News Release
Alicia Frances King
907-268-0124
executive.director@wsobirds.org
https://www.wsobirds.org
Recognizing bird conservation contributions made by outstanding individuals and organizations
Madison, October 29, 2026 — The Wisconsin Society for Ornithology is accepting nominations for the annual Passenger Pigeon Awards. We encourage recognizing peer contributions by submitting a nomination by December 31, 2026, via the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology website.
Through the Passenger Pigeon Awards, the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology recognizes individuals or organizations that have made outstanding achievements in advancing bird conservation, promoting the field of ornithology, and contributing to the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology mission of enjoying, studying, and conserving birds.
Award Categories
- Bronze Passenger Pigeon – presented to individuals who have made outstanding contributions in their local communities or in the state to promote the field of ornithology.
- Silver Passenger Pigeon Award – presented to members of WSO for distinguished service to the Society.
- Golden Passenger Pigeon Award – presented to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the field of ornithology.
- Noel J. Cutright Conservation Award – recognizes outstanding contributions to bird conservation in Wisconsin.
- Samuel D. Robbins Lifetime Achievement – honors people who actively contribute to the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology above and beyond their having previously received the Silver Passenger Pigeon Award.
- Special Recognition Award – recognizes the collective efforts of a far-reaching project or partnership that increases the public's awareness and appreciation for birds, their habitats or the need for conservation.
- Certificate of Appreciation – given to previous recipients of the Silver Passenger Pigeon who continue to provide exceptional service to the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology.
- Hospitality Award – recognizes home and business owners that are gracious hosts and stewards of rare bird species.
The Wisconsin Society for Ornithology board of directors selects recipients based on nominations received during the open nomination period. Award recipients are formally recognized during the Awards Dinner and Ceremony to be held at the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology Annual Convention in Rhinelander, WI on June 4, 2027.
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The Wisconsin Society for Ornithology is a nonprofit organization established in 1939 whose mission is: promoting the enjoyment, study, and conservation of Wisconsin’s birds. The Wisconsin Society for Ornithology 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. The Society provides opportunities for all people to enjoy birds, while being a leading steward of and ambassador for Wisconsin’s birds. Home - Wisconsin Society for Ornithology
