.org” title_text=”2026 Birdathon Merch” url=”https:\/\/www.bonfire.com\/2026-birdathon\/” url_new_window=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n For NRF’s 40th anniversary<\/a>, we have selected the trumpeter swan as the 2026 Birdathon Bird of the Year as a nod to our flagship project, the reintroduction and restoration of trumpeter swan populations in Wisconsin. A portion of all proceeds from our Bird of the Year merch will help us reach our goal of raising\u00a0 $130,000 #ForTheBirds. <\/strong><\/p>\n Show your support for the trumpeter swan by ordering a t-shirt from our online store<\/a>.<\/p>\n Thanks to local artist Brooke Weiland of Brooke Weiland Studios<\/span><\/a> for designing our 2026 design! Brooke is a Birdathoner herself and has designed our Bird of the Year merch for over 5 years.<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.bonfire.com\/2026-birdathon\/” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”SHOP NOW” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/2026-Logos-1.jpg” alt=”2024 Birdathon sponsor logos” title_text=”2026 Logos (1)” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px||14px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_number_counter title=”Dollars raised” number=”127k+” percent_sign=”off” admin_label=”$87k” module_class=”reg-font-weight” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ title_font=”Open Sans||||||||” title_line_height=”28px” number_font=”Georgia|700||||on|||” number_text_align=”center” number_text_color=”#2c3425″ number_font_size=”50″ 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global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_number_counter title=”Species of bird found” number=”283″ percent_sign=”off” admin_label=”235″ module_class=”reg-font-weight” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ title_font=”Open Sans||||||||” title_line_height=”28px” number_font=”Georgia|700||||on|||” number_text_align=”center” number_text_color=”#2c3425″ number_font_size=”50″ number_letter_spacing=”1px” number_line_height=”50″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_number_counter][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”2px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”6px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Stories of change” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog fullwidth=”off” posts_number=”3″ include_categories=”39″ show_author=”off” show_date=”off” show_categories=”off” show_pagination=”off” use_overlay=”on” hover_overlay_color=”rgba(30,46,17,0.3)” admin_label=”Blog Excerpts” _builder_version=”4.16″ header_font_size=”20px” header_line_height=”28px” pagination_font_size_tablet=”51″ pagination_line_height_tablet=”2″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ background_color=”#135a77″ custom_padding=”50px||50px||false|false” global_module=”31823″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”50%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Header” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” header_2_text_align=”center” header_2_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_2_font_size=”52px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Source Serif Pro||||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Join thousands of people who receive e-newsletter updates about conservation of Wisconsin\u2019s lands, waters, and wildlife.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/wisconservation.us13.list-manage.com\/subscribe?u=a245d74ddd47640a4c2624b84&id=72d6771e0d” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”sign me up” button_alignment=”center” module_class=”button-lg button-c” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _dynamic_attributes=”button_url” _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#223E25″ button_bg_color=”#FFFFFF” button_border_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” button_border_radius=”0px” button_font=”Montserrat|700||on|||||” button_use_icon=”off” custom_padding=”15px||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_button module_class=”button-lg button-c” _builder_version=”4.16″ _dynamic_attributes=”button_url” _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_bg_color=”#FFFFFF” button_border_color=”#44733a” button_border_radius=”0px” button_font=”Montserrat|700||on|||||” button_use_icon=”off” custom_padding=”15px||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” height=”100px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#e0e9ed” width=”80%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”Naomi Hadley” position=”Donor Relations Coordinator” image_url=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Naomi-headshot-courtesy-of-Naomi-Hadley-1.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_module=”33932″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n (608) 409-3144 Naomi Hadley (she\/her)<\/em> helps promote increased awareness, affinity, and philanthropic support for NRF through engaging events, like the Great Wisconsin Birdathon, and activities that promote a culture of gratitude and continued donor engagement.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Banner photo by Caitlyn Schuchhardt<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Read More<\/a><\/p>\n Read More<\/a>","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-9279","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nWe’re out to #BringBirdsBack<\/span><\/h2>\n
2026 Bird of the Year<\/h2>\n
Thank you to our 2026 Great Wisconsin Birdathon sponsors!<\/h2>\n
2025 Birdathon by the Numbers<\/h2>\n
Stories from the Great Wisconsin Birdathon<\/h2>\n
Stay Connected<\/h2>\n
Naomi.Hadley@WisConservation.org<\/a><\/p>\n