Join for an early morning avian adventure at Pope Farm Conservancy with local birding expert Mike McDowell. Whether you’re an experienced birder or a novice enthusiast, this tour promises unforgettable encounters with nature’s winged wonders amidst the stunning landscapes of the conservancy. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary spring migration experience! This is a great way to start the day and meet other local birders. Wear good walking shoes and dress for the weather. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars and camera, too.

Location: Pope Farm Conservancy, 7440 W Old Sauk Rd, Verona, WI 53593
** Meet in the LOWER parking lot, 2 miles WEST of the Beltline on Old Sauk Road **

Speaker Bio:
Mike McDowell has been observing and documenting the avifauna in the Middleton area since the early 1990s. He began leading field trips for Madison Audubon in the spring of 2002 and has observed almost 300 bird species in Dane County. Mike is probably best known for his bird photography which can be found on the web at birddigiscoper.com. His photographs have appeared in newspapers, magazines, calendars, and were even featured on a Wisconsin state license plate and a local beer label. Mike was the recipient of the 2012 Bronze Passenger Pigeon Award from the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology, which is presented to individuals who have made outstanding contributions in their local communities or in the state to promote the field of ornithology. He was also a finalist in Swarovski’s Digiscoper of the Year photography contest in 2009 and 2010. Mike has been employed at Vortex Optics for nearly two decades.