The Great Wisconsin Birdathon returns on April 15th, connecting bird enthusiasts across the state

Every spring, hundreds of bird-loving Wisconsinites participate in the Great Wisconsin Birdathon, the largest bird conservation fundraiser in the state, which takes place during peak bird migration between April 15 and June 15.

For the past 13 years, teams ranging from kindergarten classrooms and library teams to expert birders and conservation clubs have all joined in the fun. Teams challenge themselves to see how many birds they can spot during their birding outing and collect donations from family and friends to support high priority bird conservation projects in Wisconsin. The focus of this Birdathon is not on who can find or identify the most species, it's more about coming together to support and appreciate Wisconsin’s birds.

The Great Wisconsin Birdathon is coordinated by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin (NRF) and has raised over $1 million since it started in 2012. With three billion birds lost in North America over the past half-century, and significantly reduced populations of many Wisconsin birds that used to be common, efforts like the Great Wisconsin Birdathon are more critical than ever.

In 2024, the Birdathon had a chart-topping year, raising over $117,000 for NRF’s Bird Protection Fund, which benefits the state's top priority bird conservation projects. The Birdathon funds support habitat restoration, reintroduction, management, and conservation of endangered or threatened species like Kirtland’s warblers, bobolinks, whooping cranes, and birds that depend on Lake Michigan habitats.

The 2024 Great Wisconsin Birdathon saw more than 600 birders come together to protect Wisconsin’s birds. Participants noted that the Birdathon gave their birding “a purpose” while having “an opportunity to engage with and appreciate nature while raising awareness of and funds for bird conservation.” Others explained how the Birdathon was an opportunity to “spend time with friends and create a sense of community around an important cause.” The Birdathon makes it easy for individuals to turn their small actions into big results through fundraising for the Bird Protection Fund’s highest priority projects.

In addition to supporting statewide bird conservation priorities, the Birdathon also continues its tradition of giving back to the community. Non-profit organizations that participate in the Birdathon are eligible to keep half the funds they raise for their own organization's bird conservation efforts. Caitlyn Schuchhardt, team captain of the Feminist Bird Club team Yes We Pelican, explains, “This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for organizations to support Wisconsin’s birds, connect with their staff while enjoying Wisconsin’s outdoors, and simultaneously raise funds for their own cause-all in one day.”

Connection and community are as central to the Great Wisconsin Birdathon experience as the birds are. Naomi Hadley, coordinator of the Birdathon, shared, “This year we are aiming to engage more classrooms and libraries with the Birdathon, showing kids and communities how much strength they have when they come together to make a difference.”

To make a donation, register your 2025 Birdathon team, or to learn more about the Bird Protection Fund and other projects supported by the Birdathon, visit www.WisConservation.org/Birdathon.