Can’t Make It to the Camargue Region? Try This Wisconsin Alternative

If you’ve spent any amount of time scrolling through social media, you’ve likely seen the ongoing jokes that millennials are getting more and more into birding. For many aspiring birders, a bucket list trip is the Camargue region of France. However, the price tag for a flight to France this summer may be a bit out of budget. Instead, we’ve come up with a fantastic alternative: the Open Door Bird Sanctuary in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. 

The 34-acre sanctuary is home to 20 non-releasable birds. These birds found their way to the Open Door Bird Sanctuary through a variety of means, but primarily due to an injury that made returning to the wild too dangerous for them. There are a variety of species here, but my favorites were Gracie and Blackbird, the two Great Horned Owls. Of course, Radar the Barred Owl was particularly cute with his brown and white feathers. Generally, the birds found at the sanctuary are native to northeast Wisconsin and the Door County area. 

The bird sanctuary is operated almost entirely by volunteers. The team frequently offers public tours, but I recommend booking a private tour for $60. The guides are incredibly passionate about their work with the birds, and that joy shines through on a private tour. During your tour, you'll meet many of the birds and learn their individual stories. Plus, your $60 goes directly toward caring for these feathered friends.

In addition to exploring the various bird exhibits, there are two miles of trails to explore. Spread across three routes, each of these paths is fairly flat and considered easy, making them good for families with small children. Throughout the year, the Open Door Bird Sanctuary hosts a variety of educational events. Some recent events include Raptor Saturdays, Medieval Hunters, and library programs.

If you fall in love with a particular bird, you can participate in the sanctuary's "adoption" program. The Adopt a Raptor program allows individuals to sponsor a specific bird for one year, helping to cover the cost of care and food. In addition to feeling good about supporting these majestic creatures, adopters receive an official adoption certificate.

The sanctuary is committed not only to rescuing and rehabilitating injured birds but also to educating the public on how they can help protect these creatures and their habitats. Through events, adoption programs, and educational opportunities, the Open Door Bird Sanctuary strives to inspire a love for nature and promote responsible stewardship of our environment. 

While French birding may be on the docket for next year, a trip to the Open Door Bird Sanctuary is just as exciting. As you get up close and personal with these raptors, you can feel good knowing that your visit is financially supporting the care of these creatures. What other under-the-radar spots should we check out in Wisconsin? Let us know by filling out our nomination form. 

Cait was hosted by the Open Door Bird Sanctuary as part of their trip to Door County. All opinions and thoughts expressed in this content are their own.