The Noel J. Cutright Bird Club, in cooperation with the Western Great Lakes Bird and Bat Observatory, will host its 15th annual “Big Sit!” at Forest Beach Migratory Preserve (address below), five miles north of Port Washington. The count will begin at 6 a.m. on the Bill Cowart Memorial Hawk Watch Platform at the northeast corner of the preserve. If the simple joy of birding is not enough to attract your participation, those arriving for the early morning shift will find bagels and donuts on hand. BYO on beverages. Not an early bird yourself? Arrive anytime and stay as long as you can. An on-site port-a-potty is present for your comfort and convenience.

“Big Sit!” events are held at multiple locations each Fall in Wisconsin as part of an annual, international, noncompetitive birding event held during the second weekend in October. The “Big Sit!” is like a “Big Day” or a birdathon in that the object is to tally as many species as can be seen or heard within 24 hours. The difference lies in the area limitation from which you may observe. Some people have called it a “tailgate party for birders.” The Sit’s 17-foot circle is on the perfectly-sized hawk watch platform at Forest Beach Migratory Preserve (4970 Country Club Rd., Port Washington), one of the largest tracts of open land remaining in Ozaukee County along Lake Michigan. Since 2007, birders have recorded a total of 262 species at Forest Beach. The 116-acre site and its unique location and geography make it a great place to stage a Big Sit. Join us for a half- hour, or a half-day, or more – whatever suits your fancy and your schedule!

All ages welcome! Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Free to attend | Pre-registration is not required.