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.
Uncovering Bird Behavior | Saturdays, January 17 & January 24
Go beyond bird identification in this two-part program exploring how natural selection and ecological pressure shape bird behavior. Through interactive lectures, curated handouts, and guided hikes, discover why Wisconsin’s birds forage, compete, defend against predators, and reproduce the ways they do. Along the way, you’ll come to better understand the complex relationships among our common birds.
Introduction to Bird Language | Saturdays, March 7 & March 14
Spring birds bring a symphony of sound to our skies, forests, and fields. But with so many singing, it can be tricky to tell them apart! In this two-part program, dive into the world of bird language and begin to decipher the calls and songs of common species. We’ll explore new ways to study and memorize bird sounds, as well as the behaviors that drive them to vocalize.
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.
An Evening with Dexter Patterson, author of Birds of the Great Lakes | Thursday, November 20
Winter Ducks of Lake Michigan | Saturday, December 6
Woodpeckers: Masters of the Drum | Saturday, January 17
Become a Citizen Scientist: Great Backyard Bird Count | Thursday, February 5
Wisconsin’s Winter Finches | Saturday, February 14
Paints, Pours, and Plumes | Thursday, March 12
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: Along the Bluff | Sunday, November 9
Adult Owl Prowl | Monday, November 17
Family Owl Prowl | Saturday, November 29
Adult Owl Prowl | Wednesday, December 10
Saturday Morning Bird Walk | Saturday, December 13
Guided Bird Hike: Winter Residents | Sunday, December 14
Christmas Bird Count | Saturday, December 20
Guided Bird Hike: Observing Winter Survival Strategies | Sunday, January 11
Saturday Morning Bird Walk | Saturday, January 17
Guided Bird Hike: Lake Michigan Shoreline | Sunday, February 8
Saturday Morning Bird Walk | Saturday, February 21
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
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.
Field Adventure: Lakeshore State Park | Wednesday, December 10
Birding Along the Ice Age Trail at Lapham Peak | Wednesday, March 18
Port Washington Avian Sanctuary | Thursday, April 23
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.
Schlitz Audubon Bird Club: eBird | Wednesday, November 12
Schlitz Audubon Bird Club: Winter Adaptations | Wednesday, January 14
Schlitz Audubon Bird Club: Woodcock Walk | Wednesday, April 8