WSO Menu

Promoting the enjoyment, study, and conservation of Wisconsin's birds.
  2. Home|
  3. What We Do

What We Do

Wisconsin Society for Ornithology provides opportunities for all people to enjoy resident and migratory birds while being a leading steward of and ambassador for Wisconsin birds. WSO sponsors birding field trips throughout the year, hosts an annual birding convention, publishes a quarterly journal and monthly newsletter, offers research grants, and serves as an informational resource center on bird-related issues.

  • Annual Convention
    The 82nd Annual Convention of The Wisconsin Society for Ornithology Great Birding on a Great Lake!     May 17 - 19, 2024 Lighthouse Inn and Conference Center Two Rivers, Wisconsin   Join fellow WSO members and other bird enthusiasts in Two Rivers at the Lighthouse Inn and Conference Center on the Lake Michigan shore for our annual convention. Look forward to the WSO... Learn More
  • Atlas
    Feburary 2024 Update: Atlas Book Writing Is Well Underway!   Now that we are done vetting the 2.8 million atlas observations, we are diligently working to prepare the final book product. Draft versions of most of the species-level graphics and statistics are ready, and we have a crack team of 18 authors hard at work preparing approximately 250 species accounts. A process of this... Learn More
  • Conservation
    The WSO Conservation Committee keeps the membership informed of important local, state, and national bird conservation issues. We accomplish this by publishing articles in our monthly newsletter, and alerting membership of upcoming events. The Conservation Committee also serves as an ornithological resource center, and when appropriate, will testify and publicize an official position. For more... Learn More
  • Field Trips
    ... Learn More
  • Grants
    The Wisconsin Society for Ornithology sponsors several grants to support ornithological research by students and professionals, promote the study of birds by youth, enhance our knowledge of Wisconsin wetlands, and implement shorebird management activities. WSO has awarded more than 50 grants over the last 5 years. VIEW PAST GRANT RECIPIENTS {slider title="Steenbock Award"} This grant funds a... Learn More
  • Publications
    The Passenger Pigeon Journal THE PASSENGER PIGEON, WSO’s flagship publication, is a quarterly journal featuring a wide range of articles on Wisconsin birds, seasonal field sightings, and scientific research reports. Questions on article submissions can be directed to the editor. Editor: Tim Hahn Seasonal Editors: Spring - Sunil Gopalan Summer - Dar Tiede Fall - Bob Domagalski Winter... Learn More
  • Records
    For many years, the scientific community accepted only those bird observations that could be substantiated by collected specimens. With the advancements in photographic equipment and technology, the criteria for rare bird documentation have been broadened beyond specimen records. Birders now make significant contributions to our knowledge of extralimital records, vagrancy patterns, and other... Learn More
  • Research
    The WSO Research Committee provides opportunities for WSO members to contribute to ornithological research in Wisconsin by initiating and organizing original research projects or by involving WSO on a voluntary basis in other ongoing programs. We accomplish this by providing research grants to amateur and professional researchers, coordinating citizen science projects, hosting research symposia,... Learn More
  • Youth Projects
    The WSO Education Committee strives to further the appreciation of birds and bird-related issues among Wisconsin’s youth. We accomplish this by providing financial support to students wishing to pursue bird projects, as well as providing the tools and materials needed to study Wisconsin birds. We also highlight bird watching opportunities for youth in our monthly newsletter and on our events... Learn More
  • Wisconsin Green Birding Challenge
    Welcome to the Wisconsin Green Birding Challenge! Since 2010, some of our state’s most intrepid bird watchers have shunned the use of fossil fuels for a cleaner pursuit of their hobby. Green birding is carbon neutral and relies on human-powered transportation, such as walking, biking or canoeing/kayaking. The advantages of going green are that you gain a deeper appreciation of your local area,... Learn More