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Jaegerfest Report 2024

Once again, the 2024 Jaegerfest event was not an “official” WSO field trip, but its popularity has continued, and many dozens of birders showed up for the long weekend on Wisconsin Point in Superior!  This year’s dates were September 20-22, although many birders arrived already on Thursday, or even Wednesday. Our trip this year was following in the heels of a very warm weather pattern... Read More   

Bay Beach Field Trip 2024

This year’s field trip to Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary fell on Saturday, Sept. 7, and we were pleased to see that it coincided with a passing cold front – which is always what you want for a fall migration push.  We met at 7:00 AM and initially gathered near one of the lagoons as attendees arrived – 24 of us in total.  It was a chilly morning (only 43 degrees at the start!) with a... Read More   

A Letter From The WSO President

Many of you, maybe most of you, know more about WSO and its past than I do, since I’ve only been a member since right before I moved back to Wisconsin just over three years ago. While as your new WSO President, I’m learning much and hoping to learn more from you about Wisconsin bird-people, their priorities and issues of concern to them, and their dreams for WSO and for Wisconsin’s birds, I... Read More   

WSO Unconvention and Other Upcoming Programs

WSO’s casual “talk about birds” event is returning this fall in a new location at UW-Stevens Point on Saturday October 19. We are looking forward to seeing people for a whole day of learning, chatting, and birdy fun. Feel free to forward the program and registration information to anyone interested in birds. In keeping with the Central Wisconsin location, the program will start with... Read More   

Horicon Marsh Field Trip 2024

At 7:00 AM on Sunday, August 11 we met at the main parking lot for the Horicon Marsh Auto Tour, took attendance, and then drove along the auto tour loop.  The weather was fantastic – clear and calm, with a temperature of 56 degrees.  18 birders were present.  We worked our way around to the west end of the Old Marsh Road, where we parked and walked out along the gravel... Read More   

LAST CHANCE: SPEAK UP FOR GREATER PRAIRIE-CHICKENS BY AUGUST 16!

Thank you! We asked and you answered.  In June, hundreds of bird lovers from Wisconsin submitted comments to the Public Service Commission (PSC) in response to a proposal by Vista Sands Solar (VSS) to construct a nearly 10,000-acre solar farm immediately adjacent to the Buena Vista State Wildlife Area – home to the largest remaining population of Greater Prairie-chickens in the... Read More   

Tune in to learn about Greater Prairie-chickens!

On August 6th, WSO held an informational program on Greater Prairie-Chickens. Executive Director, Jennifer Lazewski, hosted the program. She was joined by Wisconsin's Green Fire members and wildlife experts Tom Hauge, Lowell Suring, and Jim Keir.   Watch the recording of the video here. A species of greatest conservation need, Greater Prairie-chickens are best known for their Spring mating... Read More   

On August 1st, combine birdwatching and bird advocacy with a trip to Horicon Marsh!

    Sandhill Cranes photo by Mary Carlson, courtesy of UW Fish and Wildlife Service.   We know how much birders love to a trip to Horicon Marsh, and this is a great time to visit. Why not come on a day where you can help the birds as well as watch them? On Thursday, August 1st at 10 a.m., the first public meeting of the Study Committee on Sandhill Cranes will take place at... Read More   

WSO Strategic Framework and Annual Member Meeting

     At the annual member meeting on May 18 during the WSO convention, members heard about WSO accomplishments and activities during the previous year. The annual report slides are now posted here. They include reports on the 2023 financials, conservation highlights, board committees, membership, events and other WSO activities.      The annual report also... Read More   

Greater Prairie-Chicken Solar Farm Update

We asked and birders responded. Over 300 birders and conservationists, as well as their organizations, sent in comments about the Draft Environmental Impact Statement in the Public Service Commission proceeding about the Vista Sands Solar project adjacent to Buena Vista Wildlife Area in Portage County. WSO sent in a comment also, and you can find it here. WSO emphasized the sixty (60) plus years... Read More   

Horicon Marsh Wetland I-3 Rejuvenated by Drawdown

     Horicon Marsh is a 33,000 acre wetland dominated by cattail.  It is designated as a Wetland of International Importance and Important Bird Area separated into both State Wildlife Area and National Wildlife Refuge.      Wetland productivity relies on a cycle of wet and dry conditions. Naturally, this wetland cycle tracks precipitation cycles.... Read More   
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