Birding Academy

Birds use large waterways like Lake Michigan as migratory corridors. Forested bluffs offer critical stopover places during this time and Schlitz Audubon’s bluff is a premiere location, as part of an Important Bird Area. Over 260 species have been recorded on the grounds with many seen only during the migration...

During winter, Lake Michigan’s shorelines are abundant with waterfowl of all shapes and sizes. Many of these are ducks from far north in Canada who descend deep into the “south” to spend winter here. In this program, you will learn which ducks are here, plus other visiting birds, and understand...

Winter along the lakefront offers numerous opportunities to marvel at nature’s beauty. Few are more exciting than the return of northern ducks which spend a “warmer” winter here. Arriving from as far away as Canada, we welcome back Common and Red-breaster Mergansers, Goldeneyes, Scaup, Bufflehead and much more. On this...

Winter can be an exciting time for birding in Wisconsin. We are fortunate to have many birds who remain throughout the year plus some interesting migrants who only visit during the colder months. Year-round birds we may see are Nuthatches, Cardinals, Woodpeckers and Chickadees. Migrants include winter finches, Dark-eyed Juncos...

Wisconsin’s winter birds have adapted to survive the season’s harsh conditions through changes in behavior, diet, and even their own physiology. Winter can be an exciting time to observe and discover unique adaptations of our year-round resident birds such as the Black-capped Chickadee or our winter migrants such as the...

While many of our feathered inhabitants head south to warmer weather, Wisconsin’s hardiest birds stick around and endure, perhaps even thrive, through the cold winter months. Our state’s woodpeckers are well-suited to completing this difficult challenge! During this seminar, you’ll learn about the species found here including the Downy, Hairy...

This hike led by Environmental Educator and experienced birder Laine Cotteleer guides you along Lake Michigan's shoreline in search of waterfowl and Wisconsin's other winter residents! We will focus on identification characteristics such as color, size, pattern, behavior, song, and nest style. You will also learn strategies for more closely...

Finches are colorful and cheerful birds that bring joy to our homes and trails all year long. Join Schlitz Audubon Nature Center in learning about the many species that call Wisconsin their home, from the American Goldfinch to the Common Redpoll! Environmental Educator Laine Cotteleer will begin this seminar with...