Panorama | Birding Academy

panorama

Summer & Fall 2025

Welcome!

We are thrilled to unveil a new immersive educational initiative: The Barbara Stover and Susan Bell Birding Academy. Made possible by a generous gift, the initiative includes three complementary elements: The Birding Academy, the Feeder Grove Observation Area, and the Birding Resource Center. Each element invites nature lovers at any point in their learning journey to connect with each other as they venture further into the wondrous world of birds.

All elements of this initiative are in-person, experiential, open to learners of any knowledge level, and focused on building a community of lifelong learners. Various learning formats include multi-session certificate programs focusing on such areas as songbirds, raptors, or creating a birding habitat in your yard or community. Other stand-alone classes focus on specific bird species, birds and their habitats, migration, and the relationship between seasons and bird life in Wisconsin. The Birding Academy will also explore the intersection between nature, birds, and art in our Art Gallery, our speaker series, and many new off-site birding adventures and community partnerships.

The Barbara Stover and Susan Bell Birding Academy will heighten Schlitz Audubon’s devotion to the study and stewardship of birds, and the magic that they bring to our lives and communities. In creating this learning community, we elevate the Center’s bird-centered education, build and deepen lasting connections to birds, and help the birds of our region thrive.

Please read through this special edition of Panorama to learn more about this exciting new branch of education at the Center and be in touch with me directly at hmboomsma@ schlitzaudubon.org with questions or comments. I look forward to hearing from you!

Helen Boomsma Executive Director

Writing & Editing Anna Ostermeier Design & Illustration Zoe Finney 2

Front cover: Black-throated Green Warbler

GROW YOUR KNOWLEDGE

The Birding Academy provides a collection of in-person educational experiences for adults that vary in learning mode, topic, and lens. Building on and elevating an already strong programming foundation, each four-month term includes multi-day certificates, single session seminars, guided hikes and field adventures, club gatherings, and more.

Designed for curious beginners through established experts, these interactive offerings approach bird education through the sciences, arts and humanities, and broader community connections. Programs focus on Southeast Wisconsin’s local nature and draw inspiration from our changing seasons. Our high-quality and comprehensive educational programs unite people from all backgrounds around their shared love of birding, nature, and conservation.

different lenses for deeper learning

The Birding Academy approaches learning through a multitude of lenses.

These include the joy of birding, arts and humanities, conservation science in action, and connections to other groups across our broader Milwaukee community.

the joy of birding

As one of the most popular pastimes in the United States, Wisconsinites are flocking towards birding! People of all ages and backgrounds are drawn to

the rich diversity of melodious calls and the spectacular sights of vibrant feathers in skillful flight. The joys of birding encompass the simple pleasure of connecting with nature, thrilling discoveries of different species and new insights, the invigorating physical activity of hiking, and sharing interests with a welcoming community. All our offerings invite participants to join us in savoring these joys, while better equipping them with the tools and knowledge to do so.

supporting birds. Through collaboration with these groups, we’re able to bring their unique approaches and expertise into our educational programs. Examples of offerings that incorporate these collaborations include talks featuring a local business owner or club leader, field trips to research stations, and participation in region-wide bird counts.

the value of field experiences

Birds have been a recurring and diverse presence in the arts and humanities, serving as subjects, symbols, and inspiration in a wide range of human expressions. Examples of offerings that integrate this lens include guided hikes centered on field journaling or sketching, programs that connect outstanding literature to outdoor experiences, presentations on birds in historic art, and instruction on painting local birds.

With excellent bird habitat and our location within the Mississippi Flyway (a major migratory route), the Center is a premier birding location. Hence, many of our Birding Academy offerings include an on-site field experience component. By providing education across our 185 acres of diverse ecosystems, we familiarize learners with the Center and empower them to return any day of the week to expand their knowledge through practice. Field experiences also equip learners with skills that can be applied anywhere in our region and beyond.

conservation research

our educators

birds and the arts

Wisconsin is rich not only in bird diversity and habitat, but also in opportunities to study native species. Programs that incorporate this lens explore that research, from initiatives happening in our state and at the Center to the conservation that can happen in your own backyard. Examples of offerings include instruction on creating bird habitat, opportunities to participate in citizen science, talks on research happening at the Center, and partnerships with research stations in our region.

Our programs are developed and led by our friendly and experienced Environmental Educator staff, birding experts, researchers, and artists from the community and beyond. Our educators have extensive knowledge of both adult education and the natural world, with each specializing in particular topics and approaches. Through collaborative and locally based program creation and instruction, the Center provides an exceptional learning experience that extends well beyond the classroom. Programs are personalized, well-rounded, and tied to real-world applications because each educator community & birding We’re fortunate to live in a region where an array of business- draws from their unique strengths, background, and conneces, clubs, and organizations are dedicated to learning about and tion to nature.

The Birding Academy | schlitzaudubon.org

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Every four-month term of the Birding Academy includes the following learning formats, 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.

birding certificates

Specially designed for the Birding Academy Birding Certificates are multi-session commitments for participants looking to delve deep into big picture topics, such as Raptors of Wisconsin,, Birds of Schlitz Audubon, consin Audubon, Mississippi Flyway, Flyway, and Spring Migration.

Migration. Over multiple sessions, learners develop a solid foundation of topical knowledge through both classroom and field instruction. By learning alongside each other over several weeks, participants have the opportunity to connect with and support each other. Through application-based instruction on-site at the Center and take-home guides, certificates also promote future learning that builds on foundational knowledge and skills.

birding seminars

Birding Seminars focus on specific, more contained topics such as Winter Ducks of Lake Michigan, The World of Woodpeckers,, and The Science of Flight.

Woodpeckers Flight. Instruction consists of both classroom and outdoor settings and uses a variety of teaching techniques. These programs allow learners to explore a specific area of interest while connecting with a like-minded community.

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. Examples include Fall Migration, Migration, Birding Along the Bluff, Bluff, and Early Winter Birds.

Birds. Led by our Environmental Educators, these programs start with a short introduction before participants head outside for a hike across the Center’s forests, wetlands, prairies, or other habitats.

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Free Saturday Morning Bird Walks offer a casual birding experience led by a knowledgeable volunteer. These hikes invite birders of all skill levels to learn from each other as they search for birds along the Center’s trails.

birding 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. We may head to Horicon Marsh, the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the US, to see a plethora of waterfowl, Lakeshore State Park to view winter ducks on Lake Michigan, or to Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve to search for birds while atop a bluff or within the forested gorge.

schlitz audubon 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. Anyone aged 14+ interested in learning more about birds is welcome regardless of prior experience. Attendees develop identification skills while an introduction meeting fellow birders. to the birds of

Fall/Winter Certificates

Be one of the first to join the Birding Academy!

Visit our website to discover our Fall/Winter 2025 inaugural term offerings and to secure your spot. Registration is required for all Birding Academy programs, and space is limited!

The Birding Academy | schlitzaudubon.org

schlitz audubon the raptors of wisconsin

creating backyard bird habitat & understanding optics

THE FEEDER GROVE The Birding Academy | schlitzaudubon.org

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GET INSPIRED

Located west of our Great Hall and viewable from inside, the Feeder Grove observation area has undergone a breathtaking transformation. Through this renovation, the overall space and each of its features have been intentionally designed to attract and support both local and migrating birds. The resulting sights and sounds are sure to captivate already avid birders and ignite greater curiosity and learning in novices.

transforming the space

Center leadership, including our Director of Conservation, collaborated with other experts to redesign, renovate, and enhance the Feeder Grove observation area. Stone Oak Landscapes created new hardscaping, including two water features and regionally sourced stones. Our conservation team selected plants for the space based on aesthetics and bird benefits, arranged them, and planted them alongside our land steward volunteers. Dan Panetti, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Mequon, provided expert guidance in selecting ideal feeders and feed to ensure we’re responsibly offering food to our avian friends. The observation area provides valuable habitat for birds by supporting their needs for food, water, structure, and space.

food

The grove includes both native plants and feeders to support the diverse dietary needs of different birds year-round. Together these sources provide a variety of nuts, seeds, fruit, nectar, and insects.

food sources based on how birds’ needs change with the seasons. The feed is mostly free of shells and highly desired, so if any falls on the ground it will be quickly eaten, leaving no mess behind. The squirrel baffles, in addition to the spacing of feeder poles, prevent squirrels, chipmunks, and other rodents from accessing the bird food. In addition to these overall measures, each feeder has its own unique features and benefits: CYLINDER FEEDER This feeder accommodates a tidy seed cylinder comprised of shelled seeds, nuts, and fruits bound by gelatin. The lack of waste allows for a relatively small amount of food to stretch for a long period, lasting up to three weeks without creating a mess on the ground. Species attracted include the Downy Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Black-capped Chickadee, American Goldfinch, and White-breasted Nuthatch.

PEANUT FEEDER Made from copper and stainless-steel, this feeder has a fine mesh that requires birds to spend more time pulling food from the feeder. This prevents mess, reduces overuse by House Sparrows, and offers viewers more time to observe visiting birds. Species attracted include the Blue Jay, White-breasted Nuthatch, Black-capped Chickadee, Downy Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Hairy Woodpecker.

FINCH FEEDER This feeder is designed to hold Nyjer, a black or dark brown oil-rich seed with a small, harmless shell. This particular type of seed does not grow if it falls from the feeder and is not favored by invasive House Sparrows, ensuring it’s available to other species. Species attracted include the American Goldfinch, House Finch, Purple Finch, and Pine Siskin.

native plants

Our conservation team and staff horticulturalist carefully chose and arranged an array of native plants that offer fruit, seeds, and insects to visiting birds. Shrubs such as serviceberry, pagoda dogwood, and black currants provide nutritious berries in the spring and summer. Crabapple, with its late summer and early fall fruit, supplies fall migrants with fuel for their journey. Seeds from witch hazel, sky blue aster, common groundsel, and wild bergamot feed wild turkeys, American Goldfinches, and a variety of sparrows. Wild columbine, wild bergamot, and prairie phlox flowers contain nectar for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. These and additional pollinator plants such as butterfly weed and foam flower increase the overall insect load, providing meals for swallows and other insectivores.

We thank wild birds unlimited of mequon for their expertise & generously providing bird feeders and bird seed donations.

feeders

The featured feeders offer food to our resident and migrating birds as responsibly as possible. They attract a wide array of non-invasive birds, prevent wasted or unsafe food, and minimize unwanted seed sprouting among the grove’s native plants.

The feeders include modular components, allowing us to adapt 6

SUET FEEDER This heavy black wire cage is designed to hold suet cakes, a blend of rendered beef fat, mealworms, nuts, and calcium that provide birds with a boost of fat and protein. These squirrel and House Sparrow proof feeders attract the Downy Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch, and Black-capped Chickadee.

BRANCH FEEDER This feeder provides cups for grape jelly and leaf cutouts that hold oranges for fruit-loving birds such as the Baltimore Oriole and Gray Catbird.

TRAY FEEDER Also known as a fly-through or platform feeder, the tray feeder provides openness and safety to birds while protecting them and their food from the elements. The openness also grants onlookers a clear view of birds and their behavior. This feeder offers several adjustable elements. The size of the opening can be changed to allow only smaller birds access.

Additionally, the feed tray can slide into the roof to guard it from rain while the screens at the bottom provide drainage and ventilation. Wet seed can breed mold and bacteria, endangering the birds that consume it, so it’s important to keep it dry. The tray feeder attracts all seed-loving birds, including the Northern Cardinal, Dark-eyed Junco, and Red-winged Blackbird.

The Birding Academy | schlitzaudubon.org

Newly planted Feeder Grove

water

Two dynamic water features entice birds to take a drink or bath, as they are especially attracted to moving water. Each winter, our staff places a small heater in the bubbling rock feature, providing rare open water to birds through Wisconsin’s winter. The flowing feature includes multi-colored, intentionally laid stones (some from our very own beach!). These stones slow down the flow of water, providing an appealing shallow pool. This feature flows nine months out of the year, as it must be drained in the winter months. The dry stone channel towards the back of the observation area captures rainwater from the Visitor Center roof, feeding a small pool and flowing into the adjacent wetland area.

structure and space

Birds need structures where they can rest, hide from predators, and seek shelter from bad weather. The Feeder Grove includes several conifers, white cedar and hemlock, which provide yearround coverage for birds because they do not lose their foliage in the winter. Shrubs also provide good structure. The pagoda dogwood’s whirling layers of branches offer especially good perches from which birds can see the feeders while feeling secure.

Equally important, open areas allow birds to fly around, watch for predators, and access shelter. This is why we opened up the space by removing pre-existing dead and dying vegetation.

viewing feeder grove

Visitors have a clear view of Feeder Grove from the large windows inside our Great Hall, the adjacent veranda, and a soonto-be accessible boardwalk connecting the main entrance of the Visitor Center to the Dragonfly Trail. There will also be two livestreaming cameras in the near future, allowing bird lovers to view Feeder Grove remotely from anywhere, any time!

We ask that visitors stick to the viewing options listed above rather than entering the Feeder Grove area. The stone walkways are intended solely for volunteers and staff to refill the feeders. Respecting this space keeps the habitat healthy and encourages more birds to visit – meaning there will be more birds to see!

bird blind

We’re supporting our youngest birders, the children in our Nature School, by offering a new way to experience Feeder Grove: through a bird blind! The custom-made, sculptural bird blind provides an excellent teaching aid accessible from the outdoor Garden Classroom. This helps students learn how to respectfully observe birds and their behaviors without disturbing them.

the birds of feeder grove kiosk

Coming soon to our Great Hall, the Birds of Feeder Grove digital kiosk will enrich the viewing experience by providing education on 16 bird species that frequent the Feeder Grove observation area.

The thoughtfully designed Feeder Grove observation area not only delights and inspires visitors of all experience levels, but also seamlessly complements the other two elements of the Barbara Stover and Susan Bell Birding Academy. Knowledge and skills gleaned from the Birding Academy educational programs can be applied and built upon in real time as learners watch birds interact with the grove’s environment and each other. If curiosity sparks around particular birds, their behaviors, or their habitat, learners can visit the nearby Birding Resource Center to investigate further.

The Birding Academy | schlitzaudubon.org

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THE BIRDING RESOURCE CENTER GATHER YOUR TOOLS Coming soon to our Great Hall, the Birding Resource Center will serve as a learning hub for both individual enthusiasts and our broader birding community. It will provide high-quality and well-researched tools such as binoculars, guides and journals, books, and outdoor gear in addition to on-site guidance from expert staff. These resources will go beyond education, helping visitors more fully enjoy, celebrate, and share their passion for birding. By supporting and connecting bird lovers, we strive to help birding flourish across Milwaukee and beyond.

the space

Fitting seamlessly into the aesthetic of our Great Hall with its 8

clean and nature-inspired design, the Birding Resource Center will offer a gateway to the outdoors. Staff and volunteers will build the shelves and display tables using recovered black locust and ash wood from the Schlitz Audubon property, giving dead and dying trees new life.

Visit our forthcoming Birding Resource Center to browse the following collections.

optics

Binoculars and monoculars are a birdwatching staple, and we will offer a small but mighty selection handpicked with expert input from Dan Panetti, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Mequon.

The range of price points (from under $100 to $500), magnifica-

The Birding Academy | schlitzaudubon.org

tions, and sizes will support birders of any age and budget in expanding their hobby. The entire collection will come from Vortex Optics, a globally respected brand based in Barneveld, Wisconsin. Their products come with a lifetime warranty against damage, providing quality that lasts.

BIRDS AT THE CENTER

field guides

Field guides are essential tools for helping birders identify and learn about each species. Our collection will include a wide range of options suited to different interests, ages, and experience levels. Guides will vary in size and scope, from compact pocket versions to comprehensive volumes, and feature both illustrations and photographs. Some will focus on backyard birds or specific habitats such as woodlands, wetlands, grasslands, and the Lake Michigan shoreline, while others will span larger regions—from local and Wisconsin-based guides to those covering the Midwest, Eastern U.S., or the entire country. Beginners may benefit from guides focused on smaller geographic areas, while more advanced birders might explore resources organized by bird families, including raptors, gulls, and warblers.

Flash cards will also be available, offering a fun and flexible way to build birding knowledge.

field notebooks and journals

Our selection will be curated to support nature observation, reflection, and creativity. Ideal for recording sightings, sketching in the field, or noting questions and insights, these tools will encourage a thoughtful, immersive approach to birding and time in nature. Options will include weather-resistant notebooks, pocket-sized journals for easy carrying, and larger formats suited for sketching. A variety of styles and price points will ensure something for every preference, whether the focus is on scientific observation, artistic expression, or slow, mindful exploration outdoors.

books

Our book collection will offer a rich blend of education and enjoyment for bird lovers of all ages. From resources that deepen understanding of bird ecology, behavior, conservation, and habitats to creative guides that teach how to draw or paint birds, these titles will support both skill-building and curiosity. The selection will include children’s books, novels, comedic titles, and beautifully illustrated art books by bird photographers and artists. Whether the goal is to learn more about the natural world or to engage with birds in a more playful or artistic way, this diverse collection will offer something for every reader.

outdoor gear

Our forthcoming selection of outdoor gear will enhance comfort, safety, and ease while birding. It will include sun-protective hats in a range of styles—caps, bucket hats, and wide-brim options—as well as versatile bags like hip packs, slings, and weather-resistant shoulder bags for carrying essentials. Durable water bottles will help with staying hydrated, and insect repellent will add protection during warmer months.

The Birding Resource Center will strengthen and complement both the avian spectacle of Feeder Grove and the educational offerings of The Birding Academy. Visitors will be able to take the spark of inspiration they feel while observing birds and find tools here to pursue that curiosity further— whether by identifying new species within and beyond our trails, keeping a nature journal, or diving into recommended resources from academy educators. Together, these three elements of The Barbara Stover and Susan Bell Birding Academy will create a dynamic, interconnected experience that invites birders to keep exploring, learning, and engaging with the natural world.

Birds are at the heart of Schlitz Audubon. We’re more committed than ever to caring for the habitats birds need and helping people build deep, lasting connections to the natural world.

With our location along Lake Michigan and within the Mississippi Flyway, Schlitz Audubon is a key stopover, breeding, and overwintering site for migrating birds. But it’s not just geography that makes this place special. For more than 50 years, our community of staff and volunteers have worked to improve and protect a mosaic of habitats that support birds yearround—from forest to wetland, prairie to shoreline. These conservation efforts have made Schlitz Audubon a cornerstone of the Ozaukee Bight Lakeshore Migration Corridor, a designated Important Bird Area.

The abundance and diversity of birds found at the Center, year after year, confirm the ongoing impact of our work. Since 1974, 266 unique species have been recorded here, thanks in large part to our dedicated and passionate volunteers.

These records, ranging from warblers to waterfowl, allow us to track long-term trends in bird populations, migration timing, and habitat use.

They also inform our land stewardship, helping us adapt and improve as a haven for birds.

Our remarkable diversity of birdlife makes Schlitz Audubon an extraordinary place to learn. Whether someone is identifying their first Black-capped Chickadee or completing a Birding Academy certificate, they’re doing so in a living laboratory shaped by decades of thoughtful conservation. With each season of learning together, we strengthen our connection to birds and further cultivate the wisdom needed to protect them.

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OUR GENEROUS DONORS Susan and Steve Bell The Barbara Stover and Susan Bell Birding Academy is more than just a name—it’s a tribute to a legacy of curiosity, connection, and care for the natural world. Made possible through a generous gift from Steve and Susan (Stover) Bell, the Birding Academy reflects a passion for the natural world, biodiversity, birds, and lifelong learning.

The decision to honor both Barbara Stover and Susan Bell was deliberate. “I knew that neither of them would agree to have their name on something unless they were honored together around a shared passion,” Steve Bell noted. That passion, rooted in a deep appreciation for nature and the role birds play within it, became the foundation for what would make the Birding Academy possible.

Barbara Stover’s love for birds took flight with a Cardinal at a backyard feeder at her Fox Point home. She loved the study of birds, the deductive identification process of birding, and the role birds play in nature. “For Mom, nature came first,” Susan Bell reflected. She went back to school at UWM where writers like Charles Darwin, E.O. Wilson, Henry David Thoreau, and Edward Abbey inspired her about nature. “Birds were a natural extension of her studies, and she built her skills around that love,” noted Susan. She pursued birding through hands-on exploration and reading, eagerly sharing discoveries with friends and family.

As a longtime neighbor of Schlitz Audubon, Barbara regularly found inspiration and delight in the Center’s trails and community. She volunteered in the bookstore of the original building where she embraced her twin loves of books and nature. Susan noted, “Mom would be thrilled that others of all types and in all stages of their birding journey would have access to the resources provided by the Birding Academy.”

Through her involvement, Barbara began her family’s, Steve’s and his family’s, multi-generational support of Schlitz Audubon. Her husband, Harney Stover, was a board director and co-chair of the capital campaign that made today’s beautiful Visitor Center possible. Barbara and Harney and Susan and Steve were contributors 10

Susan and Steve Bell

to the capital campaign. At Harney’s passing Steve’s dad and stepmother, Bob and Joni Bell, contributed the beautiful bird wood carving, custom cabinetry, lighting and photographs in the Hearth Room. Susan and Steve recently funded an expansion to our accessible boardwalk in honor of Susan’s sister-in-law and brother, Anne and Jim Stover. Susan also extended her Audubon wingspan by serving on the National Audubon Society board for eleven years, chairing the board for over three years until Fall of 2024.

The Birding Academy continues this family legacy—built on vision and impact. For the Bells, it’s about how education unlocks action, and ultimately positive impact. By elevating Schlitz Audubon’s role as a nature educator for all, the Birding Academy establishes deeper connections to birds in our community and helps birds of our region thrive. “Education and engagement build understanding” Steve explained. “And when people understand and appreciate nature, they’re more motivated to take action to protect it.”

The Bell and Stover families’ dedication to bird education goes well beyond affection for these feathered wonders. They recognize how birds are both teachers and indicators of ecological health. As Susan says, “Birds show us the way.”

The Birding Academy | schlitzaudubon.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Officers Evan Kirkstein President Joseph A. Camilli Treasurer Carrie Nichols Secretary John Schaub VP-Governance Barbie Brennan Nelson VP-Development Directors Thomas Bausch Jane Bell Alexandra Stankiewicz Krems Jonathan T. Luljak Benjamin T. Pavlik Jeff Rusinow Past Presidents John H. Kopmeier, Jr. Philip R. Smith Dennis L. Fisher Terrence K. Knudsen Thomas J. McCutcheon Thomas B. Fitzgerald Randolph H. Dean Stephen F. Geimer Thomas J. Drought David K. Hoover John S. McGregor Margarete R. Harvey Timothy J. Gerend John Grunau Aliah Berman Shane Delsman Director Emeritus Dorothy K. Vallier (1910-2013)

CREDITS FOR PANORAMA Director of Marketing & Visitor Experience Nancy Quinn Creative Lead Zoe Finney Marketing & Communications Specialist Anna Ostermeier

In Memory Of Bonnie Behee-Semler Robert Amich Cyndie Chiuminatto Chloe Chiuminatto Gary Fait Anonymous (3) Stacy Becker Ann Marie & Doug Brown Patricia Dolhun Ann Drescher Jennifer Fait Leslie Farmer Global & NA EAs of ManpowerGroup Mary Beth Harkness Eric & Patricia Johnson Mike & Molly Josh Jeanette Kim Lincoln Center of the Arts Jill Litkowski Dan Mangiavellano Grayson & Calum Miller Richard & Gwen Miller Karen Nastulski Gretchen & Edward Saunders Nicole Verardi Mary Kay Warner Denis & Karen Zyszkiewicz Jackie Gold Mark Gold John B. Gray Julie & Andrew Kline Catherine Gustafson Anonymous Paul Michael Hauer Carol & Michael Hauer Richard Richter Anonymous (3) Susan Armour Seidman Patrick Baird Maureen Baumann Steve & Michelle Bersell Susan Blaustein Ann Brummitt Marty Buchan Barbara Budish Dave & Cindy DeMille Anne & Therese DeSellier Debra Donovan Kay Edwards Michael Fleming Mark & Virginia Gennis Debra Gentile Don & Betty Giacomino Howard Gollup Idy Goodman Beth Hill

Richard Richter cont.

Dawn Hoffmann Kerri Hoffmann Jane & Steve Katuszonek Jane Kelley Samantha Landfried Todd & Dina Landfried Joanne & Tom Lemke Charlotte & Roy Leventhal Kate Mann Donald & Linda McCann Brenda & Chad Milota Judith Neal & Richard Stockbridge Trish & Gunther Nelson Chaela Pastore Lisa Pedersen Barbara Phillips Michel Don & Kim Rasmussen Mandy & Michael Richter Pat & Stacy Richter Samara Robison Tara Salaks Robert & Kathryn Selingo Cindy Shaffer Jared & Meryl Simon Michael Spooner Anton & Karin Usowski Mary Kay Warner Steve & Linda Watts Carla Wynter & Mary Jo Sajdowitz

William Schulte cont.

Jeff Pink Melissa Pitzen Karen & Edward Purcell Mary Reilly & Mike Long Robertson Ryan Insurance Pam Rushing Ann Schulte & William Erchul Lisa Schulte & Dorothy Johnson Matthew Schulte Mike & Barb Schulte Benjamin Schwade Donald & Catherine Sorensen TDS Telecom Fred Thomas Patti-Lynn Trusky Ellen & John Vebber

William Schulte Aerial Titans Inc Anonymous (2) Ann Armstrong Jane Berndt David & Janice Berousek John Blum Debbie & Jerry Briggs Capitol-Husting Co. Inc. Chubb Insurance Gary & Susan Dickerson Bernie & Beth Erenberger Jeffrey Frank Rick & Karen Fullington Barb & Jim Gogan Paul & Gerise Grzeszczak Paul Hoff Tom & Sandra Johnson Daniel Lau John & Diane Loppnow Desty Lorino Tom Lueschow Martin Malin Jack & Jeanne McCormick David & Kristi Meyer Patricia Mikulsky Otto’s Wine Cask William Pick

Will Walker Tong Gu

Summer Hours through August

Monday-Thursday | 8:30am-8:00pm Friday-Sunday | 8:30am-5:00pm Schlitz Audubon is an independent, locally supported partner of the National Audubon Society.

Regular Hours

Gigi Mestier Short Craig & Hope Siverhus Barbara Rising Stover Joan K. Garretson Gail Korb Katherine Rames

In Honor Of Susie Apple Ann Kranstover-Scott Jim & Lill Taugher Emily Mason

Raptor Ambassador Sponsorships Athena – Barn Owl Mary McCormick Gimli – Eastern Screech Owl Invest Answers Sky Walker – Red-tailed Hawk In Memory of Michael E. Wagner John & Carissa Zacharias Valkyrie – Bald Eagle Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club Willow – Northern Saw-whet Owl Anonymous

Gifts listed in this issue were received between 1/1/25 - 3/31/25

Admission

FREE admission to Members Adult: $10 | Youth: $7 (ages 3 — 17) 2 and Under: Free | Military: $7

Daily | 8:30am-5:00pm

The Birding Academy | schlitzaudubon.org

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Schlitz Audubon Nature Center 1111 East Brown Deer Road Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53217

U.S. Postage

PAID

Milwaukee, WI Permit No. 4168

SUMMER & FALL 2025 PANORAMA

Sign up for the first term of the Birding Academy!

Certificates, seminars, field adventures, and guided hikes are live on our website. schlitzaudubon.org