(May 30, 2025) –A Hudsonian Godwit feeds on an open mudflat more than halfway on its migration journey across the Western Hemisphere from the tip of South America to the Arctic tundra. Tom Prestby, Conservation Manager of Wisconsin for Audubon Great Lakes, counts the species (a favorite of his) for a bird survey he is conducting, and remains in awe of the journey this and other species endure twice per year and the challenges they endure throughout. A lifelong bird enthusiast, Prestby was recently recognized for his outstanding contributions to bird conservation in Wisconsin by the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology (WSO).
On May 16, 2025, the WSO presented Prestby with the Noel J. Cutright Conservation Award, at the 83rd annual convention at the Stoney Creek Inn in Onalaska, Wisconsin, which brought together birders, researchers and conservationists for a weekend of presentations and community building. Coincidentally, just across the Mississippi River is the bluff in La Crescent, Minnesota where Prestby became infatuated with birds at a very young age. He would watch eagles soar on thermals and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and orioles visit his grandparents bird feeders, which ultimately led him to building a bird feeder with his grandpa. He’s been birding ever since.
Named after Dr. Noel J. Cutright, a prominent Wisconsin ornithologist and conservationist, the award recognized Prestby's conservation work on behalf of endangered and threatened species—like the Great Lakes Piping Plover. In 2016, Prestby was completing his Master of Science from University of Wisconsin-Green Bay when he discovered breeding Great Lakes Piping Plovers in Lower Green Bay, for the first time in 75 years! Now, almost a decade later, Prestby continues his work with Green Bay’s Piping Plovers through his role at Audubon Great Lakes, where he works with US Fish and Wildlife and other partners to track the movement, survival, and reproductive success of the species.
Prestby is also working to protect our region’s vulnerable marsh birds. He oversees Audubon’s major wetland restoration initiatives in Wisconsin’s Green Bay region and St. Louis River Estuary region, to reestablish the habitat that marsh birds like the American Bittern depend on.
“Knowing that I play a role in protecting birds and making others aware of them gives me pride and affirms that this is what I am supposed to be doing.” - Tom Prestby, Conservation Manager of Wisconsin, Audubon Great Lakes
The award also recognized work educating the public on bird conservation issues, something Prestby has a lot of experience with. He helped launch Audubon’s Conservation Ranching program in Wisconsin, which works with producers to enhance grassland bird habitat on privately owned lands to benefit species like the Bobolink.
Tom is the first to recognize that his path was shaped with the help of others. He credits several mentors in the Wisconsin birding community and throughout his career journey, whose time and energy have brought him to where he is today—working with Audubon Great Lakes. He is well aware that there is a lot more to accomplish in conservation for birds and people and one of his biggest goals is to mentor new bird watchers who will become our next generation of conservationists, working towards a future where both people and birds can thrive.
At the heart of this work is the power of communities coming together, offering support and creating a lasting impact on the birds and habitats they care for. Outside of his role at Audubon, Tom has served as a key figure in the Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas II and continues to support both state and national bird surveys. He chairs the Important Bird Area (IBA) Committee for Wisconsin Bird Conservation Partnership (WBCP) and serves on the Board of Directors for Northeastern Wisconsin Bird Alliance, a local chapter advancing bird conservation, education, and citizen science across northeastern Wisconsin. He also plays an active role in public engagement, including raising over $15,000 through the Great Wisconsin Birdathon and guiding fundraising field trips for Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin (NRF).
- Alexis Ramirez, Communications Intern, Audubon Great Lakes
