Walking to the car. Grabbing the mail. Taking a lunch stroll. Somewhere along the way, something caught your eye. Maybe it was a flash of color or a shape flitting across the sky or a sharp sound you couldn't quite place. You stopped, you looked, and behold, there, perched on a branch starting right at you, is the winged critter known only as a bird.
It may not have been the most majestic bird you’ve ever seen in your life. In fact, it may have been a common robin or, by some unique whim of the universe, a pigeon or even a goose, but for some reason, on that day, you saw the beauty in these high-flyers. You were hooked, and just like that, you became a birder.
Running from May 7-17, the 10-day Brew City Birding Festival is packed with guided outings, expert talks, on-the-water adventures and outdoor exploration designed for families, first-timers, seasoned birders, and, well, everyone. Slow down, look up and discover what's been hiding in plain sight all along.
We took the liberty of pairing a few of the events with the perfect bite, sip and tunes to take on your new hobby or find your brand-new Milwaukee perch.
If You're a Great Horned Owl Fan: 30s & Birdies
Thursday, May 7 | Urban Ecology Center – Riverside Park | Free
It's casual, and it's free. The 30s & Birdies meetup at the Urban Ecology Center's Riverside Park branch is a low-key opening night stroll for anyone in their 30s, whether you've been birding for years or this is the first time you've ever thought about it. Running 5:30-7 p.m. on the very first night of the festival, it's the no-pressure way to try birding, and maybe meet a few people who also can't stop pointing at red-tailed hawks.
Add to your Playlist: “I’m Like a Bird” by Nelly Furtado
Nearby: After your stroll, head to Tachi Bubble Tea & Ramen. The honey chicken bao bun pairs beautifully with a passion fruit tea. Or have a hoot with the Tonkotsu Ramen: pork broth with chashu pork, marinated egg, bamboo shoots, corn, kikurage, green onion, bean sprouts, garlic oil and fried onion. Fire.
If You're a Raptor Fan (the Bird, Not the Dinosaur): World Migratory Bird Day Celebration
Saturday, May 9 | Schlitz Audubon Nature Center | Free
Billions of birds are on the move, and you can celebrate the great migration at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center. This half-day choose-your-own-adventure runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and includes guided bird walks, interactive educational stations and a community art project, all while you record your bird findings in real time on eBird. The day wrap-tors up with a special Raptor Saturday featuring everyone's favorite migrating birds of prey. Come for the hawks, stay for the spectacle.
Add to your Playlist: "Fly Like an Eagle" by the Steve Miller Band
Nearby: Swoop into Pedro's for empanadas, arepas and bowls. The frita — mechada beef sandwiched between a deep-fried corn cake and stuffed with cheese, onions and curtido slaw — absolutely slaps. Don’t pass up a chilled horchata and a churro to round it out, too.
If You're a Blackbird Fan: Birding by Boat for Beginners
Tuesday, May 12 | Urban Ecology Center – Washington Park | $5-$15
Some of the best bird sightings actually happen right on the water, and this guided paddling tour along the Washington Park Lagoon gives you a pretty good view. Canoes, kayaks, paddles, life jackets and binoculars are all provided; all you need to bring is curiosity and a little core strength. It's a beautiful outing for families and solo birders alike, really anyone who wants to experience Milwaukee's wildlife from a new perspective.
Add to Your Playlist: “Blackbird” by Beyoncé
Nearby: Crafty Cow in nearby Wauwatosa serves some tasty bites for all ages. May we suggest the viral chicken Caesar wrap, loaded with fresh parmesan. Swap fries for chips and wash it all down with a Third Space Happy Place lager.
If You're a Cardinal fan | Supporting Birds at Home: Insights from Great Lakes Research
Wednesday, May 13 | Urban Ecology Center – Riverside Park | Free
Join Dr. Medhavi Ambardar, chief scientist at the Lake Michigan Bird Observatory, for a free evening talk on how native habitat and everyday actions can support local bird populations. She'll share which birds you might attract to your yard throughout the year, along with preliminary findings from the Observatory's research on cavity-nesting bird reproductive success. Now's your chance to become the best backyard birder you know.
Add to Your Playlist: "Red Bird" by Goose
Nearby: After the talk, Vier North offers a cozy, German-inspired neighborhood bar and restaurant with an excellent cocktail menu, serious burgers and a fireplace in the back. If the weather cooperates, the patio is a vibe.
If You're a Robin Fan: Author Talk with James H. McCommons & Boswell Books
Friday, May 15 | Urban Ecology Center – Riverside Park | $10
Prefer your birds between the pages? In partnership with Boswell Book Company, the Urban Ecology Center welcomes James H. McCommons, author of "The Feather Wars: And the Great Crusade to Save America's Birds." A professor emeritus and veteran environmental journalist, McCommons traces the near-decimation of bird populations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and the passionate conservation movement that pushed back. Readings and a book signing follow, with proceeds supporting the Urban Ecology Center's mission of connecting city residents to nature.
Add to Your Playlist: "Free Bird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Nearby: Saint Bibiana on Brady Street is a short flight away and a great spot for a post-talk bite. The burger has a quiet cult following throughout the city, and the seasoned fries are borderline addictive.
If You're a Pileated Woodpecker Fan: Birding Together on the Ice Age Trail
Saturday, May 16 | Urban Ecology Center – Menomonee Valley | Free
Pack up the family and head west to Lapham Peak for one of the festival's most adventurous outings. Guided by educators from the Urban Ecology Center and the Ice Age Trail Alliance, this gentle 2-mile hike winds through glacier-carved terrain with the whole crew scanning the treetops for colorful spring arrivals and tuning in to their songs as they warble through the air. Binoculars are available to borrow, a snack is provided on the trail, and round-trip bus transportation from the Menomonee Valley UEC is included.
Add to Your Playlist: "Walk on the Wild Side" by Lou Reed.
For a family hike through a glacier-carved landscape in search of four-foot, prehistoric-looking birds, this tune just feels right. Hey, babe.
Nearby: When the bus drops you back at the Menomonee Valley UEC, Black Sheep in Walker's Point is just around the corner and a fantastic way to refuel after a morning on the trail. The pancake-battered cheese curds with syrup are exactly as wild and wonderful as they sound, plus a massive cocktail, beer and wine menu for the grown-ups, too.
Pro Tips
Download Merlin Bird ID
The free app from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology lets you identify birds by sight or sound, track every species you've spotted and dive deeper into each bird's story. It's basically a field guide that fits in your pocket, and it works just as well on your daily commute as it does on the trail.
Dress for the Occasion
Spring birding in Milwaukee means layering up. Early morning outings along the lakefront or at Lapham Peak can be significantly cooler than the afternoon forecast suggests. Wear muted, neutral colors, as bright clothing can spook birds, and bring a hat. Your binoculars will thank you when the sun is low.
Show Up Early
The best birding happens in the first two hours after sunrise, when birds are most active and vocal. For ticketed events, arriving a few minutes ahead of the start time also means you'll snag a good spot at the front of the walk, and the first look at whatever flies in.
Spread your wings and let your love for birding take flight during the Brew City Birding Festival. Have a hoot, plan your birding adventure and book your stay today!
