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Promoting the enjoyment, study, and conservation of Wisconsin's birds.

Welcome to WSO

The Wisconsin Society for Ornithology is a volunteer, nonprofit organization that was established in 1939. Our mission is to promote the enjoyment, study and conservation of Wisconsin’s birds. We provide 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. Membership exceeds 1,400 from across the United States and around the world.

WSO News

Bird enthustiasts recommend their favorite bird books

At our first-ever Unconvention in November, we included an open-mic session in which attendees could recommend their favorite bird books.  Here...

Latest Conservation News: A Big Win for the Birds!

Happy October!  It’s been an eventful month so far, with both big wins and some new challenges for the birds.  Let’s start with the big...

WSO celebrates National Cat Day? Here's why.

by Rebecca Gilman WSO Secretary and Conservation Committee Co-chair Unless you’re a cat lover you may not know that October 29th is National Cat...

Harrington Beach Hawk Watch 2023

BROAD-WINGED HAWK (IMMATURE) - PHOTO BY TOM SCHULTZ  The date we selected for this year’s WSO Hawk Watch was Saturday, October 7th, and it...