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

Honey Creek Birdathon / Bandathon

BWWABirdathon2022

Each year the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hosts the Honey Creek Birdathon/Bandathon fundraising event for the Harold and Carla Kruse Honey Creek Nature Preserve. This fundraiser helps preserve and manage this unique 372-acre property that WSO has owned since 1960. Our goal is to raise $10,000 for the removal of invasive species and maintenance of trails and the Cox Nature Center. The Honey Creek Birdathon/Bandathon is the primary source of funding for maintenance of the preserve property. Your past support has allowed WSO to replace and extend the boardwalk on its trail up the valley and to hire crews to scout and treat garlic mustard and Japanese knotweed. Donations have paid for mending fences after the spring floods, trail rehabilitation, property taxes, electricity and insurance on the Cox Nature Center, as well as liability insurance.

THANK YOU for your much needed continued support. We cannot do what we do at WSO without YOU!

Join us for the 2026 Birdathon/Bandathon on May 30!

As birds are on their spring journey back to Wisconsin, we are preparing for our annual Honey Creek Birdathon/Bandathon on Saturday, May 30, 2026. This annual event is an opportunity to celebrate the magic of the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology’s Harold and Carla Kruse Honey Creek Nature Preserve. Even if you can’t make it on May 30, you can join us in raising funds by participating in our Birdathon/Bandathon, pledging money for each species we count for the day and for the birds we band. 
 
What to expect
  • We’ll start early with bird banding at the Cox Nature Center. Last year (2025) we banded quite a few Common Yellowthroats and Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers.
  • Tom Schultz and Jeff Baughman will lead us through the emerging foliage at Honey Creek, counting each species that takes advantage of this prime habitat. Bird walks are planned for 4, 6, and 8:30 a.m.
  • There will be family friendly activities, and a short bird walk around the property immediate to the Nature Center.
  • Snacks will be available.
 
Take a look at the video created last year (see below). We hope it inspires you to join us in person as we celebrate both migrating and nesting birds in a place preserved for the birds and for current and future birders and those seeking to enjoy and learn more about birds and their conservation. See you on May 30! 
 
CLICK HERE TO RSVP 
 
To learn more about the Birdathon program, visit the Wisconsin Deparment of Natural Resources website.
 

Honey Creek is designated a State Natural Area and provides habitat for some of the state's rarest and most beautiful birds, such as Louisiana Waterthrush, Cerulean Warbler, and Acadian Flycatcher. The WSO owns and maintains this property. Click here to learn more about Honey Creek Preserve!

Video about our latest bird banding at Honey Creek

Donate ONLINE here or mail in information below:

https://wso.wildapricot.org/donate

Your tax deductible contribution will go directly to the annual insurance and maintenance expenses for WSO's Harold and Carla Kruse Nature Preserve. You will receive a detailed narrative and results summary from the event! If you wish to mail in your pledge. please mail your check (written out to WSO) to the following address: WSO HCBB, P.O. Box 2, Grafton, WI 53024

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