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Dexter Patterson aka Wisco Birder

@wiscobirder.bsky.social

All about Bird Joy! Co-founder BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, Author of Birds of the Great Lakes, Co-host Bird Joy Podcast. You Ready? Let’s GO! #WiscoBirder 🪶🫶🏾

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Dexter Patterson aka Wisco Birder @wiscobirder.bsky.social · 5h ago

12 days of peaceful protest. Mayor hold my beer. War zone activated. Assault peaceful protesters and destroy memorial of man same police murdered. Ahh, normalcy.

Dexter Patterson aka Wisco Birder @wiscobirder.bsky.social · 18h ago

Madison is often described as a liberal city. Liberal is defined as “favoring reform, open to new ideas, and tolerant of the ideas and behavior of others. Not bound by traditional thinking. Broad-minded.” I call BS!!!!!!

Dexter Patterson aka Wisco Birder @wiscobirder.bsky.social · yesterday

Who wants to help me find the Great Blue Heron? You Ready? Let’s Go!!! #WiscoBirder 📷👐🏾💙🪶

Dexter Patterson aka Wisco Birder @wiscobirder.bsky.social · 6d ago

By a show of hands, how many of you can hear this photo? #WiscoBirder 🙋🏽‍♂️🤣🫶🏾🪶

A male Red-winged Blackbird perches among lush green prairie plants and yellow wildflowers with its beak open mid-song. Its glossy black plumage contrasts with its vivid red-and-yellow shoulder patches, while the softly blurred green background highlights the bird in warm morning light.

Dexter Patterson aka Wisco Birder @wiscobirder.bsky.social · last wk.

Today we gathered for a Healing Hike. Our community is hurting after the death of Corey Ruiz, but community and nature remind us that we don’t have to carry grief alone. Protect your peace. Hold onto your joy. #RIPCoreyRuiz ❤️‍🩹

A diverse group of 14 people stands together on a wooden overlook beside a calm lake during a sunny morning. Many are wearing binoculars around their necks, hiking clothes, and broad smiles, suggesting a community birding or nature outing. Trees line the shoreline in the background beneath a blue sky dotted with fluffy white clouds, creating a peaceful setting. The group stands close together, conveying a sense of connection, support, and shared time outdoors.

Dexter Patterson aka Wisco Birder @wiscobirder.bsky.social · 2w ago

How are you spending your Saturday? 🪶🫶🏾

Dexter Patterson aka Wisco Birder @wiscobirder.bsky.social · 2w ago

Birds & Bats at Dawn was another success! 🦇🐦 400+ Little Brown Bats, an incredible dawn chorus, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, and a surprise Big Tent Award from the Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation for our work creating welcoming outdoor spaces. Best flock ever. 🥹

Dexter Patterson aka Wisco Birder @wiscobirder.bsky.social · 2w ago

Talked about Bird Joy on NPR yesterday! 🫶🏾🪶 www.wpr.org/shows/the-le...

Returning unclaimed property; history of dairy research; and the joy of inclusive birding

The state is trying to return $800 million in unclaimed money and property. Maybe some of it is yours. Then, we look back on the 40-year history of the Center for Dairy Research. And we talk about mak...

wpr.org

Dexter Patterson aka Wisco Birder @wiscobirder.bsky.social · 3w ago

This morning I woke up to something magical. Unfortunately, it was accompanied by wildfire smoke. 🫶🏾🪶

Dexter Patterson aka Wisco Birder @wiscobirder.bsky.social · 4w ago

Who wants to help me find the Common Yellowthroat Warbler? You Ready? Let’s GO!!! #WiscoBirder 📷👐🏾🫶🏾🪶

Dexter Patterson aka Wisco Birder @wiscobirder.bsky.social · 4w ago

I still can’t believe I did this! #PublishedAuthor 📗🪶🥹

A display of nature field guides on a wooden bookstore shelf. Centered is a green book titled Best Little Book of Birds: Birds of the Great Lakes by Dexter Patterson, standing upright on a small white display stand. Surrounding it are other field guides, including Birds of Wisconsin Field Guide, Birding for Beginners: Midwest, Insects & Bugs of North America, Butterflies of the Midwest, Nests and Eggs of North American Backyard Birds, and Know Your Pollinators. The arrangement highlights the Birds of the Great Lakes guide among a curated collection of birding and nature books.

Dexter Patterson aka Wisco Birder @wiscobirder.bsky.social · 4w ago

Which one is your favorite? Photos by Sharon Vanorny 📷😎🫶🏾

Dexter Patterson aka Wisco Birder @wiscobirder.bsky.social · 4w ago

The Dickcissel is one of my absolute favorite grassland birds! 🫶🏾🪶

A close-up photograph of a singing male Dickcissel perched on a bare branch against a soft blue sky. Its bill is open mid-song, revealing its bright yellow eyebrow, yellow throat, black V-shaped bib, warm chestnut shoulder patch, and intricately patterned brown wings. The bird faces slightly to the right, with sunlight highlighting the fine feather detail.

A male Dickcissel perches quietly on a slender branch with its bill closed, facing slightly right. The bird’s bright yellow eyebrow and throat, black bib, rich chestnut shoulder patch, and crisp brown wing feathers stand out against a pale blue, cloudless sky. Its relaxed posture contrasts with the singing pose in the previous image.

A portrait of a male Dickcissel perched on the same bare branch, gazing to the right with its bill closed. Fine feather detail is visible throughout its brown back and wings, while its vivid yellow eyebrow, yellow throat, black bib, and chestnut shoulder patch create a striking contrast against the clean blue sky. The bird appears calm and alert in bright natural light.

Dexter Patterson aka Wisco Birder @wiscobirder.bsky.social · last mo.

We’re a land of immigrants. It’s what makes us GREAT!!!! USA USA USA USA USA USA USA 🇺🇸 www.newsweek.com/map-shows-us...

Map shows US World Cup team's immigrant backgrounds

Twelve of the 26 players on the American national team at the World Cup have immigrant or diasporic roots across eight countries.

newsweek.com

Dexter Patterson aka Wisco Birder @wiscobirder.bsky.social · last mo.

PSA: It’s baby bird season and I wanted to share a video of some newly fledged American Robins. I know a lot of times people see these fledged birds and think something is wrong with them. They’re OK! Mom and Dad are nearby and will take care of them. 🐥🫶🏾🪶

Dexter Patterson aka Wisco Birder @wiscobirder.bsky.social · last mo.

We’re incredibly honored to receive the 2026 Big Tent Award from the Wisconsin Governor’s Outdoor Industry Awards. This recognition belongs to every member, volunteer, partner, and supporter who has helped us prove that birding is for everyone. 🫶🏾 www.outdoorrecreation.wi.gov/our-industry...

Dexter Patterson aka Wisco Birder @wiscobirder.bsky.social · last mo.

Here are a couple of pics of the Black-billed Cuckoo Homies from our latest adventure. Of course my camera locked in on the tree branches instead of the bird in the last photo right before the birds disappeared again. 📷👐🏾🫶🏾🪶

A Black-billed Cuckoo perches among pale gray branches in early spring vegetation. The bird’s warm brown plumage, long tail, pale throat, and bright red eye-ring are clearly visible as it looks to the right.

A Black-billed Cuckoo moves through the upper branches of a willow tree, partially obscured by narrow green leaves. The bird stretches forward along a branch, showing its long tail, pale underparts, slender dark bill, and red eye-ring.

A Black-billed Cuckoo rests quietly among leafless shrubs. The bird faces slightly toward the camera, showing its buffy-brown upperparts, white throat, long tail, and distinctive red eye-ring.

Dexter Patterson aka Wisco Birder @wiscobirder.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Who wants to help me find the Black-billed Cuckoo? You Ready? Let’s GO!!! #WiscoBirder 🫶🏾🪶

Dexter Patterson aka Wisco Birder @wiscobirder.bsky.social · 2mo ago

As exciting as spring migration is, it's always bittersweet because it feels like it's over in an instant. Safe travels, little homies. See ya'll in the fall! Blackburnian Warbler, Middleton, WI, 5-18-26 #WiscoBirder 🫶🏾🪶

brightly colored male Blackburnian Warbler perches on a budding tree branch against a clear blue sky. The small songbird’s vivid orange throat and face contrast with its black-and-white striped head, dark wings, and white underparts. Fresh green leaves and flower clusters surround the bird as it forages among the spring growth. Sunlight illuminates the scene, highlighting the warbler’s striking plumage and the vibrant colors of the season.

Dexter Patterson aka Wisco Birder @wiscobirder.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Day 7 of #BlackBirdersWeek was spent at Havenwoods State Forest. Havenwoods is a hidden gem in the middle of a predominately Black Milwaukee community. One of my favorites for sure. Thank you for another amazing week, @blackafinstem.bsky.social! #WiscoBirder 🫶🏾🪶

Group portrait of Black Birders Week participants standing together in a wooded area at Havenwoods State Forest. Adults and children smile toward the camera, many wearing matching Black Birders Week shirts and carrying binoculars. Tall pine trees form a natural backdrop, highlighting the sense of community and connection in nature.

A young participant wearing a blue Sonic the Hedgehog hat works on an owl pellet investigation activity while an adult observes and offers guidance. The educational workshop takes place indoors and encourages curiosity about bird anatomy and ecology.

Birders pause along a grassy trail to observe wildlife during a Black Birders Week outing. Several participants point toward something of interest in the landscape while others raise binoculars or cameras. The group is surrounded by lush vegetation and young trees on a sunny day.

A large group of birders walks along a wide gravel path through a green natural area under a bright blue sky. Participants of all ages wear binoculars and Black Birders Week shirts as they enjoy a guided birding experience together.

Dexter Patterson aka Wisco Birder @wiscobirder.bsky.social · 2mo ago

I spent almost four hours birding at one of my favorite spots and heard the Canada Warbler sing several times. As I was leaving, this homie popped out for a couple of seconds to say Hi. 📷👐🏾🫶🏾🪶 #wiscobirder #canadawarbler #warbler #warblers #springmigration

A bright yellow male Canada Warbler peeks from behind a tree trunk in a woodland setting. The bird’s distinctive black necklace-like streaks across its chest, dark gray head, and bold white eye ring are visible as it clings to the side of the trunk. Several branches frame the scene, while the soft blue and green background creates a smooth, out-of-focus backdrop that highlights the warbler’s vivid colors.

Dexter Patterson aka Wisco Birder @wiscobirder.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Today we celebrated Day 5 of Black Birders Week at the Milwaukee County Zoo. #BlackBirdersWeek 🫶🏾🪶

A smiling man wearing binoculars stands beside two young girls near a sign celebrating Black Birders Week inspiration. The girls smile and explore the area outside at the zoo on a sunny day.

Two children examine a large bird feather while standing in the woods during a hands-on nature activity with other participants nearby.

A young girl kneels near a sign honoring Sierra Taliaferro during Black Birders Week while another child stands nearby outdoors at the zoo.

Children and volunteers walk together along a wooded trail during a birding hike, surrounded by green trees and tall grass on a sunny day.

Dexter Patterson aka Wisco Birder @wiscobirder.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Good morning and Happy Day 4 of #BlackBirdersWeek! This morning I just want to encourage you all to take care of yourself! And I want you to know that there’s a lot of Bird Joy waiting for you outside! I love this flock and I hope you have an amazing day. #WiscoBirder 🫶🏾🪶

Dexter Patterson aka Wisco Birder @wiscobirder.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Day 3 of #BlackBirdersWeek reminded me how much habitat birds have lost to development. Yesterday brought Bird Joy: a Mallard family on the lake, a singing female Red-winged Blackbird, a proud Grackle, and a Green Heron posing perfectly. Plant natives. Volunteer. Advocate. #WiscoBirder 🖤

A Green Heron stands in shallow water covered in bright green algae and aquatic vegetation. The bird’s chestnut neck, dark green back, and sharp yellow eye are illuminated by sunlight as it carefully watches the water for prey.

A female Mallard swims across calm water with four fuzzy ducklings closely surrounding her. The ducklings paddle beside their mother while soft reflections ripple across the lake surface.

A female Red-winged Blackbird looks directly toward the camera while perched in leafy green branches. Her streaked brown feathers and warm orange tones on the face are illuminated by sunlight.

A Common Grackle perches among tall green grasses and wetland plants. The bird’s glossy black feathers shimmer with iridescent blue tones around its head and neck.

Dexter Patterson aka Wisco Birder @wiscobirder.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Day 2 of #BlackBirdersWeek is all about Migration 🌎 Migration is one of my favorite times of the year. Birds endure storms, exhaustion, predators, light pollution, habitat loss, and thousands of miles… yet they arrive and they sing. 🎶🥹🪶 #BlackInNature #BirdJoy #Birding #WiscoBirder

A smiling man stands outside in bright sunlight wearing a navy blue sweatshirt that reads “migration is an earth right” surrounded by illustrations of birds in flight. He points toward the sweatshirt while wearing a navy conservation leadership hat and a watch.

Dexter Patterson aka Wisco Birder @wiscobirder.bsky.social · 2mo ago

What a beautiful way to kick off #BlackBirdersWeek! Huge thank you to Christopher Kilgour and Color In The Outdoors for the incredible hospitality. We spent the day hiking, birding, sharing stories, building community, honoring Black Excellence, and reconnecting with nature. #FlocksWeLove 🐦‍⬛🪶🖤

Large group photo of Black Birders Week participants gathered outdoors on a sunny day in a grassy field surrounded by tall green trees and a bright blue sky. Adults, teens, and children stand together smiling at the camera, many wearing matching Black Birders Week shirts and binoculars around their necks. The image captures a joyful, multigenerational community celebrating nature, birding, and connection.

Group of Black Birders Week participants standing together in a grassy clearing surrounded by lush green trees under a clear blue sky. Many people are holding binoculars up to their eyes while others smile and laugh. The group includes adults and children wearing matching Black Birders Week shirts, creating a playful and energetic moment centered around birding, community, and outdoor joy.

A large group of Black Birders Week participants walk together along a grassy trail on a sunny day surrounded by lush green trees. In the foreground, a man with an afro carries a camera while looking up toward the trees. Adults and children of different ages follow behind him, many wearing matching Black Birders Week shirts. The image captures a peaceful and joyful multigenerational nature walk.

Black Birders Week participants stand together in a shaded forest clearing looking up into the trees with binoculars and cameras. One person holds a large telephoto lens pointed toward the canopy while others scan for birds overhead. Sunlight filters through the trees, creating a calm and immersive birding scene centered around community and connection with nature.

Dexter Patterson aka Wisco Birder @wiscobirder.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Day 1 of Black Birders Week was incredible! #FlocksWeLove 🫶🏾🪶

Dexter Patterson aka Wisco Birder @wiscobirder.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Happy Black Birders Week! 🫶🏾

A smiling man stands outside in front of green shrubs and a red house, pointing down at his white “Black Birders Week” t-shirt that reads “We Bird. We Belong.” He is wearing a green hat with a bird design, a wedding ring, and posing in a sunny backyard garden setting.

Dexter Patterson aka Wisco Birder @wiscobirder.bsky.social · 3mo ago

My Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters office is pretty sweet tonight! Sold out Joy Harjo show at the Overture Center for the Arts. 😎

A smiling man wearing glasses, a gray blazer, and a white shirt takes a selfie backstage at a live event production setup. Behind him are multiple monitors, laptops, and video switchers showing a speaker at a podium on stage. The room is dimly lit with warm lighting, giving a behind the scenes look at the event livestream production.

A production crew member operates video and livestream equipment backstage during a live event. Multiple monitors display a speaker in a bright pink outfit at a podium on stage. Laptops, switchers, cables, and communication gear fill the control area beside the theater stage entrance.

A wide view of a theater audience attending a live speaking event. A speaker stands at a podium on a stage lit with blue and purple lighting while attendees fill the lower and upper seating areas. Two empty chairs sit on stage beside a large projection screen.

Dexter Patterson aka Wisco Birder @wiscobirder.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Some birds I hear way more than I see. The Blue-headed Vireo is definitely one of those birds. I was so excited to get a decent picture of this little Homie. #WiscoBirder 💙🪶

A Blue-headed Vireo perches among thin tree branches and fresh green spring leaves beneath a bright blue sky. The bird shows a soft blue-gray head, olive-green back, pale yellow sides, crisp white throat, and bold white “spectacles” around its dark eye while leaning downward along the branch.