REFLECTIONS FROM THE SONGBIRD SQUAD
Elusive Soras. Ethereal Wood thrushes, Ebullient Blue jays. With the support of expert guides, our binoculars, and the Merlin bird identification app, our Great Wisconsin Birdathon team members have spent the past two months making careful observations at the Forest Exploration Center. Along the way, they’ve raised almost $2,000 for bird conservation and the FEC’s education and outreach, enjoyed new aspects of the Forest’s beauty, and made some new friends along the way!
As the Birdathon wraps up for 2026, our first-ever Birdathon team, the FEC Songbird Squad, reflects on their forest birding observations. They spotted too many birds to list them all here. We invite you to visit our eBird hotspot and iNaturalist project to view the wild wonders of the urban woodland — and while you’re there, create a (free) account and start contributing your own observations.
Over the two months of the Birdathon, our team spotted 86 species on our birding checklist (which you can download here) and 9 newly-observed-in-the-Forest species:
Great egret
Osprey
Northern mockingbird
Golden-winged warbler
Cape May warbler
Bay-breasted warbler
Canada warbler
Pine siskin
Northern parula
The FEC Songbird Squad hosted several birding walks from April to June, in addition to making the Forest part of their morning or evening routines. On our team page, members shared their lists of new species from each trip to keep each other informed, while team captain Nickie sent regular reminders and encouragement.
I'm glad I got to captain a team of very knowledgeable birders. I was impressed with the variety of birds in our own backyard. I took the opportunity while wandering the FEC to talk with fellow explorers about what our team was up to and what a special place this forest is. Some people shared stories of the plants or animals they've seen here. Others had no idea there was such diversity right under their noses. But now I bet they start noticing the songs and flashes of movement around them as they walk. I hope the funds raised will help keep our little patch of woods safe and in good hands. — Nickie G.
Birders at our Migratory Bird Celebration! on May 23, in collaboration with Bird City Wisconsin. Author and local bird expert Chuck Hagner led the bird walk. Read more about Wauwatosa’s High Flyer Bird City achievement over on A Wealth of Nature.
Team member Colleen hosted Forest birding walks for Wisconsin Metro Audubon Society and for the Songbird Squad. Her encyclopedic knowledge of bird coloration and birdsong was inspirational to all!
Prior to joining the FEC Birdathon team, I had only visited the Center a handful of times. However, through many recent visits for the Birdathon, it's become clear that the Forest is a diverse natural area with great birding. In just under 8 weeks, I've found almost 80 species! And, as we get into the steamy summer, it's worth noting that the temperature is about 15 degrees lower in the woods! — Colleen R.
I really enjoyed the Birdathon this year, it was a cool first-big-event for me at the FEC. I recently started joining FEC events because I’m trying to get more involved with environmental associations as I approach college, where I will hopefully be studying environmental science. I learned a lot about different bird species from this event, and I hope to do it again next year when I am more knowledgeable! — Finn S.
Colleen Resendiz (right) leads a group from Wisconsin Metro Audubon Society on a lovely early evening.
We are in awe of the contributions and dedication to the Forest’s feathered residents! To everyone who contributed to the Forest’s inaugural Great Wisconsin Birdathon, including all of our team members, team captain Nickie G., and everyone who pledged donations to support bird conservation and the FEC’s education and outreach: Thank you!
Stay tuned for more birding: it’s Eastern bluebird, Tree swallow, and House wren nesting season in our bird boxes, and our stewards have some exciting updates and photos to share.