Spring Migration Birding Tour
WHEN:
May 31, 2025 @ 7:30 am
WHERE:
Join us for an early morning avian adventure at Pope Farm Conservancy with local birding expert Mike McDowell at Pope Farm Conservancy starting at 7:30 a.m., Saturday, May 31.
With Mike’s expert guidance and keen insights, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of migratory birds as they head north after their winter sojourn. 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.
This walk is free and open to the public – no registration is necessary.
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 **
** 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.
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.
Upcoming Events
Trivia Night at Stone Horse Green
Test your knowledge at free Trivia Nights in Stone Horse Green, 6:30 – 8 p.m., on Thursdays starting May 8. Bring as many teammates as you’d like and enjoy the Green as Premier Trivia tests your knowledge in topics ranging from geography to pop culture to history, and MORE! Win gift cards from Downtown Middleton businesses for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place! There is limited seating at the Green, so you may want to bring a blanket or camp chairs/folding…