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Harrington Beach Field Trip Report #2

As the result of disappointing migration conditions that were present when we held this field trip last weekend, along with the promising forecasted wind for Ocotober 8, we decided to run this hawk watch event again – and it turned out we were right. A strong cold front had passed through the state on October 7, and it was followed by fairly strong northwest winds, so the temperature was only... Read More   

Campaign to expand Honey Creek is closing gap

WE’RE GETTING THERE! The dedication and effort of WSO’s Honey Creek team working on the purchase of the 104 acre addition to our nature preserve in the Baraboo Hills is paying off. As of Sept. 22, we had raised $463,000 toward our goal of $550,000 goal. That’s 84%! But that still leaves us needing to raise an additional $86,000. Our overall goal of $550,000 covers the $500,000 purchase... Read More   

Harrington Beach Field Trip Report

On Sunday October 2, WSO held its annual "Hawk Watch" field trip. Twelve birders gathered at 8:00 AM at Harrington Beach State Park’s lower parking lot in a drizzling, misty rain. It was obvious this was not the weather conditions conducive to hawk movement and as we found out passerine movement too. Because this particular trip is one of our “dual date” trips I was already thinking that... Read More   

2016 Jaegerfest Field Trip Report

The weather the morning of Friday the 23rd on Wisconsin Point was fabulous, with just a few clouds, and a beautiful orange sunrise sky from the beach behind parking lot #1. The wind was blowing moderately strong from the northeast and the temperature was 54 degrees at 6:30 AM, as birders began gathering. Bald Eagles and gulls were flying about, a few Mallards went winging past, and a Common Loon... Read More   

Bay Beach/Cat Island Field Trip Report

This year the group at 7:00 AM at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, under heavy cloudy skies and with periodic light rain showers. Fortunately the winds were fairly light, but the cloud cover made the lighting pretty awful – especially for birds that were up against the sky or deep in leaf cover. Close to 50 birders were in attendance. The field trip got off to a wacky start when, shortly after... Read More   

Long road leads to stewardship grant

On July 30, 2014, Carl Schwartz and I drove to Indianapolis to meet with Ralph Dischler about the possible purchase of his 104- acre property adjacent to WSO’s Honey Creek Preserve. Mr. Dischler was very interested in protecting the land from development since it contained three buildable lots and was keen to have WSO own the property. However, we were not able to settle on a purchase price.... Read More   

WSO needs member support for expansion

In the last issue of The Badger Birder, I was delighted to announce that WSO had signed an agreement to purchase an additional 104 acres next to our Honey Creek Preserve. We are now rolling out our general fundraising campaign so we can complete what is the largest initiative in the Society’s 77-year history. The Dischler Addition is particularly stunning in autumn We’re in the process of... Read More   

Horicon Marsh Field Trip Report

It was a gorgeous sunny morning on the marsh as folks began gathering along Highway 49, just east of the pumphouse. Temperatures were initially in the 60’s, and there was virtually no wind – and about 30 birders were in attendance. The water level in this pool was low, so there were extensive areas of mudflats, and waterbirds were scattered all over. Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers were... Read More   

Chronicling the purchase of the Dischler Addition

Thinking back on the journey of this acquisition, an old saying comes to mind: “Good things come to those who wait.” Because there has been a lot of behind-the-scenes work happening for several years on this project, I wanted to document the amount of effort for our members. The following is a chronicle of events leading up to the purchase of the Gerhard and Rose Dischler Addition to our... Read More   

WSO purchasing large addition to Honey Creek

I’m excited to announce that the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology is purchasing additional lands in the Baraboo Hills. We have a purchase agreement to buy 104 acres next to our current Honey Creek Preserve lands. The lands being purchased will be known as the Gerhard and Rose Dischler Addition to the Honey Creek Preserve. By acquiring this neighboring property, we are increasing the preserve... Read More   

Public comments invited on Kohler golf course project

The public is being invited to review and provide comments on a recently-released Environmental Impact Statement issued by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources on the Kohler Co.’s proposal to build an 18-hole golf course on company-owned land just north of Kohler-Andrae State Park. Comments can be submitted via email or letters through Aug. 1. The DNR also will hold a public hearing on... Read More   
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become a memberWe welcome all birders!

donate todayHelp us promote the enjoyment, study and conservation of Wisconsin's birds!

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