City of Middleton Earns Bird City Wisconsin “High Flyer” Status Again

The birds are not the only ones flying high in Middleton this year.

The City of Middleton has once again earned “High Flyer” status through Bird City Wisconsin — one of the program’s highest recognitions for communities leading the way in bird conservation, sustainability, education, and habitat protection.

Middleton has now been an active Bird City Wisconsin community for 12 years and has earned High Flyer status for the second time.

Bird City Wisconsin, a pillar program of the Lake Michigan Bird Observatory, recognizes municipalities taking meaningful action to create healthier, more bird-friendly communities. Middleton’s designation reflects years of local work to protect natural spaces, reduce environmental threats, expand community education, and support wildlife-friendly practices throughout the city.

“Middleton’s parks, conservancy areas, trails, and green spaces are part of what makes this community special,” said Kiley Scherer, director of Parks and Recreation. “This recognition reflects the passion and dedication of staff, volunteers, and community partners who continue working to protect and enhance those spaces for both wildlife and residents.”

To earn the Bird City designation, communities must complete conservation actions across habitat protection, threat reduction, sustainability, and education while also celebrating World Migratory Bird Day. High Flyer communities must meet additional advanced conservation standards that go above and beyond the base program requirements.

Among Middleton’s recognized efforts are policies supporting responsible pet ownership and reducing threats to bird populations, including ordinances related to free-roaming cats. According to Bird City Wisconsin, outdoor cats remain one of the leading human-related threats to birds worldwide.

The recognition comes at a critical time for bird conservation. North America has lost more than 3 billion birds since the 1970s. Birds play a vital role in ecosystems through pollination, seed dispersal, and natural pest control while also contributing to recreation, tourism, and quality of life in communities across Wisconsin.

“Bird City status is more than a sign on the edge of town,” said Kevin Short of the Middleton Parks and Recreation Department. “It reflects real conservation work happening here in Middleton — from preserving natural areas to educating the community and creating spaces where wildlife and people can thrive together.”

Middleton’s efforts include ongoing habitat stewardship, educational outreach, birding activities, and support for natural areas such as Pheasant Branch Conservancy, one of Dane County’s premier birding destinations.

Residents can learn more about Middleton’s Bird City Wisconsin, achievements at: https://birdcity.org/wisconsin/middleton

About Bird City Wisconsin:

Founded in 2009, Bird City Wisconsin recognizes communities that take meaningful action to protect birds through conservation, sustainability, habitat protection, and public education. The program, administered through the Lake Michigan Bird Observatory, was the first Bird City program and helped inspire the broader Bird City Network across the Western Hemisphere.