As many of you are aware, the Wisconsin Supreme Court has blocked the extension of Gov. Evers' "Safer at Home" order with immediate effect as of May 13. Following this, several local county and city officials began implementing a patchwork of restrictions of their own. It is not the WSO's intention to attempt to interpret the various orders in effect across the state but rather to provide...
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This Spring, Please Bird Mindfully
For birders, one way to get through this period of pandemic is to spend time outdoors enjoying birds. Just remember to keep health and safety your top priorities. Follow the recommendations of your local health authorities at all times, even if it means staying at home and focusing on your yard or garden list instead.
If you do go out birding, please take precautions to ensure the well-being of...
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Help WSO Take Care of Honey Creek
During this Covid-19 pandemic, one interesting fact has emerged. People need natural spaces as much as wildlife. We may not recognize that fact in our “normal” lives, but based on the urgent need to get outside, exercise and seek solace people have visited parks in huge numbers. WSO’s membership has understood this need to protect and provide wild and natural space, not just for the birds,...
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2020 WSO Officer Election
Extraordinary times present not only unique challenges but also some unique opportunities.
Elections for WSO’s leadership normally occur at our Annual Meeting, held in conjunction with our annual convention. COVID-19 has forced WSO’s Board of Directors to manage our affairs in new ways. We were one of the first statewide organizations to recognize the need to protect our members and...
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March Rare Birds
By Mark Korducki
March came in like a lamb with sunny temperatures and highs in the 50s. The month was pleasant overall with little snow and several mild days that ushered in a good wave of early spring migrants.
The most unusual sighting was that of a Gray-crowned Rosy Finch that visited a feeder in Dodge County. The visit was very brief, but the sighting was documented by excellent...
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Weigh in on Wisconsin Wildlife Questions April 13-16
We can all make a difference for birds and other wildlife by completing the Spring Conservation Congress online survey available on April 13-16 found at this link. There are a series of natural resources advisory questions, including ones pertaining to hunting, fishing, trapping, and boating safety. See page 12 of the questionnaire booklet to see background on these...
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COVID-19 Revised Update: "Safer at Home Order" and Birding
Updated COVID-19 Birding Guidance from WSO
The coronavirus crisis may make 2020 the absolute right time for all of us to plan on conducting our own Big Green Birding Year or learning how to set up on your own “patch” on eBird.
Considering recent developments, WSO is toughening its guidance for those who are wondering whether they are still able to get out and bird-watch amid the COVID-19...
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Record 13 Recipients for WSO Awards
By Wendy Schultz (WSO Awards Committee Chair)
One of WSO’s crown jewels is our annual recognition of outstanding individuals and organizations that have done amazing work on behalf of birds. Whether furthering the advancement of bird conservation, promoting the field of ornithology or contributing time or talent to the society itself, every January the Board of Directors selects from a list of...
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WSO Event Updates from COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic’s impact has touched the lives of most Americans and its ripple effects are sparing neither individuals nor organizations. WSO and the rest of the Wisconsin birding community obviously are among those affected.
Most members of WSO may already be aware that, well before Gov. Evers issued his “Safer at Home” order, the Society canceled most of its events through June...
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COVID-19 Update: "Safer at Home Order" and Birding
The WSO provides the following guidance for those who are wondering whether they are still able to get out and bird-watch in light of Governor Evers’ recent “Safer at Home Order”:
Although Governor Evers’ Order (issued on March 24, 2020) generally orders Wisconsinites to stay at home, the order provides an exception for Essential Activities, which include “outdoor...
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The Feminist Bird Club: An Inclusive Space for Birding
WSO’s Membership Committee is highlighting its members. If you would like the WSO membership to know about a bird-related activity or project you’re involved in, please email Membership Chair Mary Murrell at membership@wsobirds.org
WSO member Jenn Schneiderman is a co-leader of the Madison chapter of the Feminist Bird Club. Jenn is a masters student in wildlife ecology at UW-Madison,...
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