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Bluebird Restoration Association of Wisconsin

“We are dedicated to preserving and enhancing bluebird populations throughout Wisconsin.”
BRAW is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Our federal tax ID number is: 52-1542503.
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- Site Element Clips 4 Reuse | BRAW Current
BLUEBIRD RESTORATION ASSOCIATION of WISCONSIN Mail-in Nesting Report Form Online Nesting Report Form We are accepting 2024 Nesting Reports Get Mail-in Nesting Report Form Online EZ Nesting Report Form Please send in your report(s) by the October 31 deadline. Avian Influenza Outbreak Statement From Cornell's Lab of Ornithology This excellent 2025 update of the current bird flu outbreak answers questions you may have about the risks to songbirds, nest boxes, bird feeders, and more. News I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. DNR responds to BRAW's inquiry about invasive species, particularly the European Tree Sparrow. See BRAW's Inquiry to DNR See DNR Response to BRAW Mail-in Form Register Today! C-25 Form Home page Buttons President: Steve Sample • (term to 12/26 ) Vice-President: Brad Branwell • (term to 12/ 26) Secretary: Gene Kroupa • ( term to 12/26) Treasurer: Dan Schroeder • ( term to 2 / 27) Director: Patrick Ready • (term to 12/27) Director: Steve Fallon • term to 12/26) Director : Dave Lucey • (term to 12/27) Director: Mary Sobol • (term to 12/27) Director: Mike Crawford • (term to 12/26) Director: Andy Garcia-Rivera • (term to 12/27) Director: Gail Smith • (term to 12/27) Director: Amy Harriman • (term to 12/26) Director: Sharon Johnson • (term to 12/26) Featured Video - Eastern Bluebird Arrival: Can I find One in Wisconsin? Source : YouTube Created by: Badgerland Birding , March 9, 2022 Video Content 0:00 Introduction of Eastern Bluebird Arrival: Can I find One in Wisconsin? 0:25 Spring Migration and Eastern Bluebirds 1:10 River Edge Nature Center and Bluebird Boxes 3:27 Searching for Bluebirds at Retzer Nature Center 5. 4:45 Finding a Thrush and Two Bluebirds 6. 5:59 Eastern Bluebird Facts and Habitat 7. 7:23 Flyover Sandhill Cranes 8. 7:44 Conclusion of Eastern Bluebird Arrival: Can I find One in Wisconsin? Mary Holleback Riveredge Nature Center Note: Underlined text = box contains files. SP 2020 MP SP March 2020 MP March 2020 SP June 2020 MP June 2020 SP September 2020 MP September 2020 SP December 2020 MP December 2020 SP 2021 MP SP March 2021 MP March 2021 SP June 2021 MP June 2021 SP September 2021 MP September 2021 SP December 2021 MP December 2021 SP 2022 MP SP March 2022 MP March 2022 SP June 2022 MP June 2022 SP September 2022 MP September 2022 SP December 2022 MP December 2022 Why Wisconsin's Bluebirds and Other Cavity Nesters STILL Need Our Help Wisconsin, with its diverse habitats, is home to a wide variety of bird species, including the Eastern Bluebird and other cavity nesters. However, these birds are facing increasing challenges due to climate change and habitat loss. Read on to learn more why our WI bluebirds need our help and what we can do to ensure their survival and prosperity in Wisconsin. The Eastern Bluebird: A Wisconsin Treasure The Eastern Bluebird, a small thrush with a big personality, is a beloved sight in Wisconsin. Known for their vibrant blue and orange plumage, these birds are a symbol of happiness and joy. They are cavity nesters, meaning they build their nests in holes or cavities in trees or man-made structures. The Importance of Human Intervention Given these challenges, it’s clear that Eastern Bluebirds and other cavity nesters in Wisconsin need our help. Here are some ways we can assist: Helping You to Get involved: Consider becoming a member of BRAW. You can join for as little as $20 for an annual membership. Volunteer some available time to help BRAW with its indoor, outdoor, and Annual Convention activities. We can show you how to become a County Contact for those helping bluebirds in your county. If volunteering is not your thing, consider donating, to support our work, or in the memory of a loved one. BRAW is a non-profit volunteer organization. Our Federal Tax-Exempt ID Number is: 52-1542503 Providing Nest Boxes: As natural cavities are becoming less available due to urbanization and changes in forest management practices, providing nest boxes can give these birds a place to raise their young. Planting Native Plants: Native plants provide food and habitat for birds and other wildlife. They are adapted to our local climate and soil conditions, making them easier to care for than non-native species. Reducing Pesticide Use: Pesticides can have harmful effects on birds either directly, through consumption of treated plants or insects, or indirectly, by reducing their food sources. Supporting BRAW's Conservation Efforts: A number of BRAW members and volunteers work to protect Wi's bluebirds and other native cavity nesters and their habitats. BRAW members participate in: Citizen science projects, help solve issues in the trail, backyards, collect and share nesting data. Construction and distribution of nestboxes Track bird populations and contribute to our understanding of how birds are responding to climate change. County contact conservation activities. Make a difference in this world by helping Wisconsin bluebirds. The Eastern Bluebirds and other cavity nesters of Wisconsin are a vital part of our ecosystem. They need our help to continue to survive and thrive in the face of climate change and habitat loss. By taking small steps in our own backyards and communities, we can make a big difference for these birds. Get involved with let's work together to ensure that future generations can enjoy the beauty and joy these birds bring to our lives. After all, you do not have to be a bluebird expert to attract bluebirds to your home or trail. With a little patience, a welcoming environment, and a love for nature, anyone can invite these beautiful birds into their backyard. Joining the Bluebird Restoration Association of Wisconsin (BRAW) is a great way to start your journey, learn from others, and contribute to the conservation of our native bluebirds and cavity nesters. Remember, every effort counts, and your backyard could be the next haven for bluebirds!” The Impact of Climate Change Climate change poses significant threats to the Eastern Bluebird and other cavity nesters. Rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns affect these birds’ ability to find food and reproduce, which over time impacts local populations. For Eastern Bluebirds and other cavity-nesting species, these changes can be particularly challenging. Handy Nest Box Tips BRAW Recommended Nest Box Three Eastern Bluebird Nest Box Plans NABS Style Nest Box Ideal Nest Box Placement Nest Box Troubleshooting Guide Video - Bluebird Next Box Monitoring Comparing Different Predator Guards Some Predator Guard Design Plans Dealing With Predators Managing Invasive Birds at Nest Boxes The Van Ert Trap and House Sparrows (HS) Video - How to trap HS in a Nest Box Managing Nest Box Competitors Nest Box Pairing How to Attract Bluebirds to Your Yard. Video - Common Bluebird Predators Bluebird Trail Recipe - Paul Noeldner Nest In Peace Nest Box Program I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. Come to our Booths No's. 1103, 1104, 1105 We'd like to meet you! Learn More About Wisconsin's Bluebirds The Garden & Landscaping Expo is a fun event for the whole family. Dear Friends of Bluebirds, Today is Giving Tuesday (Bluesday ) — a day when generosity takes flight. We invite you to join BRAW in supporting our mission to help bluebirds flourish across Wisconsin. Thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, we distributed nearly 500 new nestboxes this year! Each donation directly funds the materials and construction of these safe homes, giving bluebirds the shelter they need to survive and thrive. Your gift today ensures this vital conservation work continues. Ways to Give: Donate via PayPal Donate via Square Mail a check payable to BRAW: and mail it to: Joanie Haugen 9773 Vermont Church Rd Black Earth, WI 53515 Every act of generosity makes a difference. Thank you for being part of this movement and for helping us protect Wisconsin’s bluebirds. With gratitude, Steve Sample President, BRAW BRAWs Invest in Feathers Campaign Investing in the conservation of bluebirds and other cavity nesters in Wisconsin is a vital step towards preserving our natural heritage. These birds play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of our ecosystems by controlling insect populations and aiding in plant pollination. By supporting BRAW' 2025 INVEST CAMPAIGN you are directly contributing to the protection and restoration of these beautiful species and their habitats. Your donations, no matter the size, help fund essential conservation efforts, including the installation and monitoring of nest boxes, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives. Every contribution makes a difference in ensuring that future generations can enjoy the vibrant presence of bluebirds in our environment. Join us in our mission to protect these precious birds and invest in a healthier, more biodiverse Wisconsin. Your support is invaluable, and together, we can make a lasting impact. Donate Today How You Can Help There are several meaningful ways to contribute to the "Invest in Feathers" campaign. You can make a one-time donation to provide immediate support for our conservation efforts. Note: For ongoing impact, we should consider consider setting up a recurring donation, which helps us plan and sustain long-term projects. We can also refine our in-design (by me) "honor the memory of a loved one with a memorial donation", ensuring their legacy supports the preservation of bluebirds. Additionally, we can add a "celebrate the life of someone special with a celebration donation", Examples of celebrations may include marking birthdays, anniversaries, or other milestones with a gift that makes a difference. Our motto for this drive at the end of the info is: Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us protect and restore the Eastern Bluebird population in Wisconsin. Webpage Outline for "Invest in Feathers" Campaign 1Hero Section Title: Invest in Feathers Subtitle: Support Bluebird Conservation in Wisconsin Call to Action: "Donate Now" button (linked to PayPal) 2. Introduction Heading: Why Invest in Feathers? Paragraph: We briefly explain the importance of bluebird conservation and how contributions make a difference. 3. Impact of Your Donation Heading: Your Impact Bullet Points: Installation and monitoring of nest boxes Educational programs and workshops Community outreach and engagement Research and conservation efforts 4. Success Stories Heading: Success Stories Paragraph: Share inspiring stories of how donations have positively impacted bluebird populations and habitats. Images: Include photos of bluebirds, volunteers, and successful projects. 5. How to Donate Heading: How You Can Help There are several meaningful ways to contribute to the "Invest in Feathers" campaign. We can have a few donation or contribution categories, including a one-time donation to provide immediate support for our conservation efforts. Note: For ongoing impact, we should consider consider setting up a recurring donation, which helps us plan and sustain long-term projects. We can also refine our in-design (by me) "honor the memory of a loved one with a memorial donation", ensuring their legacy supports the preservation of bluebirds. Additionally, we can add a "celebrate the life of someone special with a celebration donation", Examples of celebrations may include marking birthdays, anniversaries, or other milestones with a gift that makes a difference. Our motto for this drive at the end of the info is: Every contribution, no matter the size, help s us protect and restore the Eastern Bluebird population in Wisconsin. Paragraph: Explain the different ways to contribute, including one-time and recurring donations. Call to Action: "Invest in Feathers" button (linked to PayPal) 6. Donation Form Heading: Make a Donation Form Fields: Name Email Donation Amount Payment Method (linked to PayPal) 7. Volunteer and Membership Heading: Get Involved Paragraph: Encourage visitors to volunteer or become members of BRAW. Call to Action: "Join Us" button (linked to membership/volunteer page) 8. Contact Information Heading: Contact Us Paragraph: Provide contact details for any questions or further information. Contact Form: Simple form for inquiries 9. Footer Links: Quick links to other important pages (Home, About, Contact, etc.) Social Media Icons: Links to BRAW's social media profiles 10. Other I recommend that the Best Name for PayPal Button used to collect contributions: "Invest in Feathers" This name clearly communicates the purpose of the donation and aligns with the campaign's title, making it easy for donors to understand where their contributions are going. Please review this outline and provide me with your initial feedback - - no holds barred - meaning tell me the good, the bad, and the ugly of this Funding Campaign to increase our savings and enable additional Programs and conservation efforts also am thinking about creating podcasts of some of our presentations as well as some of those given at our convention provided the presenter agrees (Vai a signed statement to protect us from unintentional oversight of any applicable "legal/copyright issues). Ta ta for now! Andy I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. Come to our Booths No's. 1103, 1104, 1105 We'd like to meet you! Learn More About Wisconsin's Bluebirds The Garden & Landscaping Expo is a fun event for the whole family. Wisconsin Bluebird Newsletter Archive Welcome! BRAW is pleased to provide access to Wisconsin Bluebird newsletters published from 2016 thru 2022. Current year newsletters are not listed here because they are a benefit of membership. Inside each issue you will find association news, practical Bluebird information, articles, county coordinator activity reports, trail monitoring tips, fledging data, awards, photo contest outcomes, and more. Click on a newsletter cover or on a season listed below to open newsletter. Newsletter Archive 2019 Spring Summer Fall Winter 2018 Spring Summer Fall Winter 2017 Spring Summer Fall Winter 2016 Spring Summer Fall Winter 2020 Newsletters Spring 2020 Fall 2020 Summer 2020 Winter 2020
- Site Map | BRAW Current
Browse BRAW’s site map to find pages on membership, events, conservation resources, and contact information. Navigate easily and explore our full site. SITE MAP SHOP BRAW STORE ABOUT BRAW Board of Directors History, Mission, Vision Eastern Bluebirds 101 Newsletter Archive Photo Contest Winners Recognition Awards TO DO LIST – Quarterly Tasks Trail Monitor Report for 2021 BLUEBIRD ARTICLES BLUEBIRD RESOURCE LINKS American Birding Association Cornell Lab of Ornithology - The Eastern Bluebird Merlin - Identify Birds and Bird Songs National Audubon Society NestWatch - Where Birds Come to Life North American Bluebird Society Sialis - A-Z Bluebird Website BLUEBIRD TRAILS Monitoring A Trail Starting A Trail BRAW FORMS Donation EZ Nest Box Data Summary Report Form Field Activity Data Collection Forms Nest Box Data Report Forms BRAW LEADERSHIP & LIAISONS Elected & Appointed Officers Committee Chairpersons Liaisons CHILDREN’S BLUEBIRD LINKS Children's Bluebird Activity Book Sialis - Bluebird Knowledge Website CONTACT BRAW Contact/Send Message to BRAW COUNTY COORDINATORS Role What They Do List of County Coordinators FORMS Membership Application & Renewal Forms Print to Mail-In Forms Include: New Membership Membership Renewal Gift Membership Contribution Donation Online Forms Include: New Membership Membership Renewal Gift Membership Contribution Donation Nest box Data Report Forms Online EZ Summary Report Form Mail-in EZ summary Report Form Field Activity Data Collection Forms INDIVIDUAL Entry N est Box Weekly Field Record MULTIPLE Entry Nest Box Weekly Field Record Seasonal TO DO Task List Forms Winter Planning Task List (Covers December thru February) Spring Preparation Task List (Covers March thru May) Summer Support Task List (Covers June thru August) Fall Finish Task List (Covers September thru November) LEGAL Terms of Use Privacy Policy MEMBERSHIPS Becoming A Member Application and Renewal Forms . Payment Options NEST BOXES BRAW Recommended Next Box Three Eastern Bluebird Next Box Plans & Info Comparing Different Predator Guards Some Predator Guard Design Plans Dealing With Predators Managing Invasive Birds at Nest Boxes Managing Nest Box Competitors Nest Box Pairing Bluebird Next Box Monitoring Video NABS Style Nest Box Ideal Nest Box Placement Nest Box Troubleshooting Guide VISITOR SUBMITTED LINKS Hobbies at Home: A Guide to Birdwatching From Garden Shed to Wildlife Watching Room REFERENCE BOOKS Bluebird Books – 6 Examples shown BLUEBIRD ASSOCIATIONS & SOCIETIES Shop BRAW Store Shop BRAW Store N. BOX on Site Map
- Becoming a Member - Bluebird Restoration Association of Wisconsin -braw.org
Learn what BRAW membership offers, including conservation updates, trail monitoring support, and access to exclusive resources. Join a statewide network of bluebird enthusiasts. Becoming A Member Whether you’re a novice or an expert, we’ll guide you in attracting bluebirds to your yard or starting a trail. Join us to learn how! Unlock the Bluebird Experience: Discover What A BRAW Membership Offers As a member, you receive a quarterly newsletter, Wisconsin Bluebird, to share in its pages both success and failure stories by its members and other authors working to increase local bluebird populations. One of the most exciting and rewarding experience of being a member is to take care of a Bluebird Trail. Our BRAW members and this site are here to help you succeed. Recognizing Bluebird Habitat: Understand the signs of suitable bluebird environments. Identify open spaces, meadows, and edges near woodlands. Nest Box Construction and Placement: Build and position nest boxes correctly. Provide safe, elevated locations away from predators. Bluebird Defense Strategies: Shield bluebirds from threats like invasive species. Employ predator guards and monitor nest sites. Trail Monitoring Techniques: Regularly check nest boxes for activity. Record observations and address any issues. Handling Nest Failures: Recognize failed nests and take appropriate action. Learn from setbacks to improve conservation efforts. Best Practices from BRAW: Embrace our association’s proven methods. Collaborate with fellow bluebird enthusiasts! County Contacts Network: Connect statewide: Reach out to local experts who assist residents with bluebird challenges. Guidance and support: Tap into their knowledge for effective conservation efforts. Diverse Nesting Species: Beyond bluebirds: Explore the impact of other bird species using bluebird houses. Ecological context: Understand their role in the ecosystem. Bluebird Attraction Strategies: Yard or trail: Create inviting spaces for bluebirds. Habitat enhancement: Plant native vegetation and provide suitable nest sites. Population Monitoring: Annual trends: Contribute by recording and reporting bluebird populations. Data-driven conservation: Help shape informed decisions. Best Practices from BRAW: Embrace our association’s proven methods. Collaborate with fellow bluebird enthusiasts! Community Gatherings: Spring and autumn: Attend BRAW's Convention, including seminars and friendly meetings with fellow enthusiasts. Shared passion: Bond with friends and families over bluebird conservation Join Now! Membership Types There are several cost-effective membership opportunities for a new member to choose from. Open our membership menu to learn more.. Open Membership Menu How Do I Renew My Membership? To renew your membership or to become a new member of BRAW, click on the Membership button below. Renew Membership What Is Tax Deductible? The Bluebird Restoration Association of Wisconsin (BRAW) is a nonprofit organization incorporated under the laws of the State of Wisconsin. While your membership is not tax deductible, donations and other financial support to BRAW, Inc. qualify as a tax-deductible charity to the extent allowed by the law. Our Federal Tax-Exempt ID Number is: 52-1542503 Help Protect Wisconsin Bluebirds Your donation to BRAW's is appreciated and directly applied to support Bluebird Conservation in Wisconsin. Donate Today!
- Policies & Procedures | BRAW Current
POLICIES & PROCEDURES WEBSITE LOGIN SOP BY-LAWS PRIVACY POLICY WHISTLE BLOWER POLICY DISCLAIMER POLICY
- BRAW Forms Hub | BRAW Current
Membership Forms Get Online Membership Form Get Mail-In Membership Form BRAW Forms Hub Please check back soon! In the meantime, you can access active forms directly below. MAIL-IN Nesting Report Form Nesting Data Submission INDIVIDUAL Entry Nestbox Weekly Field Record MULTIPLE Nest Box Weekly Field Record Field Activity Collection Seasonal Task "To Do" Tasks Winter Tasks (December - February) Spring Tasks (March - May) Summer Tasks (June - August) Fall Tasks (September - November) Membership Forms Get Online Membership Form Get Mail-In Membership Form Membership Forms Get Online Membership Form Get Mail-In Membership Form BRAW Forms Hub Please check back soon! In the meantime, you can access active forms directly below. INDIVIDUAL Entry Nestbox Weekly Field Record MULTIPLE Nest Box Weekly Field Record Field Activity Collection Seasonal Task "To Do" Tasks Winter Tasks (December - February) Spring Tasks (March - May) Summer Tasks (June - August) Fall Tasks (September - November) Membership Forms Get Online Membership Form Get Mail-In Membership Form BRAW Forms Hub Page renovation in progress. Please check back soon! In the meantime, you can access active forms directly below. Membership Forms Get Mail-In Membership Form Get Online Membership Form Nesting Data Submission ONLINE 2025 Nesting Report Form MAIL-IN Nesting Report Form Field Activity Collection INDIVIDUAL Entry Nestbox Weekly Field Record MULTIPLE Nest Box Weekly Field Record Seasonal Task "To Do" Tasks Winter Tasks (December - February) Spring Tasks (March - May) Summer Tasks (June - August) Fall Tasks (September - November)
- Bluebird Video Library | BRAW Current
Watch educational videos on bluebird trail monitoring, nest box setup, predator control, and seasonal care. Curated by BRAW for new and experienced monitors. Bluebird Video Library Bluebird Basics & Cavity Nest Boxes
- History, Mission, Vision | BRAW Current
Our Mission To broaden the base of state residents who help Eastern Bluebirds and native cavity nesters by erecting, maintaining and monitoring nest boxes. Our Vision To maintain healthy and stable populations of Eastern Bluebirds and other native cavity nesters in the state. Code of Ethics BRAW members are encouraged to follow North American Bluebird Society (NABS) Code of Ethics encourages birders to protect wildlife, the natural environment, and the rights of others through a set of guidelines. Recent debates over posting rare bird locations, baiting, and the general question of harassment caused NABS to update these guidelines and address those concerns. Our History When BRAW was organized in 1986, it was estimated that the Eastern Bluebird population in its historic range had declined by 90% during the preceding 50 years due to changes in agriculture practices, competition from the House (English) Sparrow and European Starling, severe weather in its central and southern winter range, and the loss of nest sites, such as tree cavities and hollow wooden fence posts. BRAW works to bring to light the efforts of Wisconsin citizens who had been helping bluebirds in the past and those who have recently joined their ranks. Since 1994, BRAW has entered monitors’ data into a computer data base and as a result, through computer analysis of the data, it has gained great insights into the complexities of how management practices and box design affect bluebird population dynamics. Through workshops, the Annual Membership meeting, and through publication of research findings in the Wisconsin Bluebird newsletter, BRAW shares successful birding techniques while hopefully avoiding some of the mistakes painfully learned by earlier bluebird enthusiasts. BRAW seeks to expand public knowledge and enthusiasm for the Eastern Bluebird so that a growing number of people will have the desire to aid cavity nesters and have the knowledge about how to best accomplish this in their own communities. Quick Links Donate About Bluebirds & Resources Starting A Trail Give A Membership Gift County Coordinator List Newsletter Archive Become a member today! Renew Membership Online Shop BRAW Store Contact Us Histtory, Mission, Vision
- Online Membership Application Form | BRAW Current
Join BRAW or renew your membership online. This form supports new members, gift memberships, and donations to help protect Wisconsin’s bluebirds. ONLINE MEMBERSHIP FORM Use This Form to: Apply for Membership Renew Membership Give A Gift Membership Donate Today Form Filling Instructions 1. Fill-in the form below if you plan to apply, renew, or gift a BRAW Membership, and pay online. 2. Fill-in the contact information blanks 3. When done - review entries, then if OK click SUBMIT, and wait a second for payment page to appear. 4. Please answer all questions on payment page by using black arrow at end of response box. 5. Click to pay using your credit card or PayPal. Buy Now Part 1- Provide Your Contact Information Fields marked with an * are required. First Name Last Name Street Address City State Zip / Post Code County Email Phone Number Part 2 - Membership Preference Use Checkbox to Select Desired Membership * Required Gift Annual Membership (Online subscription is emailed to your gift recipient) - $10 USD Student/Teacher Annual Membership (Online WB Newsletter included) - $15 USD Annual Membership (Online WB Newsletter included) - $20 USD 2 Year Annual Membership (Online WB Newsletter included) - $ 40 USD 3 Year Annual Membership (Online (WB Newsletter is mailed) - $60 USD Individual or FamilyMembership (WB Newsletter is mailed) - 25 USD 2 Year Individual or Family Membership (WB Newsletter is mailed) - $50 USD 3 Year Individual or Family Membership (WB Newsletter is mailed) - $75 USD Life Membership - $300 USD Part 3 - Identify Membership Type Note: You cannot gift yourself a membership. Nature of the Membership * Required This is a RENEWAL Membership. This is a NEW Membership. This is a GIFT Membership. Enter name, address, and email of gift recipient. Use this space to enter a message to gift recipient. Submit Form Your membership form has been received. Please wait for the payment to appear on screen. Your content has been submitted Whoops! Something went wrong! Give it another try a little later! Revised 3.29.25.agr Your content has been submitted Your content has been submitted