Birds and Astronomy

Join the Academy for a special evening learning about migratory birds and stargazing at Newport State Park in Door County. Amanda Tokuyama, GIS & Field Data Manager with the Urban Ecology Center will help unravel the mystery of bird migration. She will answer such questions as: Why do birds migrate? How do they find their way? What can people do to help migratory bird populations in Wisconsin? Why do songbirds migrate at night? And…do birds really use the stars to migrate?

Newport State Park is an internationally recognized Dark Sky Park, an honor given to land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights. After Amanda Tokuyama’s talk on bird migration, Dr. Robert Mathieu, Albert E. Whitford Professor at UW-Madison, will guide attendees through a tour of the night sky (weather permitting) and share stories about the constellations. As we observe the Milky Way and other features of the night sky, we will listen for migrating songbirds and imagine what it is like to navigate long distances using the stars to fly your way south.

Accessibility Note: Please wear attire and footwear appropriate for walking and the forecasted weather. Marked blacktop paths lead to the beach and shelter building. There are pit toilets and viewing areas with telescope pads. The main Night Sky Viewing Area, once off the path, is uneven grass and sand.