Birding Academy Schedule
Every four-month term of The Birding Academy includes the following learning modes, ranging from month-long deep dives to casual and low commitment meet-ups. This allows learners to customize and scale their participation based on what works best for them. Topics covered change each term, providing opportunities for fresh discoveries and new connections.
Certificates
Specially designed for the Birding Academy, Birding Certificates are multi-session commitments for participants looking to delve deep into big picture topics.
Dabblers & Divers: Ducks of Schlitz Audubon | Saturdays, April 11 & April 18
In this two-part certificate, explore the diverse duck species that overwinter, migrate, and nest along our shoreline and in our wetland habitats. Through engaging lessons, visual displays, and guided hikes, learn to identify local dabbling and diving ducks by their size, shape, and plumage. You’ll also discover key characteristics of each group and how they’re uniquely adapted to spend all or most of their year here.
An Introduction to the Birds of Schlitz Audubon | Saturdays, May 23 – June 13
This certificate is designed for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the key bird species found at the Center. Through a combination of formal presentations, interactive learning, and outdoor field experiences, learners are presented with diagnostic characteristics and the habitat needs for 36 total species, resident and migrant, of the woodlands, wetlands, and grasslands. Participants will delve into bird identification and observation; behaviors such as nesting and migration; ethical and slow birding; and citizen science.
Seminars
Birding Seminars focus on specific, more contained topics. Instruction consists of both classroom and outdoor settings and uses a variety of teaching techniques.
Paints, Pours, and Plumes | Thursday, March 12
Bird Conservation and Coffee | Sunday, April 12
Planting for the Birds | Saturday, May 16
Nesting Types and Strategies | Tuesday, June 16
Guided Hikes
Guided hikes offer opportunities for learners to practice birding skills in the field at the Center, focusing on seasonal or habitat specific topics.
Guided Bird Hike: Early Spring Migrants | Sunday, March 15
Saturday Morning Bird Walk | Saturday, March 21
Guided Bird Hike: Spring Migrants | Sunday, April 12
Saturday Morning Bird Walk | Saturday, April 18
Guided Bird Hike: Spring Migration | Sunday, May 10
Saturday Morning Bird Walk | Saturday, May 16
Guided Bird Hike: Finding Summer Birds | Sunday, June 14
Saturday Morning Bird Walk | Saturday, June 20
Field Adventures
Birding Field Adventures are two to four hour guided trips to other natural areas where participants will learn and practice birding skills while exploring novel landscapes.
Birding Along the Ice Age Trail at Lapham Peak | Wednesday, March 18
Port Washington Avian Sanctuary | Thursday, April 23
Horicon Marsh and Boat Tour | Wednesday, May 13
Birding in the Southern Kettle Moraine | Wednesday, June 10
Bird Club
A longstanding Schlitz Audubon tradition, Bird Club meets monthly and is free to all. This gathering is co-hosted by one of our Environmental Educators and Dan Panetti, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Mequon. Attendees develop identification skills while meeting fellow birders.
Migration Madness Launch | Wednesday, March 11
Woodcock Walk | Wednesday, April 8
Spring Migration | Wednesday, May 13
Nesting Strategies | Wednesday, June 10