Dexter Patterson is a University of Wisconsin-Madison professor and huge bird nerd who wants everyone to experience the joy of birding. In fact, the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, which Dexter co-founded, recently won the Wisconsin Governor’s Outdoor Industry Big Tent Award. This honor recognizes how the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin has created a welcoming environment for new and diverse audiences. On social media, Dexter is known as the Wisco Birder; view his online platform for his dynamic “You Ready? Let’s Go!” videos and vivid photography. He also co-hosts the Bird Joy Podcast with Jason Hall, conducting inspiring interviews and powerful discussions around birding, conservation, and inclusivity. To top it off, Birds of the Great Lakes is Dexter’s debut book, a practical, accessible field guide that covers 150+ species in the Great Lakes region – perfect for anyone living in the Chicagoland area. For the 2026 Urban Birding Festival, Dexter is the keynote presenter during Birds and Brews as well as a trip leader for two bird outings.
Photo of Dexter Patterson, provided by Dexter Patterson
The Chicago Bird Alliance had the incredible opportunity to interview Dexter, and we are thrilled to share his responses below!
1. What are you looking forward to at the festival?
Thank you so much for having me! I always tell people that birding isn't about the birds, and they look at me almost shocked. You're the Bird Guy; what do you mean it's not about the birds? My answer is always the same: it's the community! I'm really looking forward to seeing all my fellow Bird Nerds, and of course, I'm excited about the birds too. It's peak fall migration, so it should be a fantastic weekend of birding!
2. What specifically about birds draws and holds your attention?
It's the wonder! It's the lifelong learning and their incredible diversity. Birds are among the most diverse in the natural world, and I truly believe the birding community should reflect the birds we all love.
3. How did you decide what was important to share in the fun facts section in your guide?
I really wanted the field guide to feel like a text version of one of my "You Ready? Let's Go!" videos, so each bird ID is laid out the way I would film one. The fun facts are the hook! They're what draw people in and, hopefully, give them a reason to pay a little more attention to the birds around them.
4. How should Birds of the Great Lakes be used alongside tools like Merlin and other field guides?
Tools like the Merlin Bird ID app and other field guides are great learning resources, and they work best together! Sometimes you just need confirmation on an ID, and having multiple tools can help you complete that puzzle.
5. What is the equivalent to Bird Joy in the classroom? What do you want your students to take away?
I'm so lucky to teach the future scientists and researchers of the world how to communicate their work to the public! For me, the joy comes in so many ways. It's the connection and energy from my students, and it's pouring into them, making each one feel heard and seen. I take real pride in learning their names. I love mentoring and writing letters of recommendation for graduate school, scholarships, or internships, and I especially love when students keep in touch and share the amazing things they're doing. And as a science communicator, I get to talk about birds quite a bit, which is awesome. I do warn them at the beginning of the semester, though, LOL!
One of the most important things I want my students to take away from my courses and from their higher education journey as a whole is clarity. I encourage them to think critically, sift and winnow, and pay attention to the coursework that resonates with them. That’s where you start to find alignment. Alignment is a major key to success and, most importantly, to fulfillment. The journey matters, and sometimes we worry too much about the final destination. We learn so much about ourselves along the way, but just like birding, we have to pay attention!
6. What would you say to people who say they don't have time to bird?
We always have time to bird! And in this hectic world, we should always find time to slow down. It may just be a morning walk around your neighborhood or a walk on your lunch break. Heck, even while driving your car (safely, though, LOL)! To me, birding is simply paying attention to the birds around you. It doesn't have to be an official event or happen at some special place.
7. What future project or engagement excites you the most?
I recently turned in the manuscript for my second book, and I'm super excited about it! It's more of a memoir about how birds have been part of my life all along. That's all I can share right now, but I'm so proud of it. And Season 5 of the Bird Joy Podcast will kick off in late fall or early winter, so stay tuned!
A huge thank you from the CBA to Dexter for his time! Check out his website to learn more about his work.