Washington Island · Annual event
Washington Islands Birding Festival
Three days of guided birding, expert talks, and island exploration.
2027
Dates
May 2027 - dates TBD
REGISTRATION FEE
$75 per person
STATUS
Registration opening Spring
2027
Festival
Registration for the next Washington Islands Birding Festival will open in Spring. Sign up to be the first to know when dates are announced, when registration opens, and more.
Dates:
May 2027 - dates TBD
Sign up for Bird Festival Updates
About the Festival
The Washington Islands Birding Festival is an annual three-day event hosted by the Art & Nature Center on Washington Island. Birders of all experience levels are welcome, from first-time birders to seasoned enthusiasts.
Washington Island sits on a major migratory flyway, making May an exceptional time to spot a remarkable variety of species. Festival participants enjoy guided birding groups led by experienced naturalists, evening programs, and the unique experience of exploring the island during peak migration.
Registration is $75 per person and includes three days of guided birding. An optional Friday evening dinner at Trinity Lutheran Church is available for $30 per person.
Eastern Meadowlark - Photo by Monica Novak
Festival Schedule
A general overview of the festival weekend. Full schedule details are provided at check-in.
Thursday
afternoon
Check-in at the ANC
3:00–4:30 pm
Friday
morning
Optional early birding
Guided groups depart ANC
evening
Dinner at Trinity Lutheran
Featured speaker program
Saturday
morning
Guided birding groups
evening
Optional Presentation
Sunday
morning
Final guided birding session
Festival concludes midday
Meet the Guides
The festival is led by experienced naturalists and birding experts from across the region.
Donna Benson
Grew up in the Chicago area and started birding in earnest in 2010 when she moved to Washington Island full time.
Favorite bird: Eastern Bluebird
Paul Noeldner
Born on a farm in Clark County, Wisconsin. Has birded his whole life for 70+ years. Helps organize and lead year-round bird and nature outings in Dane County.
Favorite bird: Black-capped Chickadee
Kristin Wegner
Started birding after finding herself surrounded by colorful unfamiliar birds on a hike. Has a talent for finding birds n unexpected places.
Favorite bird: Common Ground-Dove (found on Rock Island on her honeymoon)
Eric Howe
Started birding in the mid-90s and serves on the board of the Hoy Audubon Society. eBird reviewer for Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth counties.
Mike Wanger
Has loved birds since childhood. Now divides time between Milwaukee and northern Michigan. Currently an eBird reviewer.
Favorite bird: "The one I'm looking at right now!"
Melody Walsh
Retired on Washington Island after a 32-year career with the DNR. Became a birder in 2013 and is an avid eBird user.
Favorite bird: Bobolink
Stephen Winter
Wildlife biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Specializes in waterfowl and wetland birds on the Upper Mississippi River.
Favorite bird: Upland Sandpiper
Festival Bird Lists
Species lists from past festivals, compiled by our guides and participants via eBird.
Good to Know
Getting to Washington Island
Washington Island is accessible by ferry from Northport Pier at the tip of the Door Peninsula. The crossing takes approximately 30 minutes.
Lodging
Many lodging options are available on Washington Island. We recommend booking early.
Festival Etiquette
Drive carefully and watch for pedestrians and wildlife. Pull fully off the road when stopping to observe birds. Close car doors quietly. Please stay on designated trails and respect private property.