Birds and Astronomy

Join the Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters for a special evening learning about migratory birds and stargazing at Newport State Park. 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?

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.

Please note:

• This is an outdoor, nighttime program; dress for the conditions.
• There is a short walk along a paved path to access the program venue.
• There is no seating; bring a chair or blanket.
• Bring a flashlight with a red lens cover. (In the dark sky park, bright white light is highly discouraged.)

Talk: 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Stargazing: 8:00pm to 9:00pm

Location: Dark Sky Viewing Area (Lot 3) at Newport
(follow the asphalt path to the shelter building)

This event is free, but the Academy would like you to register. You can do that here.

All programs are free, but a state park admission sticker is required on all vehicles.
Some programs are weather related, so check with the park if you have any questions.

Newport State Park, 475 County Road NP, Ellison Bay, WI 54210 Ph. 920-854-2500