How NWBC Got Started

From Fledgling to Soaring High - the History of this Birding Club

In March of 2002, Steve Petznick a naturalist from Mosquito Hill Nature Center had a public program to see if there was interest in starting a new bird watching club. As those who attended shared their passion for bird watching they also realized the importance of what an organization as a whole could do to better the world for birds.  The group decided that day to form the Mosquito Hill Bird Club.

In April, a short newsletter went out to potential new members asking for people to join.  Some of these early members were from an extinct organization called the Fox Valley Bird Club that met in the Appleton area. These people came from all across the northeast Wisconsin region.

During 2003, the club decided that it was important to have autonomy from the nature center in order to make decisions or take action on topics which might be either controversial or possibly a conflict of interest for the nature center.  Being able to give monetary donations to other organizations was, and still is, vitally important to the club as members collectively acknowledge value in supporting a variety of efforts that benefit bird life.

With autonomy, came a change in name to more accurately reflect the diversity and style of the group.  One important aspect of the name change was to have the words 'birding club' instead of just 'bird club' believing that adding the “ing” showed action. So whether the members were active in supporting other avian endeavors or out watching birds for scientific or personnel enjoyment; the members are birding.  The club’s members came from all reaches of northeast Wisconsin. So it seemed only natural to call the organization the Northeast Wisconsin Birding Club (NWBC).

Today, NWBC continues to show that “ing” is important to its members. Through field trips, attending conferences, supporting conservation efforts, doing surveys and counts and providing guest speakers at the monthly meetings, this organization is active.  Building friendships and providing fellowship time at functions keeps everyone involved. Two activities enjoyed by most is the Birding by Beer meeting in August.  This annual event is a potluck picnic at someone’s home or local park.  The Christmas Party marks the year’s end with a potluck luncheon. The very fact that you are reading from their web site shows a commitment to keeping its members informed.

Please consider joining NWBC.  The benefits far outweigh the cost of membership, which is only $10 per household for the calendar year. Members believe that finances should not keep someone from participating in the joys of bird watching. There are many reasons to get involved this year. Pick one and come to a monthly meeting which are free and open to the public. If you like what you experience, become a member and get involved. Make a difference in the lives of birds and have some fun along the way.  Hope to see you soon.

Top of Page