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.

Night Hunters: Owls of Wisconsin | Wednesdays, September 30 – October 14
This three-week certificate program equips learners with deeper knowledge and appreciation for Wisconsin’s native owl species through formal presentations, interactive learning, and active discussion around owl ecology, biology, and conservation. Sessions feature experienced speakers in the field, regular visits from the Raptors of Schlitz Audubon, and an in-depth owl prowl throughout the trails of Schlitz Audubon.

The Natural Lens: Photographing Birds with Susan Fink | Sundays, October 11 – November 8
Over five sessions, award-winning wildlife photographer Susan Fink will lead you through the finer points of taking high-quality bird photographs, from camera settings to photo enhancements. You will learn about composition, lighting, in-field techniques, understanding bird habitat and behavior, and so much more. Each session will include plenty of time to ask questions and practice skills around the beautiful trails of Schlitz Audubon.

Seminars

Birding Seminars focus on specific, more contained topics. Instruction consists of both classroom and outdoor settings and uses a variety of teaching techniques.

Prairies and the Birds Who Love Them | Saturday, September 12
Raptor Behind-the-Scenes Workshop | Saturday, September 12
Who Sings in Wisconsin? – Book Reading with Mateo Núñez-García | Sunday, September 27
Using Phone Apps as Birding Tools | Sunday, October 25
Bird Buddies: A Family Avian Adventure | Sunday, November 15
Winter Residents of Wisconsin | Wednesday, December 9
Crafting for Conservation: Bird Feeder Wreaths | Sunday, December 13

Guided Bird Hikes

Guided hikes offer opportunities for learners to practice birding skills in the field at the Center, focusing on seasonal or habitat specific topics.

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.

Experience the Story of the Sandhills | Saturday, September 26
Horicon Marsh Birding & Nature Tour | Wednesday, October 14
Winter Birding at Lake Park | Wednesday, December 2

Bird Club at Schlitz Audubon

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, former owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Mequon. Attendees develop identification skills while meeting fellow birders.

Birds of the Grassland | Wednesday, September 9
Bird Conservation through Banding | Wednesday, October 14
Reducing Window Collisions | Wednesday, November 11

View All Birding Academy Programs on Calendar