Welcome to the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin!
The BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin celebrating Black Birders Week 2026 at Piece of Mined Acres. Photo by Dexter Patterson
Mission Statement: The BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin creates safe spaces for people of color in the outdoors through outdoor birding activities and events. Individuals and families of all ages and at any level of birding experience are invited and encouraged to join us, BIPOC and allies alike.
About the Club: The BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin was established in 2021 as a community of people of color who love the outdoors, the birds, and the beauty of natural Wisconsin, and who wish to connect with others who share the same passion.
While the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin seeks to promote outdoor birding activities and outdoor experiences for people of color, anyone who shares and supports our values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access for all are welcome to join this group. We are family-friendly, and people of all ages are invited and encouraged to join us.
Experience and knowledge are not required. What is important is having a desire and willingness to see and learn about Wisconsin's birds, animals, and plants, and to explore its beauty with others who share the same passion and curiosity, in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.
If you’re interested in having us present for your organization, meeting, or event, please see our Speaking Requests page.
We are proud to partner and collaborate with the Feminist Bird Club - Madison chapter, the Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance (formerly Madison Audubon), Wisconsin Metro Audubon Society, the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin, and NOCS Provisions.
Photo by Hedi LaMarr Rudd
Known on social media as the Wisco Birder, Dexter Patterson (he/him), our co-founder, is on a mission to spread joy and make birdwatching welcoming to all. With his energetic and engaging videos, Dexter has captured the hearts of birding enthusiasts and newcomers, amassing millions of views on Instagram and beyond. His signature “You Ready? Let’s Go!” videos showcase stunning birds, breathtaking photography, and Dexter’s infectious passion for the outdoors.
Whatever your story, the way you tell it online can make all the difference. As the co-host of the popular Bird Joy Podcast, Dexter amplifies diverse voices and shares the beauty and importance of birding with a global audience. A champion for inclusion, he co-founded the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin to create a safe and welcoming space for BIPOC birders in the Madison community, across Wisconsin, and beyond.
Dexter’s work is a testament to his belief that birding is for everyone, and he’s dedicated to inspiring others to find joy in nature, one bird at a time.
Photo by Judith Huf.
Rita Flores Wiskowski (she/her) is one of the club’s Milwaukee Area Coordinators and founding members.
She is an avid birder and citizen science enthusiast. She also serves on the board of the Wisconsin Metro Audubon Society, where she has been responsible for creating diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Her goal is to help to make birding safe and accessible for everyone. One of her biggest joys is to be with someone as they discover the joy and excitement of birding for the first time.
Rita believes that the more voices and experiences we bring to this hobby, the better our enjoyment will be, the stronger our conservation efforts will be, and the more promising our future will be.
Sean (they/them) is the Club Lead Administrator at the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin.
They are a Wisconsin Master Naturalist, former K-12 music teacher, absolute science nerd, and fledgling birder who loves picking the brains of so many kind and knowledgeable nature lovers!
They have a lifelong joy of helping students feel safe and welcomed, and they hope to contribute to that same atmosphere with the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin. Connecting with community has been a life-changing experience that they hope to share with as many people as possible.
Sean studies math as a career change between events and enjoys clicker-training two fluffy house cats.
Photo of a belt bag with not enough bird pins, club knit hat, and sunglasses.
A comic created by Freya McGregor (Instagram: @the.ot.birder), capturing an experience members of the BIPOC Birding Club had in northern Wisconsin this summer. Our club is creating community for birders who are otherwise made felt unwelcome in the birding world.
Join us on Instagram
