Please join us at one of our upcoming programs! They are scheduled on Wednesdays at Wehr Nature Center, 9701 W. College Avenue unless otherwise noted. Events usually begin at 7:00 pm, and the ending time of each event varies. If there are changes to dates or times of the events, they will be updated in the program headings below.
Please send an email to wimetrobird@gmail.com for the program link.
Bird Migration Trends in Southern Wisconsin with Rich Fare
September 16, 2026 – 7 PM
Follow the fall bird migration through Wisconsin with Rich Fare, who will share the history of seasonal bird movement and offer practical ways to make the most of this remarkable annual event. He will explain the different types of migration, how birds prepare for their journeys, and the cues they use to navigate. The presentation will also cover ways to track migration flights and explore how climate change is affecting bird movement.
About the Speaker : Rich Fare has been a birder for more than 40 years and has held many roles helping others discover the enjoyment of birding. He is a past president and current Education Chair of the Hoy Audubon Society in Racine. His honors include the Bronze Passenger Pigeon Award from the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology, recognizing outstanding contributions to the field of ornithology, and the Merit Award from the Bluebird Restoration Association of Wisconsin for his work supporting the study and propagation of bluebirds. https://hoyaudubon.org/
Big Sit for the Fall Bird Migration
October 10, 2026 – 7 AM to 11 AM (rain date: October 11)
Wisconsin Metro Audubon Society is participating in Migratory Big Day with a Big Sit at Wehr Nature Center. Migratory birds move through our area as they return to wintering areas. The Big Sit coincide with World Migratory Bird Day. More information is available at Home – The Big Sit! https://www.thebigsit.org/
Participants need to dress for the weather, bring a camp chair, snacks and water. We will have a station at the Wehr deck to help introduce the Big Sit to Wehr visitors. At the South Pier, find WMAS sponsored Wehr birders watching for migrating birds. The participants will spot as many bird species as possible from 7 AM to 11 AM. We will only count birds that are heard or seen from the boardwalk platform during these hours. We will share an on-going list of the birds observed.
The Big Sit is a great way to focus on all the birds in one place as observers listen and observe any birds seen or heard from their station. We will also share with Wehr visitors that are curious about our checklist. We will have binoculars to let visitors try their hand at birding.
Sign up if you want to get updates and to participate:
https://forms.gle/Xn2UMhKtRb4EFnLD6
Contact Pat Fojut (ptfojut@gmail.com)
The Dawn of an Osprey Population in Southeast Wisconsin:
A Success Story with William E. Stout, Bird Bander
October 21, 2026 – 7 PM
Bill has studied raptors in the Milwaukee area as a longtime birder and bird bander since the 1980s.
In the late 1990s, Bill launched an Osprey release project at Big Muskego Lake. From 1998 to 2003, he and his team released 36 Osprey nestlings. The lake’s first breeding pair appeared in 2004; today, Big Muskego Lake supports three breeding pairs, with several more nesting pairs nearby, including two in Milwaukee County.
In 2002, Bill placed satellite transmitters on two Osprey nestlings to study their migration routes, natal dispersal distances, lifespan, and other population metrics. One of the fledglings transmitted migration data throughout its life. It survived 5 years and 5 months and successfully raised three young over three years (see Stout et al. 2008).
Since 2004, Ospreys have thrived in southeast Wisconsin. In 2024, Bill began fitting Osprey nestlings at Big Muskego Lake with GPS transmitters to expand understanding of their migration routes and, ideally, follow their movements throughout their lives.
Bill fitted three Osprey nestlings with GPS transmitters in 2024 and three more in 2026. Attend this presentation to learn more about these fascinating birds and what 28-plus years of research reveal about how they may have adapted to urban environments.
Specialty Banding of Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds in Wisconsin
and Central America with Mickey O’Connor
November 18, 2026 – 7 PM
This presentation will be about bird banding and why hummingbirds are a specialty. Learn about the natural history of the ruby-throated hummingbird, how and why we band, as well as how to attract these birds to your yard. Find important details that is gleaned from the data of banding these tiny birds. Hummingbird species we can see in WI, particularly our “winter” hummingbirds like the Rufous-sided and Anna’s.
Mickey O’Conner, former Milwaukee County Zoo, Aviary Zookeeper and bird bander that specializes in hummingbirds.
Mickey was introduced to bird banding 30 years ago while birding at Riveredge Nature Center, where Andy Larson and Mary Holleback opened a new world for her. Through banding, she has met many inspiring people, including Al and Deb Sherkow and Noel Cutright. Andy also supported the MAPS project, which still operates today, along with migration banding. Mickey received the WSO Noel J. Cutright Special Recognition Award in 2025. An exceptional avian zookeeper, she welcomed many Milwaukee County Zoo volunteers and helped make the Aviary a special place to visit. She has traveled to Central America, the Galápagos Islands, and Madagascar to introduce others to international bird travel.
