The observatory's history dates to July 16, 2010, when well-known Wisconsin ornithologist Dr. Noel J Cutright put forth this vision: “My dream and primary objective in life in the near future is to establish a Wisconsin Bird Observatory or a bird observatory with a wider scope, a Western Great Lakes Bird and Bat Observatory.” Cutright believed the success of the Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative pointed toward Wisconsin as an ideal location for a regional bird observatory.
Our mission is to advance the conservation of birds in Wisconsin and throughout the Western Great Lakes Region through coordinated research, monitoring, and education.
We envision a day when knowledge of birds is widespread, decisions affecting them are based on good science, and citizens care about conservation and participate in it so that common species are kept common and imperiled populations are restored.
The Lake Michigan Bird Observatory (LMBO) has three pillar programs: Motus, Bird City Wisconsin and Neighborhood Habitat Improvement Program (NHIP); and one pilot project. Our programs pair on-the-ground improvement of bird and pollinator habitat with applied migratory, habitat and breeding research to inform future conservation actions, while gaining information from lakeside communities on how we can provide tools, resources and knowledge to increase the adoption of the Seven Simple Actions for creating bird-friendly communities.
Motus employs cutting-edge technology: tiny radio tags, each with a unique digital ID, in conjunction with automated receiving stations. These stations work like antennas, detecting the presence or absence of tagged organisms within their range. Motus offers valuable insights into animal movements and migrations. It enables a community of researchers, educators, organizations, and community scientists to undertake impactful research that translates into on-the-ground conservation for migratory birds.
Each station has a maximum detection radius of approximately nine miles. To optimize coverage and manage costs effectively, we establish transects, which create virtual barriers in key areas to ensure that tagged organisms are reliably detected.
LMBO's two primary goals for Motus:
1. Strategically place Motus towers along two major flyways – Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River. These stations ensure coverage along these significant migratory corridors supporting researchers in answering critical questions.
2. Establish east-west Motus fences connecting Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River. Not all birds follow major flyways and east-west fences provide data on these birds. Plus, these east-west fence lines help scientists track timing of north-south migrations.
With 22 stations and counting, including 15 next to Lake MI, one near the Mississippi River, and six forming the beginning of the east-west fence lines, we're on a roll. We are actively pursuing funding and partnerships to accelerate the placement of towers in critical locations, the majority of which are in or near Important Bird Areas.
Bird City Wisconsin encourages communities to implement sound bird-conservation practices by providing public recognition to those that succeed in:
Since it’s launch in 2009, Bird City Wisconsin has been working to recognize and support bird-friendly communities across the state. Originally operating as an independent program, it joined Lake Michigan Bird Observatory (LMBO) in the fall of 2024 as a pillar program, strengthening our shared mission of bird conservation and community engagement.
The Neighborhood Habitat Improvement Program (NHIP) aims to improve residential areas for birds, pollinators, and water quality. There are a variety of options for how volunteers can help, participate in science, and learn more about our native plants, birds, and pollinators at the same time!
NHIP Goals:
The Lake Michigan Bird Observatory's Biochar Pilot Program will produce, educate about, and utilize biochar in tree plantings with municipal and nonprofit partners with at least five lakeshore municipalities. Biochar sequesters carbon and provides slow release of water and nutrients to trees increasing their growth and survival rates; the trees will result in an estimated 1,296,720.2 lbs. carbon dioxide equivalent sequestered and 5,415,226 gallons rainfall intercepted from 313 trees, while biochar will sequester ~90,000 lb. of CO2 equivalent.
| (262) 235-2570 | |
| jdemas@lmbo.org | |
| Joanna Demas | |
| Director of Conservation & Partnerships | |
| https://lmbo.org/ |
