Schlitz Audubon Gala

Every year, Schlitz Audubon outside of Milwaukee hosts a fundraising gala. The director of development contacted me as they were looking for a volunteer photographer for the event. I jumped at the chance! I love animals and have already worked with several rescue organizations, so I was excited to participate in the Audubon’s event.

The event began with the raptors of Schlitz Audubon outside greeting the guests. I’ll be honest: this was the best part of the event for me. I was enraptured by these beautiful birds and envious of the handlers. It made me wish I had gone to school to work with wildlife!

Tallulah the turkey vulture was at the end of the walkway to welcome the guests as they exited their cars. She was loving the early evening sunshine!

Tallulah the turkey vulture

Next guests encountered screech owl Baron von Screech. The Baron had been hit by a car and rescued by Schlitz, where it was determined his eye needed to be removed. This little guy was by far my favorite of the birds I met.

Baron von Screech

The next greeter was Cutright the Peregrine Falcon.

Cutright the Peregrine Falcon

Flanking the end of the walk were Valkyrie the bald eagle and Nicco the broad winged hawk.

Valkyrie the bald eagle

Valkyrie with his handler Madelyn

Nicco the broad winged hawk

Guests spent the cocktail hour participating in a silent auction before sitting down to dinner.

Dinner was followed by a live auction. During the cocktail hour and auction, more birds joined the party.

Loki the American crow helping with donations

The talented auctioneer

Orion the barred owl with Madelyn

Tskili the great horned owl with handler Lindsay

It was a wonderful and successful evening. I hope to be invited to participate in the future!

For more information on the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center visit https://www.schlitzaudubon.org/