Wisconsin
div>* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 07 December 2005
* WIMA0512.07
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Tundra Swan
BLACK SCOTER
Fox Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
NORTHERN SHRIKE
Lapland Longspur
Snow Bunting
CAROLINA WREN
Red-shouldered Hawk
Belted Kingfisher
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
TOWNSEND’S SOLITAIRE
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Lake Mendota, near Governor’s Island, Tenney Park and University Bay
Badfish Creek Wildlife Area, Dane County
Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Dane County portion
north of Middleton
Balzer Road, just east of Pheasant Branch Road
9 Springs Natural Area
Bike path west of McCoy Road
Hoyt Park, Madison
Nakoma area, Madison
Olbrich Gardens, Madison
East Bluff Trail, Devil’s Lake State Park
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Wednesday, December 7th.
This past weekend, up to 1,000 TUNDRA SWANS were
spotted on Lake Mendota, mainly between Governor’s Island and Tenney
Park. Some were seen also in University Bay. Two BLACK SCOTERS were
also present just south of Governor’s Island.
FOX and WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS are still being
seen at area feeders, as well as at Badfish Creek Wildlife Area.
The NORTHERN SHRIKE previously reported in the
Dane County portion of Pheasant Branch Conservancy is still present.
NORTHERN SHRIKES have also been reported at several other area
locations: 9 Springs Natural Area, the bike path west of McCoy
Road, and at Badfish Creek Wildlife Area.
LAPLAND LONGSPURS and SNOW BUNTINGS have been
located just north of Pheasant Branch Conservancy, off Balzer Road.
Two CAROLINA WRENS have been reported in Hoyt
Park, Madison, and there are other reports from Nakoma Road, the exact
location not given.
An adult RED-SHOULDERED HAWK was present behind
Olbrich Gardens this past week. A BELTED KINGFISHER and a
YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER were on the edge of University Bay.
At Devil’s Lake State Park, a TOWNSEND’S
SOLITAIRE is still being found, this time off the East Bluff Trail near
Devil’s Doorway. If you go, look anywhere in that area, particularly
around juniper trees.
There’s also been a request that if anyone sees
Short-eared Owls in the area, to please call in to report them. They
have been seen elsewhere in the state, but not yet reported around
Madison.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 25 November 2005
* WIMA0511.25
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Northern Shrike
ROSS’S GOOSE
Cackling Goose
Rough-legged Hawk
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Pheasant Branch Conservancy north-most parking lot
Stoughton
Blue MoundsSchumacher Road, Dane County
This is the birding hotline for Friday, November
25th.
A NORTHERN SHRIKE continues to be found off and
on, often sitting on wires, near the north-most parking lot of the
Pheasant Branch Conservancy.
On Tuesday, November 22nd, both a ROSS’S GOOSE
and a CACKLING GOOSE was found in Stoughton.
ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS are starting to appear. There
have been several reports recently, including one just south of Blue
Mounds near Thompson Prairie. Another has been spotted near Schumacher
Road, north and east of Waunakee.
*************************************
Unusual species are continuing to be reported
along Lake Michigan. All 3 Scoter species have been observed off North
Point Beach in Milwaukee. A female Harlequin Duck, 1-2 Thayer’s Gulls
have been found near the algae mats along the beach. A Red-necked
Phalarope in winter plumage has also been found in the vicinity.
A Snowy Owl has been reported on Friday near the
fence at the Coast Guard Impoundment just south of Milwaukee.
At the South Metro Pier near the southern edge
of Milwaukee County, both a Franklin’s and a Mew Gull have been
reported in the past week.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 17 November 2005
* WIMA0511.17
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
ROSS’S GOOSE
Snow Goose
Cackling Goose
Tundra Swan
European Goldfinch
Greater White-fronted Goose
Canada Goose
Black Scoter
Northern Shrike
TOWNSEND’S SOLITAIRE
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Goose Pond, Columbia County
9 Springs Natural Area, Madison
Stricker’s Pond, Middleton
Virgin Lake, Stoughton
Lake Mendota near Captain Bill’s in
Middleton
Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Middleton
Dane County portion
Devil’s Lake State Park
This is the hotline report for the Madison
Audubon Society for Thursday, November 17th.
On Saturday, Nov 12th, one ROSS’S GOOSE and 50
SNOW GEESE were seen at Goose Pond near Arlington. Only 6 SNOW GEESE
were white; 44 were Blue. There were also about 80 CACKLING GEESE, 40
TUNDRA SWANS, and the expected Duck species.
2 EUROPEAN GOLDFINCHES were sighted at 9 Springs
in Madison.
On Wednesday, Nov 14th, there was one
first-winter GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE hanging out with the CANADA
GEESE and a few CACKLING GEESE on Stricker's Pond in Middleton
On Thursday, Nov 15th, a birder reported a
ROSS’S and several CACKLING GEESE at Virgin Lake, which is on Jackson
Street in Stoughton. There were 3 female BLACK SCOTERS on Lake Mendota
just off the end of Lake Street (Capt. Bill's Restaurant) in Middleton.
Also during the week, NORTHERN SHRIKE were
reported at the Dane County portion of the Pheasant Branch Conservancy,
Middleton, as well as at 9 Springs, Madison.
TOWNSEND SOLITAIRES have been sighted various
times at Devil’s Lake.
**********************************
It was mistakenly reported last week that there
were no more Madison Audubon field trips until the end of the year. The
last trip will, in fact, be Saturday, December 3rd, a tour of Madison
Lakes. Meet to carpool from the middle of UW Parking Lot 60 at the
north end of Walnut St, near University Bay at 7:30 a.m. The trip will
last about 4 hours. Please bring a scope if you have one and dress
warmly. If you have any questions, please call Al at 608-825-6232.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 09 November 2005
* WIMA0511.09
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Common Loon
Northern Shrike
Fox Sparrow
American Tree Sparrow
Harlequin Duck
Great Black-backed Gull
Long-tailed Duck
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Lake Monona
Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Middleton
Sheboygan
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Wednesday, November 9th.
COMMON LOONS are currently being seen on Lake
Monona off John Nolan Drive.
At the Dane County Portion of the Pheasant
Branch Conservancy in Middleton on Saturday, the 5th, a few birders
spotted the lingering NORTHERN SHRIKE on a power line, and then found
many FOX and AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS in the tall grasses off the path. A
return on the 6th failed to relocate the Shrike, but the Sparrows were
still abundant although less visible due to windy weather.
A Madison observer traveled to Sheboygan on
Tuesday, November 8th, in search of the HARLEQUIN DUCKS that had been
reported there. He found them near the gazebo on North Point near the
boat landing. A bit later, a GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL flew in, and then
a male LONG-TAILED DUCK flew by.
**********************************
The next Madison Audubon field trip is not until
January 1st. Please stay tuned for details.
Good birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 02 November 2005
* WIMA0511.02
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Killdeer
Rusty Blackbird
Fox Sparrow
Tundra Swan
Snow Goose
Ross’s/Snow Goose
Cackling Goose
Canada Goose
Purple Finch
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Common Loon
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
9 Springs Natural Area
Goose Pond
Lake Barney
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Wednesday, November 2nd.
An observer at 9 Springs Natural Area found
KILLDEER, several duck species, RUSTY BLACKBIRDS, and FOX SPARROWS.
Reports from Goose Pond in Columbia County
include TUNDRA SWANS and a single blue-phase SNOW GEESE.
An immature ROSS’S GOOSE/SNOW GOOSE hybrid was
spotted at Stricker’s Pond along with several CACKLING GEESE and many
CANADA GEESE.
Lake Barney has also had a good number of SNOW
and CACKLING GEESE. It’s good to have a scope at this location.
PURPLE FINCHES and RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES have
also been reported around the area, as have a small number of COMMON
LOONS.
**********************************
The next Madison Audubon Society field
trip is Saturday, November 5th Lake Michigan Birding. Meet to
carpool in the middle of the parking lot of the east side Cub Foods.
From Hwy. 30 take Hwy. 51 (Stoughton Road) North to Nakoosa Trail, turn
right and proceed east to Cub Foods. We will carpool and leave at 6:30
am. We will return to Cub foods between 4:30 and 6:00 p.m. If you have
questions, call Aaron at (608)294-9618 or email: <
mailto:agstutz@chorus.net>agstutz@chorus.net.
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 26 October 2005
* WIMA0510.13
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
ROSS’S GOOSE
Snow Goose
Cackling Goose
NELSON’S SHARP-TAILED SPARROW
White-crowned Sparrow
Fox Sparrow
American Tree Sparrow
Rusty Blackbird
Purple Finch
Canada Goose
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Devils Lake State Park Balanced Rock Trail
Lake Barney
9 Springs Natural Area
Stricker’s Pond, Middleton
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Wednesday, October 26th, with an addition
posted on October 30th.
Two TOWNSEND’S SOLITAIRES have been present on
the Balanced Rock Trail of Devils Lake State Park.
At Lake Barney today, on Dane County Hwy M,
observers found 1 ROSS’S GOOSE,
4 blue-phase SNOW GEESE, and about 70 CACKLING
GEESE.
In the center back pond at 9 Springs a NELSON’S
SHARP-TAILED SPARROW was found along with WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS, FOX
SPARROWS, AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, and RUSTY BLACKBIRDS.
PURPLE FINCHES have also been reported recently
in the Madison area.
Good birding!
Addendum as of 10/30/05
An adult ROSS’S GOOSE was found among many
CANADA and several CACKLING GEESE at Stricker’s Pond on Sunday, Oct
30th.
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 17 October 2005
* WIMA0510.17
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
American White Pelican
Bald Eagle
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-shouldered Hawk
Cooper's Hawk
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Turkey Vulture
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Red-headed Woodpecker
Rusty Blackbird
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Wyalusing State Park
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Monday, October 17th.
At an informal hawk watch at Wyalusing State
Park on October 15th, observers saw 50 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS, 12 plus
BALD EAGLES, 8 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 1 RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, a COOPER'S
HAWK, 3 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, and 8 TURKEY VULTURES. Also seen at
Wyalusing were both GOLDEN- and RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS, YELLOW-RUMPED
WARBLERS, and RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS.
Be on the lookout for RUSTY BLACKBIRDS in our
area since this is their usual time to migrate through.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 13 October 2005
* WIMA0510.13
Lincoln's Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Fox Sparrow
Song Sparrow
HARRIS'S SPARROW
Vesper Sparrow
Snow Goose
Rusty Blackbird
Eastern Towhee
Eastern Bluebird
American Wigeon
Palm Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Tennessee Warbler
NELSON'S SHARP-TAILED SPARROW
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Middleton
9 Springs Natural Area
Lake Farm County Park
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Thursday, October 13th.
On Oct 8, the Madison Audubon field trip to the
Dane County portion of Pheasant Branch Conservancy reported numerous
species including LINCOLN'S, WHITE-CROWNED, WHITE-THROATED, SWAMP,
SAVANNAH, FOX and SONG SPARROWS, as well as one HARRIS'S and one VESPER
SPARROW. A SNOW GOOSE was spotted overhead, and RUSTY BLACKBIRDS,
EASTERN TOWHEE and numerous EASTERN BLUEBIRDS were seen as well.
On Sunday, Oct 9, birders at 9 Springs saw
numerous LINCOLN'S, SONG and SWAMP SPARROWS as well as a FOX SPARROW.
Of the ducks, 3 AMERICAN WIGEONS were new species for the fall. There
were reports of numerous PALM and YELLOW-RUMP WARBLERS, plus NASHVILLE
and TENNESSEE WARBLERS and a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW at Lake Farm Park.
On Oct 10, a NELSON'S SHARP-TAILED SPARROW was
reported at 9 Springs.
Good birding!
* Madison
* 06 October 2005
* WIMA0510.06
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Northern Flicker
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue-headed Vireo
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Red-tailed Hawk
Snow Goose
Cackling Goose
Clay-colored Sparrow
Rusty Blackbird
Brown Creeper
White-crowned Sparrow
Winter Wren
Sandhill Crane
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Nakoma Duck Ponds
Lake Barney
9 Springs Natural Area
Odana Ponds
Hwy 14 location E Sauk County Hwy C
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Thursday, October 6th.
A visitor to the Nakoma Duck Ponds in Madison,
and the area immediately west, on Thursday, the 29th reported a number
of YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS, about 24 NORTHERN FLICKERS, RED-EYED
VIREOS, BLUE-HEADED VIREOS, ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS, and a RED-TAILED
HAWK. The duck ponds are just west and south of the 3-way intersection
of Monroe, Odana, and Nakoma.
At Lake Barney on October 4th there were 2 SNOW
GEESE and a number of CACKLING GEESE. The lake can be empty at times
when the geese are in the fields. At 9 Springs last weekend, the
Madison Audubon trip found a number of expected birds plus 1
CLAY-COLORED SPARROW and 1 RUSTY BLACKBIRD.
Odana Ponds this past week has yielded several
BROWN CREEPERS, WHITE-
CROWNED SPARROWS, and a WINTER WREN.
A caller today said that there were about 100
SANDHILL CRANES gathered by Hayward Crossing in Sauk County. This is
off Hwy 14, about 3 miles east of County C. The caller expects the
SANDHILLS to remain in this area for about a week.
***********************************
The next Madison Audubon Society field trip is
Saturday, October 8th Fall Migrant Songbirds at the Dane County
unit of Pheasant Branch Conservancy. Meet at the unit parking lot,
which is on Pheasant Branch Road about a mile and a half north of
Century Avenue in Middleton. This is the 3rd parking lot for the
Conservancy on Pheasant Branch Road. The field trip will begin at 7:15
a.m. Wear cool- to cold-weather clothing. If you have questions, please
call Mike at 608-850-4122.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 29 September 2005
* WIMA0509.29
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
NELSON'S SHARP-TAILED SPARROW
Dowitcher (sp.)
Pectoral Sandpiper
Killdeer
Spotted Sandpiper
Great Egret
Philadelphia Vireo
WHOOPING CRANE
Sandhill Crane
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
9 Springs Natural Area
Honeeum part of UW ArboretumDunn's Marsh
This is the birding hotline of the Madison
Audubon Society for Thursday, September 29th.
NELSON'S SHARP-TAILED SPARROWS have been hard to
locate this past week at 9 Springs Natural Area. The cooler weather may
bring some more in. Other species recently found at 9 Springs on
include DOWITCHER (species), PECTORAL SANDPIPER, KILLDEER, SPOTTED
SANDPIPER, and about 15 GREAT EGRETS.
A PHILADELPHIA VIREO was spotted at the Honeeum
section of the UW-Madison Arboretum.
An observer found 3 WHOOPING CRANES at Dunn's
Marsh on the 28th. Dunn's Marsh is south of the beltline on Seminole
Rd. Park near the railroad tracks, and go west along the tracks. The
marsh is almost immediately in view.
Another WHOOPING CRANE was reported with a
number of SANDHILL CRANES southwest of Oregon.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 23 September 2005
* WIMA0509.23
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
CAROLINA WREN
NELSON'S SHARP-TAILED SPARROW
White-crowned Sparrow
Dowitcher (sp.)
Lesser Yellowlegs
Pectoral Sandpiper
Peregrine Falcon
Philadelphia Vireo
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Golden-crowned Kinglet
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Raywood Ave, near Pheasant Branch
Conservancy
9 Springs Natural Area
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Friday, September 23rd.
A CAROLINA WREN has been reported on Raywood
Avenue in Middleton, near Pheasant Branch Conservancy.
At least one NELSON'S SHARP-TAILED SPARROW
remains at the 9 Springs Natural Area, and was seen as recently as
today. Other birds seen at 9 Springs include WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS;
shorebirds such as DOWITCHERS, LESSER YELLOWLEGS, and PECTORAL
SANDPIPERS; and a PEREGRINE FALCON.
Warblers continue to move through our area. Be
on the lookout for them and other species such as PHILADELPHIA VIREO
and both RUBY- and GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 17 September 2005
* WIMA0509.17
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
NELSON’S SHARP-TAILED SPARROW
Common Yellowthroat
Palm Warbler
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Great Egret
Sandhill Crane
Northern Waterthrush
Wilson’s Warbler
LOCATIONS MENTIONED--
9 Springs Natural Area
Pheasant Branch Conservancy
UW Arboretum Honeeum area
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Saturday, September 17th.
Up to 4 NELSON’S SHARP-TAILED SPARROWS have been
reported at 9 Springs Natural Area since this past Wednesday and
through today, Saturday. To search for the sparrows, walk to the
east-most pond, turn north, and then work your way back west along the
path. The birds may be hard to find, some birders having taken up to an
hour to locate them, so patience is a must.
Other species reported at 9 Springs this past
week include COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, PALM WARBLER, SONG SPARROW, SWAMP
SPARROW, GREAT EGRET, and SANDHILL CRANE.
Pheasant Branch Conservancy, both the Dane
County and City of Middleton portions, have been productive of warblers
this past week, particularly the county portion. Reports of warblers,
including NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH and WILSON’S WARBLER have also come from
the Honeeum area of the UW Arboretum.
******************
The Next Madison Audubon field trip is:
Saturday, Sept 24th Whooping Cranes
at Necedah National Wildlife Refuge. Please note that this trip will
happen on Saturday the 24th, not on Sunday as posted elsewhere. The
group will leave Madison at 5 a.m. at the southeast side of the Home
Depot parking lot off Verona Rd. Please dress for the weather, and note
that if the weather is inclement, the young birds may not be training.
If you have questions, please call Anne Lacey at the International
Crane Foundation during business hours Monday through Friday at
608-356-9462, ext 146.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 08 September 2005
* WIMA0509.08
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Connecticut WarblerCanada Warbler
Wilson's Warbler
Cape May Warbler
Golden-winged Warbler
Northern Parula
Bay-breasted Warbler
Blue-winged Warbler
Tennessee Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Brewster's Warbler
Red-eyed Vireo
Yellow-throated Vireo
Blue-headed Vireo
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Black-billed Cuckoo
Scarlet Tanager
CAROLINA WREN
Blackburnian Warbler
Philadelphia Vireo
Hooded Warbler
Mourning Warbler
GREEN VIOLET-EAR
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Middleton
Picnic Point
UW-Arboretum
Spring Green
This is the hotline report for the Madison
Audubon Society for Thursday, September 8th.
Warblers have been reported numerous times at
the Pheasant Branch Conservancy in Middleton during the past week. They
have included BLACK-THROATED BLUE, CONNECTICUT, CANADA, WILSON'S, CAPE
MAY, GOLDEN-WINGED, NORTHERN PARULA, BAY-BREASTED, BLUE-WINGED,
TENNESSEE, NASHVILLE, and a BREWSTER'S HYBRID. RED-EYED,
YELLOW-THROATED and BLUE-HEADED VIREOS were present, plus YELLOW-BILLED
and BLACK-BILLED CUCKOOS, SCARLET TANAGER and a CAROLINA WREN.
On Sept 4, the Madison Audubon Picnic Point trip
saw 18 warbler species, including GOLDEN-WINGED, BLACKBURNIAN, BAYPOLL
and BAY-BREASTED WARBLERS. Other highlights were 2 PHILADELPHIA
VIREOS and a CAROLINA WREN.
At the Arboretum, on Sept 5, a HOODED and
MOURNING WARBLERS were reported as the best of 12 species sighted.
On September 8, a GREEN VIOLET-EAR hummingbird
was reported east of Spring Green periodically during the week, with
the last reported sighting being Sept 7th.
**********************************
The next Madison Audubon field trips will be:
1) Saturday, Sep. 10: Fall Birding at Lake
Farm County Park. Join Pat Ready from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. for a look at
migrating fall songbirds, raptors and waterfowl as they migrate through
southern Wisconsin. Meet at the #1 picnic shelter parking lot on Libby
Road. We'll stroll along the trails searching sky, trees, water and
fields. Take South Town Road south from the Beltline (Hwy 12/18) to
Moorland Road, turn left. Continue to Libby Road and turn left again.
The shelter lot is a few blocks up on your left. Call Pat Ready at
(608) 873-1703 for more info.
2) Sunday, Sep. 11: Arboretum Fall
Birding. This fall birding trip will focus on the Ho-Nee-Hum and Nakoma
Duck Pond areas of the Arboretum. Participants might see a variety of
Flycatchers, Vireos, Thrushes and other passerine migrants. Meet at
8:00 a.m. in the parking lot near Ho-nee-hum, at the corner of Arbor
Drive and Monroe Street. The trip will last two to three hours. Contact
Jim Berkelman at (608) 255-0021 or email him at <
mailto:jberkelman@wisc.edu>jberkelman@wisc.edu.
On Tuesday, Sept 13, Dianne Moller, a raptor
rehabilitator, will talk about her work in "Eagle, Falcon, Hawk
and Owl: The Raptor Rehabilitator Returns." She will bring 4 birds with
her. This is at the Madison Public Library, 201 W Mifflin Street at 7pm
on Sept 13th. It's free and no registration is required.
Also at the Madison Public Library, this time on
Sept 19th, there will be another birding program. Jon Stravers,
Research Coordinator for Audubon's Upper Mississippi River Campaign
presents "The Mystique of Birds: the Importance of Rituals Within Bird
Behavior and the Mystery of Migration." It will be at 7pm at the 201 W
Mifflin Street location.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 01 September 2005
* WIMA0509.01
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Lesser Yellowlegs
Swamp SparrowSora
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Spotted Sandpiper
House Wren
Least Sandpiper
Green Heron
Baird’s Sandpiper
Belted Kingfisher
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Blue-winged Warbler
Golden-winged Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Bay-breasted Warbler
Canada Warbler
Olive-sided Flycatcher
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Hooded Warbler
Common Nighthawk
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
9 Springs Natural Area, Madison
Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Middleton
Odana Ponds, Madison
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Thursday, September 1st.
An observer at 9 Spring Natural Area on
Thursday, August 25th noted the lack of water present. He did find
LESSER YELLOWLEGS, SWAMP SPARROWS, a SORA, SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS,
SPOTTED SANDPIPERS, a HOUSE WREN, LEAST SANDPIPERS, several GREEN
HERONS, BAIRD’S SANDPIPERS, a BELTED KINGFISHER, and a RUBY-THROATED
HUMMINGBIRD.
Highlights of the Madison Audubon trip to
Pheasant Branch Conservancy on Saturday, August 27th included:
BLUE-WINGED WARBLER, GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER, BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER,
BAY-BREASTED WARBLER, CANADA WARBLER, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, and
YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER.
On Sunday, August 28th a visitor to Odana Ponds
in Madison found both CANADA and HOODED WARBLERS along with 5 other
warbler species plus a YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER, and 16 COMMON
NIGHTHAWKS flying over, heading south.
******************
The Next Madison Audubon field trips are:
Saturday, Sept 3rd Fall Birding at Picnic
Point. Meet at 8 a.m. at the Class of 1918 Marsh parking lot across
from the entrance to the base of Picnic Point. The trip will last 2-3
hours. Bring binoculars and dress for the weather note that the
lake may be cool in the morning. If you have questions, please call
Roma at 608-238-5406
Monday, Sept 5th Pleasant Valley
Conservancy. This is a joint trip with the Prairie Enthusiasts. Meet at
the property at 1 p.m. The trip will last about 3 hours. To reach it
take Highwy 14 west from Madison to Black Earth. Go south on County F
about 4 miles to Pleasant Valley Road, which joins County F from the
east. Drive about ½ mile along Pleasant Valley Road to the
driveway of Fire Number 4609 on the south (right) side of the road. If
you have questions, please call Kathie or Tom at 608-238-5050.
Wednesday, Sept 7th Butterflies and
Flowers of Owen Park. Meet at 6 p.m. in the Owen Park parking lot,
south off Old Sauk Road. The walk will last about 2 hours. If you have
questions, please call Sylvia at 608-238-8344.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 24 August 2005
* WIMA0508.24
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
American Golden Plover
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Swainson’s Thrush
Brown Creeper
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
9 Springs Natural Area, Madison
County V ponds, northern Dane County
Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Middleton
Viking Park, Stoughton
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Wednesday August 24th.
Shorebirds have been showing up in small numbers
at both 9 Springs Natural Area and at the County V ponds between
Schumacher and Patton Roads in northern Dane County. In the past week
both AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVERS and BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS have been
found at the County V ponds.
A variety of warblers was found at the Pheasant
Branch Conservancy yesterday, August 23rd. A few warblers were also
found at Viking Park in Stoughton along with a SWAINSON’S THRUSH, a
BROWN CREEPER, and a YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER.
**********************************
The next Madison Audubon field trip will be
Saturday, August 27th Pheasant Branch Conservancy in Middleton.
The trip will last about 2 hours. Meet by 7 a.m. at the Branch Street
Retreat off Century Avenue in Middleton.
Good birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 14 August 2005
* WIMA0508.14
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Baird’s Sandpiper
Semipalmated Plover
Lesser Yellowlegs
Sandhill Crane
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Great Black-backed Gull
Double-crested Cormorant
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
County V ponds, northern Dane County
Arena Boat Landing, Iowa County
Washington & Rock Islands, Door County
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Sunday, August 14th.
On August 7th a YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO was
reported near the bridge on the road to the Arena Boat Landing.
Two observers at the County V ponds in northern
Dane County on Friday, the 12th, reported 2 BAIRD’S SANDPIPERS, a
SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, LESSER YELLOWLEGS, and around 50 SANDHILL CRANES.
A Madison visitor to Door County on the 12th,
finally, reported finding a GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL off Washington
Island, and 1-2 thousand DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS hunting between
Washington and Rock Islands.
**********************************
The next Madison Audubon Society field trip is
Saturday, August 20th fall shorebirds. Meet at the 9
Springs E-Way parking lot at 7 a.m.
Good birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 05 August 2005
* WIMA0508.05
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Shorebirds
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
9 Springs Natural Area
There is no update of the hotline at this time,
but we do want to put out a reminder that there is a Madison Audubon
field trip tomorrow morning, Saturday, August 6th, at 9 Springs Natural
Area in Madison. Shorebirds are coming back and it's always possible to
find surprise birds at 9 Springs. Meet at the E-Way parking lot on
Moorland Road at 7 a.m. To reach the parking lot, take the Beltline to
South Towne Dr; go south past the sewage treatment plant; in the curve,
take a left onto Moorland, and the parking lot will appear to the right
over the small hill and just before the bridge. If you have any
questions, please call Jesse at 608-849-3108.
Good birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 29 July 2005
* WIMA0507.29
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
MISSISSIPPI KITE
CAROLINA WREN
Baltimore Oriole
Forster’s Tern
Semipalmated Plover
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Least Sandpiper
Lesser Yellowlegs
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Hoyt Park/Plymouth Circle area, Madison
Spring Harbor, Lake Mendota
Janesville corner of Sherman & Richardson
9 Springs Natural Area
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Friday, July 29th.
The big news this week is the MISSISSIPPI KITE
that was found in Janesville on July 22nd, and was seen by a number of
birders that day. Unfortunately, it has not been seen since, and has
probably moved on. It was seen near the intersection of Richardson with
the 900 block of Sherman. It was also found at the Janesville cemetery
landfill. This is the time of year that birds disperse following
nesting and because of late summer storms, and often end up quite
distant from their typical locations. Keep on the lookout for other
unusual birds!
Two CAROLINA WRENS were spotted on the 24th and
25th in the Plymouth Circle/Hoyt Park area of Madison. To look for
these, park near 3958 Plymouth Circle and then walk on the public
easement that goes between houses towards Hoyt Park. BALTIMORE ORIOLES
are also being seen in this area.
A number of FORSTER’S TERNS was observed on the
26th diving into Lake Mendota at Spring Harbor for prey.
Shorebird migration south continues to build
momentum slowly. On Thursday evening, the 28th, only a handful of
species were present at 9 Springs Natural Area, including SEMIPALMATED
PLOVER, SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER, LEAST SANDPIPER, and LESSER YELLOWLEGS.
***********************************
The next Madison Audubon field trip is Saturday,
July 30th Prairie Restoration at Goose Pond. Join the resident
naturalists, Mark and Sue Martin, for a tour of the restored prairie at
Goose Pond Sanctuary. Meet at the house at the end of Prairie Lane in
Goose Pond Sanctuary at 1:30 p.m. From Madison, take Hwy 51 into
Columbia County, turn left (west) on County K. After 2 miles turn right
(north) on Goose Pond Rd, then turn left
on Prairie Lane. If you have questions, please
call Mark or Sue at 608-635-4160.
For unusual bird sightings elsewhere in the
state, please call the WSO Hotline in Milwaukee, (414) 352-3857.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 21 July 2005
* WIMA0507.21
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Short-billed Dowitcher
Lesser Yellowlegs
Least Sandpiper
Virginia Rail
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
9 Springs Natural Area
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Thursday, July 21st.
There was only 1 report this week. A visitor to
9 Springs Natural Area found a number of shorebirds, including
SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER, LESSER YELLOWLEGS, LEAST SANDPIPER, and
VIRGINIA RAIL.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 09 July 2005
* WIMA0507.09
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Willow Flycatcher
Bell’s Vireo
Grasshopper Sparrow
Henslow’s Sparrow
Clay-colored Sparrow
Yellow-breasted Chat
Bobolink
Upland Sandpiper
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Marbleseed Prairie, Green County
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Saturday, July 9th.
The only report this week is that of a gem that
has been mentioned in the past 2 or so weeks Marbleseed Prairie
in NW Green County. Birds reported fairly consistently over the past 2
weeks include: Willow Flycatcher, Bell’s Vireo, Grasshopper Sparrow,
Henslow’s Sparrow, Clay-colored Sparrow, Yellow-breasted Chat,
Bobolink, and, occasionally, Upland Sandpiper. To reach this location,
take Highway 39 west out of New Glarus to York Valley Road. Go right
(north) on York Valley Road about a mile. The prairie will be on the
right, indicated by, if you can see behind the vegetation, a sign
saying “Marbleseed Prairie.”
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 30 June 2005
* WIMA0506.30
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Clay-colored Sparrow
Henslow's Sparrow
Grasshopper Sparrow
Yellow-breasted Chat
Bell's Vireo
Common Nighthawk
Osprey
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Marbleseed Prairie, NW Sauk County
I-90 east of Madison
Various Osprey nest locations
This is birding hotline report of the Madison
Audubon Society for Thursday, June 30th.
On Saturday, June 25th, 2 birders went to
Marbleseed Prairie in NW Green County and found CLAY-COLORED,
HENSLOW'S, and GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS; YELLOW-BREASTED CHATS, and BELL'S
VIREOS. To reach this location, take Hwy 39 west out of New Glarus, and
then go north (right) on York Valley Road for about a mile. The prairie
sign will appear on the right.
A caller reported a COMMON NIGHTHAWK on the 27th
on I-90 east of Madison.
OSPREYS have successfully nested in several
locations in our area. Both the Madison and the Stoughton nests have
produced two nestlings. A nest in Portage has 3, and another nest has
been found on a powerline pole on Hwy 78 between Prairie du Sac and
Merrimac.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 23 June 2005
* WIMA0506.23
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Prothonotary Warbler
Northern Bobwhite
Dickcissel
Eastern Meadowlark
Western Meadowlark
Yellow-breasted Chat
Bell’s Vireo
Upland Sandpiper
Grasshopper Sparrow
Clay-colored Sparrow
Bobolink
Lark Sparrow
Scarlet Tanager
Broad-winged Hawk
Great Blue Heron
Winter Wren
Louisiana Waterthrush
Mourning Warbler
Hooded Warbler
Red-headed Woodpecker
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Acadian Flycatcher
White-eyed Vireo
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Picnic Point
Intersection of Hwy 92 and County A, Dane County
Observatory Road area, Dane County
Marbleseed Prairie, NE Green County
Mazomanie Bottoms, Dane County
Devil’s Lake State Park
Baxter’s Hollow
King’s Crossing Road, Sauk County
Hurd Road, NE Rock County
Grady Tract, UW-Madison Arboretum
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Thursday, June 23rd.
A pair of Prothonotary Warblers are apparently
nesting at Picnic Point.
On the 19th, a pair of observers visited
Southern Dane County and found NORTHERN BOBWHITE at the intersection of
Hwy 92 and County A. Then, near Observatory Road, they spotted
DICKCISSELS and both EASTERN and WESTERN MEADOWLARKS. They
proceeded to Marbleseed Prairie in NE Green County, where they observed
2 YELLOW-BREASTED CHATS, 3 BELL’S VIREOS, 3 UPLAND SANDPIPERS, 10
GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS, some CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS, BOBOLINKS, and
EASTERN MEADOWLARKS. At Mazomanie Bottoms, near the dog exercise
area, they spotted LARK SPARROWS.
Highlights of the June 19th Madison Audubon trip
to Devil’s Lake State Park and Baxter’s Hollow included: SCARLET
TANAGER, the GREAT BLUE HERON rookery, BROAD-WINGED HAWK, and WINTER
WREN at Devil’s Lake; and then LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH, and both MOURNING
and HOODED WARBLERS at Baxter’s Hollow. On King’s Crossing Road on the
way to Baxter’s Hollow, there was an adult RED-HEADED WOODPECKER
enjoyed by everyone.
On the 20th, a Breeding Bird Survey run in NE
Rock County turned up YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO, ACADIAN FLYCATCHER, HOODED
WARBLER, and WHITE-EYED VIREO on Hurd Road.
There is also a report that a pair of HOODED
WARBLERS are nesting in the Grady Tract of the UW Arboretum.
***********************************
The next Madison Audubon Society field trip is
Saturday, June 25th Dragonflies and Damselflies of Rocky
Run (West). Join Onodata experts Mike Reese and Karl Legler to
explore the west section of Rocky Run Creek in Columbia County for
dragonflies and damselflies. Meet to carpool by 9 a.m. at the middle of
the Cub Foods parking lot on Madison’s east side. From the
intersection of Highways 30 and 51, go north on 51 and take the first
right, which leads to Nakoosa Trail and Cub Foods. Or, meet at 9:30
a.m. at the west side Rocky Run Creek parking lot. To reach that, go
north from Madison on Hwy 51. Nearly 4 miles north of Poynette, turn
right onto Morse Rd, and go east for about ¾ mile. A small
parking lot is on the north side of the road. Please bring binoculars
if you have them. It’s best to wear long pants and a hat for protection
from the sun. Also, bring mosquito repellent. If you have questions,
please call Karl Legler at 608-643-4926.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 15 June 2005
* WIMA0506.15
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Red-necked Grebe
Bell's Vireo
Orchard Oriole
Yellow-breasted Chat
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Town of Dane
9 Springs E-Way
Indian Lake County Park
Governor Nelson State Park
Brooklyn Wildlife Area
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Wednesday, June 15th.
Today, the 15th, three RED-NECKED GREBES were
spotted at Kelly Pond, about 1 mile north of the town of Dane, off
County Highway DM.
Observers have also found a BELL'S VIREO singing
at the 9 Springs E-Way in the willows just east of the building at the
intersection of Larsen & E Clayton.
Callers have also reported seeing ORCHARD
ORIOLES at both Indian Lake County Park and Governor Nelson State Park.
Two YELLOW-BREASTED CHATS can still be heard at
the Brooklyn Wildlife Area. Just follow the trail back about 200
yards from the 1st parking lot from County D on County DD.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 19 May 2005
* WIMA0505.19
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
CONNECTICUT WARBLER
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Great Egret
Lark Sparrow
Meadowlark (sp.)
Field Sparrow
Orchard Oriole
Palm Warbler
SUMMER TANAGER
Common Nighthawk
Gray-cheeked Thrush
Clay-colored Sparrow
Lincoln’s Sparrow
Black-throated Green Warbler
White-crowned Sparrow
Black-billed Cuckoo
American Woodcock
YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT
Northern Bobwhite
NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD
Stilt Sandpiper
Acadian Flycatcher
Hooded Warbler
Cerulean Warbler
Olive-sided Flycatcher
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Middleton
UW-Arboretum, Madison
Bakken’s Pond, Sauk County
Spring Green Preserve, Sauk County
Iowa/Sauk County line on Hwy 14
9 Springs Natural Area
Honeeum Pond area of the UW Arboretum
Fitchburg
Tiedeman’s Pond, Middleton
Verona
Brooklyn Wildlife Area
Cook’s Arboretum, Janesville
Odana Ponds, Madison
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Thursday, May 19th. Spring migration
appears to have reached peak, and a good variety of birds continues to
migrate through. The highlight this week is the number of Summer
Tanagers found in the area.
On Thursday, May 12, a birder heard a
CONNECTICUT WARBLER at Pheasant Branch south of Century Avenue, and
then saw a CONNECTICUT WARBLER in Wingra Woods of the UW Arboretum, on
the way to Skunk Cabbage Bridge. In the same vicinity he found a
RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD.
Also on the 12th a visitor to Bakken’s Pond in
Spring Green, where there had earlier been reported a variety of
unusual species, found none of the earlier reported birds. But, on
proceeding to the Spring Green Preserve, he found LARK SPARROW,
MEADOWLARKS, FIELD SPARROWS, ORCHARD ORIOLES, and PALM WARBLERS among
other birds. He also reported GREAT EGRETS on the Iowa County side of
Highway 14, across the bridge from Sauk County.
A SUMMER TANAGER was spotted around 4 p.m. along
Arboretum Drive in the UW Arboretum within 50 yards of the gate to
Skunk Cabbage Bridge. There were also a good number of thrushes in the
area, notably GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH near Big Spring. At 9 Springs the
same observer saw GREAT EGRETS and a variety of shorebirds, plus
CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS and about 24 LINCOLN’S SPARROWS in the NE corner
of the ponds complex.
A BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER was seen near the
Carver Street entrance to the UW Arboretum on the 15th.
The same day, about 2 dozen COMMON NIGHTHAWKS
were flying over the Honeeum Pond area of the UW Arboretum
There was also a report of a SUMMER TANAGER
south of Verona that was coming to an oriole feeder but had last been
seen on Sunday, the 15th.
A WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW was reported in
Fitchburg, and there have been sightings of this species in a good
number of locations in south-central Wisconsin.
COMMON NIGHTHAWKS were again observed on the
18th at Tiedeman’s Pond in Middleton. They can be expected to be seen
around twilight through the end of the month.
The Audubon Society Big Birding Day on Saturday,
the 14th, resulted in sightings of 188 species between Dane and
Columbia Counties. One team was greeted at 4:30 a.m. by a singing
BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO, quickly followed by a courting AMERICAN WOODCOCK,
and then a calling YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT at Brooklyn Wildlife Area. Not
far from there, they found both a calling NORTHERN BOBWHITE and a
singing ORCHARD ORIOLE on Hawkinson Road in southern Dane County.
The Odana Ponds in Madison have also been
productive this past week. A CERULEAN WARBLER was heard and a HOODED
WARBLER seen, the latter most recently on the 18th. Also on the 18th
several observers found an OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER in the SW corner of
the grassy area directly south of the small parking area at the end of
Wedgewood Way.
***********************************
The next Madison Audubon field trips are:
1) Saturday, May 21 Spring Green Preserve.
This is a joint outing with the Nature Conservancy and is limited to 20
people. To sign up, contact the Madison Audubon office at 608-255-2473,
and get details then.
2) Saturday, May 21 Bird Banding at
Biocore Prairie near Picnic Point from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those
interested are invited to drop in on the bird banding and wander around
the area for migrants anytime. If you have questions, please contact
Mara at 608-274-2534 before 8:30 p.m.
3) Sunday, May 22 Baxter’s Hollow.
Leave to car-pool from the Copp’s Parking lot in Middleton at Century
and Allen, at 6:30 a.m. The trip will last about 4 hours so it may be
advisable to bring a sack lunch. If you have questions, please call
Aaron at 294-9618.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 11 May 2005
* WIMA0505.11
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT
WHITE-EYED VIREO
Orchard Oriole
Mourning Warbler
KENTUCKY WARBLER
SUMMER TANAGER
Bobolink
Clay-colored SparrowHenslow's Sparrow
SNOWY EGRET
Peregrine Falcon
CATTLE EGRET
Hooded Warbler
Louisiana Waterthrush
Dowitcher (sp.)
WILLET
Wilson's Phalarope
HENSLOW'S SPARROW
White-crowned Sparrow
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Brooklyn Wildlife Area
Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Middleton
Governor Dodge State Park
9 Springs Natural Area
Schoeneberg's Marsh, Columbia County
Bakken's Pond, Sauk County
Baxter's Hollow
Viking Park, near Stoughton
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Wednesday, May 11th.
A visit to the Brooklyn Wildlife Area on May
10th yielded YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, WHITE-EYED VIREO, ORCHARD ORIOLE,
MOURNING WARBLER, and KENTUCKY WARBLER
SUMMER TANAGERS have been reported at Pheasant
Branch Conservancy in Middleton on both the 6th and 10th of May. They
have been found between Park Lawn
and the Beltline. Morning is the best time to
search.
At Governor Dodge State Park, a birder found
BOBOLINKS, ORCHARD ORIOLES, CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS, and a HENSLOW'S
SPARROW.
SNOWY EGRETS have been turning up in our area
recently. Reports of these birds have come from 9 Springs Natural Area,
Schoeneberg's Marsh, and Bakken's Pond in Sauk County.
HOODED WARBLERS and LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSHES have
been found again at Baxter's Hollow.
A caller who went to 9 Springs Natural Area on
the 11th reported finding 18 DOWITCHER species, 2 WILLETS, a WILSON'S
PHALAROPE, and other shorebirds.
Viking Park near Stoughton has been hosting a
HENSLOW'S SPARROW that's been feeding along with WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS
between 80 and 120 yards south of the floating bridge.
Good birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 05 May 2005
* WIMA0505.05
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Northern Waterthrush
Yellow Warbler
Warbling Vireo
Caspian Tern
Semipalmated Plover
Wilson’s Phalarope
Black-crowned Night-Heron
Baltimore Oriole
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Blue-winged Warbler
Golden-winged Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Northern Parula
Orange-crowned Warbler
White-crowned Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Green Heron
SUMMER TANAGER
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Lake Farm County Park
9 Springs Natural Area
Pheasant Branch Conservancy
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Thursday, May 5th. Lots of migrants
have come in the past few days.
On the 2nd, a birder found NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH
and YELLOW WARBLER at Lake Farm County Park. On May 4th the same person
found a WARBLING VIREO there.
During the past week, there have been several
reports from 9 Springs Natural Area. Among birds seen there have been
CASPIAN TERNS, SEMIPALMATED PLOVER and a good variety of other
shorebirds, WILSON’S PHALAROPE, and GREEN HERON.
On May 4th, a BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON was
observed at Pheasant Branch Conservancy in Middleton
Today, there have been reports from around the
area of BALTIMORE ORIOLES, ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS, and warblers,
including BLUE-WINGED, GOLDEN-WINGED, MAGNOLIA, NORTHERN PARULA, and
ORANGE CROWNED WARBLERS. In addition there has been a good number
of sparrows, including WHITE-CROWNED, SAVANNAH, and WHITE-THROATED
SPARROWS.
On May 6th, 2 birders found a SUMMER TANAGER at
Pheasant Branch in the area between Park Lawn and the Beltline.
**********************************
The WSO statewide hotline in Milwaukee, (414)
352-3857, as of May 5th is reporting a Black-throated Gray Warbler,
Willets, a Snowy Egret, an Eared Grebe, and a Northern Mockingbird.
Please call the hotline for details.
**********************************
The next Madison Audubon Society field trip is
Sunday, May 8th Birds and Blossoms of Dane County. The trip will
last from 9 a.m. to about noon, and is limited to 15 participants. If
you would like to take part, pre-register by calling (608) 767-2987.
Don’t forget the early morning Warbler Walk
coming up on Tuesday, May 10th. The group will meet at 6 a.m. at the
Wingra Woods parking lot of the UW Arboretum.
There’s also still time for teams to register
for Madison Audubon’s Big Birding Day. Proceeds will go to Madison
Audubon Projects. For more information and forms look on Madison
Audubon’s website, or contact Delia or Chuck at 274-4043 or by email at
<
mailto:delia_chuck@tds.net>delia_chuck@tds.net.
Good birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 01 May 2005
* WIMA0505.01
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Sora
Eastern Meadowlark
Forster's Tern
Red-necked Grebe
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Picnic Point and Eagle Heights Gardens, Madison
Vilas Park beach
Grassy Lake, Columbia County
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Sunday, May 1st. The chilly weather has
held up migrants around Louisiana and Texas, and numbers are building
up. By midweek, however, we hope that the weather will change in our
area, the winds will become southerly, and we'll have a good number of
birds flowing north.
On the Madison Audubon field trip on Saturday,
no warblers turned up, but the group heard a SORA at the Picnic Point
parking lot. An EASTERN MEADOWLARK was also found at the Eagle Heights
gardens.
Another birder reported FORSTER'S TERNS at Vilas
Park beach.
At Grassy Lake in northeastern Columbia County,
the RED-NECKED GREBE, seen for about a week and a half, is still
present.
**********************************
The WSO statewide hotline in Milwaukee, (414)
352-3857, as of a week ago, is reporting lingering
unusual-for-this-time-of-year gulls: an Iceland Gull in Racine and a
Glaucous Gull further north. Please call the hotline for details.
Happy birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 21 April 2005
* WIMA0504.21
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Greater Yellowlegs
Sandhill CraneSora
Wilson's Snipe
Swamp Sparrow
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Rusty Blackbird
Eastern Phoebe
Cooper's Hawk
Tree Swallow
PACIFIC LOON
Lapland Longspur
Greater White-fronted Goose
Canada Goose
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
White-throated Sparrow
Tufted Titmouse
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Eastern Towhee
Virginia Rail
Osprey
Broad-winged Hawk
Common Loon
Bonaparte's Gull
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Pine Warbler
Louisiana Waterthrush
Barred Owl
Brown Thrasher
White-crowned Sparrow
Field Sparrow
HARRIS'S SPARROW
American Woodcock
Swamp Sparrow
American White Pelican
Upland Sandpiper
Savannah Sparrow
Solitary Sandpiper
Spotted Sandpiper
Bank Swallow
Great Horned Owl
Cliff Swallow
Barn Swallow
Chimney Swift
Chipping Sparrow
Lesser Yellowlegs
Pectoral Sandpiper
Short-billed Dowitcher
Yellow-headed Blackbird
House Wren
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
9 Springs Natural Area
Cherokee Marsh
Lake Mendota
UW Arboretum
Pheasant Branch Conservancy
Taliesin, Spring Green
Yellowstone Lake State Park
Rock County
Schoeneberg's Marsh, Columbia County
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for the week of April 14-21.
On the 14th, a birder reported a GREATER
YELLOWLEGS at 9 Springs Natural Area in Madison. The same day a caller
went to Cherokee Marsh and had SANDHILL CRANES, SORA, WILSON'S SNIPE,
RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, RUSTY BLACKBIRD, EASTERN PHOEBE, COOPER'S HAWK,
and TREE SWALLOW.
A PACIFIC LOON was spotted on the western bay of
Lake Mendota. It was about 50 feet off Mendota County Park on the N
side of the Lake.
An unusual sparrow was identified as a LAPLAND
LONGSPUR at the UW Arboretum, and LONGSPURS have been reported around
the area in the last week.
A lingering GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE, CANADA
GEESE, and BONAPARTE'S GULLS were seen at nearby ponds
At the Pheasant Branch Conservancy in Middleton,
a birder found YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, HERMIT THRUSH, YELLOW-BELLIED
SAPSUCKERS, WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, EASTERN PHOEBES, TUFTED TITMOUSE,
both RUBY- and GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS, and an EASTERN TOWHEE.
A caller on the 16th reported a VIRGINIA RAIL at
the Redwing Marsh in the UW-Madison Arboretum. Then, at Gardner Marsh
he spotted the OSPREY nesting again on the cell tower off Fish Hatchery
Road, and a BROAD-WINGED HAWK flying over.
COMMON LOONS and BONAPARTE'S GULLS were seen on
the western side of Lake Mendota, and Picnic Point was somewhat quiet
but had a BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS.
A birder found NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS at
Taliesin near Spring Green, also on the 16th.
A visitor to the city part of Pheasant Branch
Conservancy on Sunday, the 17th, observed YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS,
RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETWS, a PINE WARBLER, a LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH, a
BROAD-WINGED HAWK, and a BARRED OWL. In the county part of the
Conservancy he found several BROWN THRASHERS, a few WHITE-CROWNED
SPARROWS, and many FIELD SPARROWS.
At Cherokee Marsh the same day an observer found
a HARRIS'S SPARROW, SORA, VIRGINIA RAILS, AMERICAN WOODCOCK, WILSON'S
SNIPE, and SWAMP SPARROWS.
Also on the 17th a visitor to Yellowstone Lake
State Park found 3 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS and about 60 BONAPARTE'S
GULLS.
A report from Rock County on the 18th had an
UPLAND SANDPIPER, SAVANNAH SPARROWS, and LAPLAND LONGSPURS. A caller
who visited 9 Springs the same day had SOLITARY SANDPIPERS, SPOTTED
SANDPIPERS, and BANK and TREE SWALLOWS.
At 9 Springs on the 20th, a visitor had over 60
species including OSPREY; GREAT HORNED OWL; CLIFF, NORTHERN
ROUGH-WINGED, BARN, and TREE SWALLOWS; CHIMNEY SWIFTS; FIELD,
WHITE-THROATED, WHITE-CROWNED, SWAMP, SONG, and CHIPPING
SPARROWS; YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS; GREATER and LESSER YELLOWLEGS,
PECTORAL SANDPIPERS, WILSON'S SNIPE, and SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS.
YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRDS were seen on the 21st
at Schoeneberg's Marsh in southern Columbia County. The same day a
HOUSE WREN was reported at Cherokee Marsh.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 14 April 2005
* WIMA0504.14
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Red-necked Grebe
Purple Martin
BLACK-THROATED SPARROW
CAROLINA WREN
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Yellow-rumped Warbler
LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE
Great Egret
Lapland Longspur
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Patrick Marsh, Sun Prairie
UW Arboretum, Martin St. parking lot area
UW Arboretum, Honeeum area
Odana Ponds
Dodge County near A&W ponds.
This is the hotline report of the Madison
Audubon Society for April 14th.
A RED-NECKED GREBE was spotted at Patrick Marsh
near Sun Prairie this past week.
On the 12th PURPLE MARTINS were reported for the
first time this spring in our area.
A BLACK-THROATED SPARROW was spotted in the UW
Arboretum near the Martin St parking lot. Directions are: go straight
ahead on the trail and look near the 2nd right in the trees. Please
call this bird in if it is refound. A CAROLINA WREN was also reported
in the same area.
On the 7th RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS and
YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS were found in the Honeeum part of the UW
Arboretum.
A LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE was reported west of Verona,
but the exact location was not given.
GREAT EGRETS were present at the Odana Ponds
last weekend.
On the 14th LAPLAND LONGSPURS were spotted in
Dodge County, near the A&W ponds.
**********************************
An upcoming Madison Audubon field trip for
beginning birders is on April 29th. Meet at the 1812 parking lot near
Picnic Point at 5 p.m. If you have questions, please call Allen at
238-0546.
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 01 April 2005
* WIMA0504.01
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
ROSS'S GOOSE
Osprey
Short-eared Owl
Greater White-fronted Goose
Lesser Scaup
Hooded Merganser
Common Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser
Canvasback
Redhead
Peregrine Falcon
American Coot
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Eastern Phoebe
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Wood Thrush
Sandhill Crane
Canada Goose
Tundra Swan
Vesper Sparrow
Tree Swallow
Common Loon
Wilson's Snipe
NORTHERN GOSHAWK
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
9 Springs Natural Area
Stoughton AreaBadfish Creek Wildlife Area
Harvey Road, Columbia County
Goose Pond area, Columbia County
Lake Monona
Hoyt Park, Madison
UW Arboretum
County C, Dodge County
Horicon Marsh
Kampen Road, Columbia County
Lake Waubesa
Pheasant Branch Conservancy
Mineral Point and Yellowstone Road intersection
area, Madison
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Friday, April 1st.
A ROSS'S GOOSE was spotted at 9 Springs Natural
Area on Monday, March 28th.
The two OSPREYS are back in the Stoughton Area.
At Badfish Creek Wildlife Area, an observer
found a SHORT-EARED OWL.
A visitor to the Goose Pond area in southern
Columbia County found GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE on Harvey Road and in
the east pond at Goose Pond.
A birder at Lake Monona found LESSER SCAUP, all
3 MERGANSERS, CANVASBACKS, REDHEADS, and 2 PEREGRINE FALCONS chasing
AMERICAN COOTS.
A caller on March 30th reported a WINTER WREN, a
GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, and a YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER at Hoyt Park.
A WOOD THRUSH was spotted on the 25th at the UW
Arboretum in Madison.
Seventy-five SANDHILL CRANES were seen on County
C in Dodge County on the 26th. The same observer found thousands of
CANADA GEESE at Horicon Marsh and 28-30 TUNDRA SWANS on Ledge Road.
A VESPER SPARROW was found off Kampen Road in
Columbia County on the 30th.
On Lake Waubesa, an observer found TREE SWALLOWS
and COMMON LOONS. Then this birder found WILSON'S SNIPE at
Pheasant Branch Conservancy in Middleton.
A NORTHERN GOSHAWK was seen south of Mineral
Point Road near Yellowstone.
**********************************
The statewide WSO Hotline in Milwaukee, as of
March 26th, was reporting Great Gray Owls, a Harlequin Duck, and a
Northern Mockingbird. Please call the hotline for details at
414-352-3857.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 27 March 2005
* WIMA0503.27
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
GREAT GRAY OWL
Great Blue Heron
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Northern Harrier
Rough-legged Hawk
Bald Eagle
Ruffed Grouse
Tundra Swan
Northern Pintail
Trumpeter Swan (collared)
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL
ICELAND GULL
Common Loon
Common Merganser
Hooded Merganser
Greater White-fronted Goose
CAROLINA WREN
ROSS’S GOOSE
NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
N Dane County south of Goose Pond Jones & Kleinert
Lake Farm County Park
SW Dane County on Hwy 78
McFarland area
Cross Plains
Bakken’s Pond, SW Dane/Sauk County
Soccer Fields off Mineral Point Rd near West
Towne, Madison
Yahara Park area, Madison
Upper Mud Lake
Convention Center, Madison
Goose Pond
Wayland Grade on Lake Wisconsin
Devil’s Lake State Park
Odana Ponds, Madison
Pheasant Branch Road, Middleton
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Sunday, March 27th.
The GREAT GRAY OWL near Goose Pond that’s been
reported over the past few weeks is still present. It was found on
Saturday the 19th at the end of Jones Road off Kleinert. Two RED-TAILED
HAWKS near it occasionally harassed it, but with no acknowledgment from
the owl.
A birder on the 20th reported a number of GREAT
BLUE HERONS flying over Lake Farm County Park (Dane County), along with
many blackbirds, mostly RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS and COMMON GRACKLES.
On Sunday, the 20th, an observer driving in SW
Dane County along County C and Highway 78 found 6-7 NORTHERN HARRIERS,
and 3 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS (including one dark-phase).
Driving by the soccer fields near West Towne,
off Mineral Point Road in Madison, on Wednesday, the 23rd, a reporter
noted that Madison’s LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL has returned.
On Thursday a caller reported BALD EAGLES flying
overhead, about 1 mile east of McFarland.
A caller on Thursday, the 24th, reported a
drumming RUFFED GROUSE near her house in Cross Plains.
Also on the 24th 2 observers visited SW Sauk
County and at Bakken’s Pond found 3 TUNDRA SWANS, a NORTHERN PINTAIL,
and 2 collared TRUMPETER SWANS among other species.
Another caller late in the afternoon on March
25th found an ICELAND GULL and 2 COMMON LOONS off Yahara Park in
Madison.
Also on the 25th a birder at Upper Mud Lake near
Lake Wisconsin County Park found a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL on the ice
by itself, and many waterfowl nearby, including COMMON and HOODED
MERGANSERS.
A birder on Saturday, the 26th, found 2 COMMON
LOONS off the Convention Center on Lake Monona, about 20 TUNDRA SWANS
in the east pond at Goose Pond, and a great number of waterfowl off
Wayland Grade on Lake Wisconsin. Two other observers the same day found
about 20 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE at Goose Pond in addition to the
swans there, and also re-found the CAROLINA WREN reported earlier near
the cottages on the SW corner of Devil’s Lake State Park.
Just before 8 this morning, Sunday, the 27th, 2
observers at Odana Ponds found a ROSS’S GOOSE walking near the
playground equipment along with a number of giant CANADA GEESE.
The NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD previously reported on
Pheasant Branch Road is reportedly still where it was last seen, on the
west side of Pheasant Branch Road just north of the 2nd Pheasant Branch
parking lot.
*************************
The next Madison Audubon Society field trip is
Saturday, April 2nd spring birds of Columbia County. Meet to
carpool at 8 a.m. in the Copp’s parking lot at the intersection of
Allen Boulevard and Century Avenue in Middleton, or you can join the
group at Goose Pond at 9:30 a.m. Bring binoculars and a scope if you
have one. You might also want to bring a snack or sack lunch since the
trip may last into early afternoon. If you have any questions, please
call Tony or Carol at 249-8836.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 17 March 2005
* WIMA0503.17
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Lapland Longspur
Horned Lark
Snow Bunting
Northern Shrike
Mute Swan
Lesser Scaup
Canvasback
Common Merganser
Hooded Merganser
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Northern Pintail
Ring-necked Duck
Green-winged Teal
Ruddy Duck
GOLDEN EAGLE (poss.)
Bufflehead
Cooper's Hawk
White-throated Sparrow
Red-breasted Merganser
American Wigeon
Gadwall
Redhead
American Coot
Mallard
Northern Shoveler
GREAT GRAY OWL
Rough-legged Hawk (poss.)
American Robin
Killdeer
GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE
CAROLINA WREN
Red-shouldered Hawk
Snow Goose
Blue-winged Teal
Tufted Titmouse
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Purple Finch
Pine Siskin
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Pileated Woodpecker
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Balzer Rd, north of Middleton
Token Creek County Park
Lower Mud Lake, McFarland
Newville (just south of Dane/Rock County line)
UW-Arboretum
Lake Monona Terrace
Goose Pond area, Columbia and Dane Counties
Stoughton
Highway 60 & Skunk Valley Rd intersection in
Sauk County
Devils Lake State Park
SW corner of Sauk County, near Bakken's Pond
Lake Delton area
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Thursday, March 17th.
On Sunday, the 13th, a big flock of LAPLAND
LONGSPURS, HORNED LARKS, and SNOW BUNTINGS was reported along Balzer
Road, N of Middleton. This was about 7:30 a.m.
On the 14th, a caller reported a NORTHERN SHRIKE
at Token Creek County Park, near the picnic area just before the
parking area for the dog-walking area.
A birder on the 15th went to Lower Mud Lake in
McFarland, and reported finding MUTE SWANS, LESSER SCAUP, CANVASBACK,
COMMON MERGANSER, HOODED MERGANSER, CANADA GOOSE, and WOOD DUCKS. Then
near Newville, just south of the Dane/Rock County line there were
NORTHERN PINTAILS, RING-NECKED DUCKS, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, RUDDY DUCKS,
LESSER SCAUP, and a over-flying immature eagle, possibly a GOLDEN
EAGLE. To get to the Newville location, take I-90 south to Highway 59.
Take 59 to Newville to where it crosses the river. Proceed north until
finding a good view of the river where it empties into Lake Koshkonong.
A caller on Wednesday, the 16th, visited the UW
Arboretum. At the east entrance near the Lake Wingra bridge, he
reported BUFFLEHEAD, both HOODED and COMMON MERGANSERS, and a COOPER'S
HAWK. Then, at Skunk Cabbage Bridge, there were 2 WHITE-THROATED
SPARROWS.
Also on the 16th an observer at the Lake Monona
Terrace reported RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS, AMERICAN WIGEONS, GADWALL,
REDHEADS, LESSER and possibly GREATER SCAUP, BUFFLEHEADS, AMERICAN
COOTS, MALLARDS, and NORTHERN SHOVELERS.
The GREAT GRAY OWL in the Goose Pond area was
reported along Morrisonville Road, about a half mile south of Meek
Road, S of Goose Pond.
A possible ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was also reported
over 9 Springs on the 16th.
On the 17th a birder S of Stoughton found about
40 AMERICAN ROBINS, 4 KILLDEER, and SEVERAL CANADA and GREATER
WHITE-FRONTED GEESE.
THE GREAT GRAY OWL near Sauk City was seen on
the night of the 16th and again this morning, the 17th. The most recent
report was it was near the intersection of Highway 60 and Skunk Valley
Road. There is a later second-hand report, however, that said this Owl
has been killed by a car. This will be checked out.
At Devils Lake State Park a CAROLINA WREN
continues to be seen near the private cottages on the SW side of the
lake. A RED-SHOULDERED HAWK has also been spotted in this area.
In SW Sauk County, near Bakken's Pond, an
observer reported SNOW GEESE, NORTHERN PINTAILS, AMERICAN WIGEONS,
GADWALLS, WOOD DUCKS, NORTHERN SHOVELERS, both GREEN-WINGED and
BLUE-WINGED TEAL, both LESSER and GREATER SCAUP, CANVASBACKS, COMMON
and HOODED MERGANSERS, COMMON GOLDENEYES, and RING-NECKED DUCKS.
Feeders near Lake Delton continue to be
frequented by a TUFTED TITMOUSE and a RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH. Also seen
there have been PURPLE FINCHES, PINE SISKINS, an over-wintering
YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, and a PILEATED WOODPECKER.
Good birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 12 March 2005
* WIMA0503.12
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
ROSS'S GOOSE
Greater White-fronted Goose
GOLDEN EAGLE
RED CROSSBILL (possible)
GREAT GRAY OWL
Horned Lark
Lapland Longspur
Northern Harrier
Mute Swan
Common Merganser
Common Goldeneye
American Coot
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Stoughton
SE Lafayette County
Yellowstone Lake State Park
Meek Rd on Dane/Columbia County line
Lower Mud Lake, McFarland
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Saturday, March 12th.
A ROSS'S GOOSE has been spotted about 2 miles
south of Stoughton on Highway 138 and in the area nearby. GREATER
WHITE-FRONTED GEESE have also been in that area.
A birding in southeast Lafayette County spotted
a GOLDEN EAGLE flying overhead, and then at Yellowstone Lake State Park
found possible RED CROSSBILLS in the conifers between the group
campground and the prairie restoration..
GREAT GRAY OWLS continue in Dane County.
The Stoughton GREAT GRAY has been hit by a car but was rescued and is
now in rehabilitation, hopefully to make a full recovery. The
other one has been seen along Meek Road on the border between Dane and
Columbia Counties, just east of where Meek Road intersects with Ramsey
Road. If you find the owl, please stay in your car, and stay
quiet to avoid disturbing the bird. Even idling engines can
prevent owls from hearing needed prey, so please turn off your car
engine when watching them.
In the same general region of northern Dane
County there continue to be small groups of HORNED LARKS and LAPLAND
LONGSPURS. NORTHERN HARRIERS can also be seen in this area.
Lower Mud Lake in McFarland is opening and
attracting a large number of waterfowl, including MUTE SWANS, GREATER
WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, COMMON MERGANSERS, COMMON GOLDENEYES, and AMERICAN
COOTS.
Good birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 02 March 2005
* WIMA0503.02
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
GREAT GRAY OWL
SNOWY OWL
NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD
Greater White-fronted Goose
Trumpeter Swan
ROSS'S GOOSE
White-throated Sparrow
Rusty Blackbird
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
NE corner of Lake Kegonsa State Park
Goose Pond area, Columbia County
Hwy 60 and River Rd in Sauk County
Pheasant Branch Road, Middleton
Lower Mud Lake, McFarland
Stoughton
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Wednesday, March 2nd.
GREAT GRAY OWLS have been reported in the area
in recent days. The first has been seen most recently on the east side
of Door Creek Road near the intersection with Fairview, at the NE
corner of Lake Kegonsa State Park. The second is present about a half
mile south of Goose Pond, on Columbia County K. The third is in Sauk
County, just west of Sauk City. It has most recently been found near
the intersection of Hwy 60 and River Road.
The SNOWY OWL has again been reported on
Pheasant Branch Road north of Middleton, near the intersection with
Meffert Rd.
The NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD previously reported on
Pheasant Branch Road is also likely to be where it was last seen, on
the west side of Pheasant Branch Road just north of the 2nd Pheasant
Branch parking lot.
GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE and TRUMPETER SWANS
have been seen on Lower Mud Lake in McFarland.
GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE and a ROSS'S GOOSE
were spotted from the bike path bridge in Stoughton, near the Osprey
platform. Note that a scope may be needed.
WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS continue to be present
at the Nakoma Duck Pond in Madison.
RUSTY BLACKBIRDS, finally, have been reported in
Stoughton. Check any flock of blackbirds for possible Rusties.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 24 February 2005
* WIMA0502.24
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
GREAT GRAY OWL
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Lake Kegonsa State Park area
Deforest area
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Thursday, February 24th.
A GREAT GRAY OWL has been viewed daily by
several observers near the east entrance to Lake Kegonsa State Park,
since February 22nd. The bird has been seen along Door Creek
Road, between the railroad tracks and Fairview Road (A3, p28 of the
gazetteer). Look in particular on the east side of the road and
at the tops of the utility poles.
Another GREAT GRAY OWL has been observed north
of Deforest on a utility pole on N Yahara Road between Grinde Road and
Smith Road (C2, p36 of the gazetteer). The bird then flew to a
farm on the east side of N Yahara Road.
Presumably yet another GREAT GRAY OWL was
spotted today about 3 miles south of Goose Pond on the Dane/Columbia
County line.
Good birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 09 February 2005
* WIMA0502.09
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Cedar Waxwing
Bohemian Waxwing (not seen)
Belted Kingfisher
Ring-necked Pheasant
White-crowned Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Northern Shrike
NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL
SNOWY OWL
NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Green-winged Teal
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Pheasant Branch Conservancy
Nakoma Duck Ponds area, Madison
Rock Springs area, Sauk County
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Wednesday, February 9th.
On Wednesday, February 2nd, 2 birders reported
finding 190 CEDAR WAXWINGS in a flock across from the Epic Building on
Tokay Road, Madison. They were unable to find any trace of the
BOHEMIAN WAXWING reported in that vicinity.
The same birders visited the Dane County part of
Pheasant Branch Conservancy off Pheasant Branch Road in Middleton on
Feb 3. They spotted a BELTED KINGFISHER near the spring east of
the 3rd parking spot as one heads north from Century Avenue. A
RING-NECKED PHEASANT was also present. Earlier in the week,
several birders found a number of WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS, a SWAMP
SPARROW, and SONG SPARROWS near the spring, as well as a NORTHERN
SHRIKE.
Also on February 3rd, the NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL
reported near the Nakoma Duck Ponds was still calling near the corner
of Spring Trail and Huron Hill.
The SNOWY OWL reported on the north end of
Pheasant Branch Road between Fischer and Meffert Roads in Dane County,
has been seen on and off during the week. It appears to be
easiest to find in late afternoon, about an hour before sunset.
There also is a NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD that was
observed over several days along Pheasant Branch Road, between the 1st
and 2nd Pheasant Branch Conservancy parking areas, and south of the
creek crossing the road. It may not be immediately obvious, but a
search of the hill on the west side up from the creek, plus some
patience, should turn up the bird.
On February 7th a reporter noted that he has had
a YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER coming to his Sauk County home feeder since
late November. He also spotted a GREEN-WINGED TEAL in a flooded
field just north of Rock Springs in Sauk County.
**********************************
Please call the state-wide hotline in Milwaukee,
(414) 352-3857, for the latest update on unusual birds being seen
elsewhere in the state.
**********************************
The next Madison Audubon Society field trip is
not until March 4th Night Owls with Al Shea. Stay tuned for
details.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 02 February 2005
* WIMA0502.02
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
SNOWY OWL
Barred Owl
NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL
CAROLINA WREN
BOHEMIAN WAXWING
Cedar Waxwing
American Robin
Merlin
Winter Wren
Hermit Thrush
Fox Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Pine Siskin
Yellow-headed Blackbird
Red-winged Blackbird
Canvasback
Redhead
Gadwall
Northern Shoveler
Common Goldeneye
Hooded Merganser
Common Merganser
White-crowned Sparrow
SPOTTED TOWHEE
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Pheasant Branch Rd, N of Middleton
Governor Nelson State Park
Nakoma Duck Pond area, Madison
Epic building area on Tokay Blvd area, Madison
UW Arboretum
Mazomanie area
Lower Mud Lake, McFarland
Blanchardville
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Wednesday, February 2nd.
A SNOWY OWL has been sighted on Pheasant Branch
Road, north of Middleton, usually between Fisher and Meffert Roads,
north of Highway K. The best time seems to be around 4:30 p.m.
A BARRED OWL was spotted at Governor Nelson
State Park on the south trail leading to the woods.
A NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL has been calling,
usually between 5:30 and 6:15 p.m. near the intersection of Huron Hill
and Spring Trail, near the Nakoma Duck Pond area of the UW Arboretum in
Madison.
Two CAROLINA WRENS were observed at a feeder
along the alley leading from Edgewood High School to Lincoln Street,
and then to Van Buren.
There have been reports of BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS
along with a large flock of CEDAR WAXWINGS in the Whitney Way area of
Madison's west side. Explore the fruit-bearing trees along Tokay
near the Epic building, and along Science Drive.
In the UW Arboretum, reporters have found PINE
SISKINS and AMERICAN ROBINS at Teal Pond; a MERLIN near the stone
building in the woods; a WINTER WREN and a HERMIT THURSH near the Skunk
Cabbage Bridge, and a FOX SPARROW, a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, PINE
SISKINS, and a WINTER WREN near the Nakoma Duck Pond.
A YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD was sighted in a flock
of RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS along the river near Mazomanie. This
caller also found CANVASBACKS, REDHEADS, GADWALL, NORTHERN SHOVELERS,
COMMON GOLDENEYES, and HOODED and COMMON MERGANSERS at Lower Mud
Lake in McFarland. The caller also had a WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW
coming to her feeder.
A SPOTTED TOWHEE has been seen regularly since
January 15th at a feeder a few miles north of Blanchardville.
It's at the farm of Jim and Janna McCoy, and they welcome birders who
want to see the Towhee. Their phone number is 608-523-4936.
To reach them, take Highway 18/151 south out of Madison (towards
Dodgeville). Turn left on County F near Blue Mounds State Park;
go past Highway 39 about 1.6 miles and turn left on a gravel
driveway. The fire numbers there are 785-787. Take the
driveway about 1 mile down the hill and you'll see the house on the
hill to the left. Drive up to the house and park. Please
call in advance if at all possible to find out what times are
best. The owners have been very kind in allowing birders to view
the Towhee from their kitchen window.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 26 January 2005
* WIMA0501.26
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
SNOWY OWL
Northern Shrike
Snow Bunting
Lapland Longspur
Rough-legged Hawk
SHORT-EARED OWL
NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Horicon Marsh Area, Dodge County
Jefferson County
Nakoma Duck Pond area, Madison
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Wednesday, January 26th.
On Sunday, January 23rd, a number of birders
converged on Horicon Marsh because of the reported sightings of SNOWY
OWLS in the area. In addition to finding at least 2 of the SNOWY
OWLS reported, 1 on the north side of Highway 49, they found a NORTHERN
SHRIKE just east of the bend on Hwy 49, both SNOW BUNTINGS and LAPLAND
LONGSPURS off Ledge Road, and at least 2 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS in the area.
At the beginning of the same day, 2 birders
spotted a SHORT-EARED OWL just off
I-94 in Jefferson County, about midway between
Dane and Waukesha counties.
Today, the 26th, 2 birders sought out the
NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL earlier reported in the vicinity of the Nakoma
Duck Pond part of the UW-Arboretum in Madison. They located the
bird calling around 6:15 p.m. on the corner of Huron Hill and Spring
Trail a bit west and north of the Nakoma Duck Pond.
**********************************
Please call the WSO state-wide hotline for any
updates around the state (414) 352-3857). The big news has
generally focused on the eruption of northern owls around the
state. The Spotted Towhee is also still at Muskego County Park in
Waukesha County.
**********************************
The next Madison Audubon Society field trip is
Saturday, January 29th Winter Birds of the Arboretum. Meet
at 8 a.m. at the McKay Center parking lot on the side toward Curtis
Prairie. The walk will last 2-3 hours, depending on weather and
species extant. Be sure to dress warmly enough and wear
appropriate footgear. If you have any questions, please call Levi
at 277-7959.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 19 January 2005
* WIMA0501.19
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
GYRFALCON (possible)
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE
Red-tailed Hawk
Dark-eyed Junco, Oregon race
CAROLINA WREN
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Cambridge schoolyard
Verona
Sauk City
Madison, alley near Edgewood High School
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Wednesday, January 19th.
On Friday, January 14th, 2 possible GYRFALCONS
were observed at the edge of the schoolyard in Cambridge. They
were larger than other raptors nearby and were very white.
Also on the 14th a YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was
spotted in Verona on a suet feeder.
On Saturday, the 15th, 2 TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRES
were found at Devils Lake State Park, one on each side of Devil's
Doorway. Also seen at Devil's Lake State Park was a dark morph
Red-tailed Hawk. The same day a birder also reported seeing an
Oregon race DARK-EYED JUNCO at a large feeder along with other birds
behind the Sauk City Riveredge Mall.
A caller reported a CAROLINA WREN on the 18th in
the alleyway that runs from Van Buren across Lincoln to Edgewood High
School. Be sure to check the pines along the alley.
Another YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was reported at
a Madison feeder on Wednesday, the 19th.
**********************************
The next field trip of the Madison Audubon
Society will be Saturday, the 22nd -Wisconsin River
Raptors. Meet by 7:30 a.m. to carpool from the Copp's Supermarket
parking lot in Middleton at the corner of Century Avenue and Allen
Boulevard.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 13 January 2005
* WIMA0501.13
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Short-eared Owl
Horned Lark
Winter Wren
Pine Siskin
Swamp Sparrow
Song Sparrow
CAROLINA WREN
Northern Shrike
Red-winged Blackbird
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
White-crowned Sparrow
Common Redpoll
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Thousand's Rock Prairie, Dane County
Mission Road, near Stoughton
Madison
Goose Pond
Verona
UW Arboretum
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Thursday, January 13th.
A caller reported finding a SHORT-EARED OWL and
13 HORNED LARKS at Thousand's Rock Prairie on Dane County's west edge
on Saturday, the 8th.
Another observer saw a WINTER WREN, PINE
SISKINS, and both SWAMP and SONG SPARROWS by a creek off Mission Road
near Stoughton on January 12th.
A CAROLINA WREN was reported at a feeder in
Madison on January 13th.
Another birder reported a NORTHERN SHRIKE at
Stewart Road East of Hwy 22, and a RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD at Goose Pond,
near the managers' house.
Other birds reported in the vicinity in the past
week include: a YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER at a feeder in Verona; a
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW at an area feeder; and WINTER WRENS at Skunk
Cabbage Bridge in the UW Arboretum and along 9 Springs Creek. In
addition, 2 COMMON REDPOLLS were spotted flying over the UW Arboretum.
**********************************
The WSO statewide hotline in Milwaukee, (414)
352-3857, as of January 10th is reporting Great Gray Owl, Barrow's
Goldeneye, Northern Hawk Owl, Varied Thrush, Harlequin Duck, and
Short-eared Owl. Please call the hotline for details.
**********************************
The next Madison Audubon Society field trip will
be on January 22nd -- Wisconsin River Raptors. Please
consult CAWS or call the Madison Audubon Office for details.
Good birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 07 January 2005
* WIMA0501.07
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Red-winged Blackbird
Northern Shrike
NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD
Short-eared Owl
Thayer's Gull
Great White-fronted Goose
Lapland Longspur
Cooper's Hawk
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Madison, various locations
Hillstead Road, Columbia County
Thousand's Rock Prairie, Dane County
Prairie du Sac dam
Lower Mud Lake
Stoughton area
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Friday, January 7th; all reports are from
the past 10 days.
In the northeast corner of Madison, a RED-WINGED
BLACKBIRD was observed coming to a feeder.
A caller spotted a NORTHERN SHRIKE in Dane
County, but failed to give the location.
During the Poynette CBC, 2 of the volunteers
found a NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD off Hillstead Road, about a quarter mile
east of Hwy 60.
A visitor to Thousand's Rock Prairie in western
Dane County observed 2 SHORT-EARED OWLS working the grasslands.
He also reported finding, among other species, a THAYER'S GULL at the
Prairie du Sac Dam.
At Lower Mud Lake, 2 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE
were spotted.
Another birder reported finding LAPLAND
LONGSPURS along Hwy 138 about 5 miles south of Stoughton.
There have been several reports of COOPER'S
HAWKS at local feeders.
**********************************
Probably the most exciting report currently is
the state is the Northern Hawk Owl that's been seen for the past 2
weeks at Harrington Beach State Park, along Lake Michigan. Please
call the WSO statewide hotline at (414) 352-3857 for further updates on
this and other unusual species around the state.
Happy birding!
