Wisconsin
* Madison
* 12 December 2006
* WIMA0612.12
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Merlin
Tundra Swan
White-winged Scoter
Sandhill Crane
Red-shouldered Hawk
Short-eared Owl
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Governor's Island
Arena Boat Landing, Iowa County
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Tuesday, December 12th.
Last week on Governor's Island a MERLIN was
spotted just off the parking lot. Also present on Lake Mendota were
TUNDRA SWANS and 2 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS. At least some of these birds
should be still around, depending on open water.
At the Arena Boat Landing on the Wisconsin River
in Iowa County, there is a trail just south of the bridge. Taking that
a couple of hundred yards to a clearing one may still see SANDHILL
CRANES or the RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS that live there. Notably, there have
also been recent reports of 2-3 SHORT-EARED OWLS that come out about
4:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 07 December 2006
* WIMA0612.07
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Merlin
Tundra Swan
White-winged Scoter
Bald Eagle
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Governor's Island
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Thursday December 7th.
Today on Governor's Island a MERLIN was spotted
just off the parking lot. Also present on Lake Mendota were TUNDRA
SWANS and 2 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS.
Two BALD EAGLES have been around the Madison
lake edges.
Lake Wingra and Monona Bay are now frozen over.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 22 November 2006
* WIMA0611.22
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Surf Scoter
Black Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Red-necked Grebe
PACIFIC LOON
Hooded Merganser
Canvasback
Redhead
Northern Shoveler
Gadwall
Ring-necked Duck
American Wigeon
Horned Grebe
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL
ROSS'S GOOSE
Short-eared Owl
Fox Sparrow
Eastern Towhee
White-throated Sparrow
Chipping Sparrow
Bald Eagle
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Governor Nelson State Park
Governor's Island, Lake Mendota
Burrows Park, Madison
Lake Mendota
Warner Beach
Olin-Turville Park, Lake Mendota
Lake Monona by causeway
Monona Bay
Stricker's Pond
Hwy 138, S of Stoughton
S Taylor Rd, S of Stoughton
This is the hotline report for the Madison
Audubon Society for Wednesday, November 22nd, 2006.
All three Scoters have been spotted in the
Madison area during the past week. A SURF SCOTER and a BLACK SCOTER
were reported off Governor Nelson State Park on the north side of Lake
Mendota, and 5 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS were seen off Governor's
Island and Burrows Park on Lake Mendota. RED-NECKED GREBES were found
on the west end of Lake Mendota, at Warner Park on the east side of
Lake Mendota, and off Olin-Turville Park on Lake Monona.
The PACIFIC LOON was reported again as recently
as Tuesday, the 21st. It appears to be moving around, and has not been
seen by all previously looking for it. Most recently it was spotted by
the causeway on Lake Monona. Species present on Monona Bay include 91
HOODED MERGANSERS, CANVASBACKS, REDHEAD, NORTHERN SHOVELER,
GADWALL, RING-NECKED DUCK, AMERICAN WIGEON, and HORNED GREBE.
A LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was spotted on Lake
Monona on both Friday and Saturday, the 17th and 18th.
Two ROSS'S GEESE were reported on Stricker's
Pond, and 2 more were reported on a farm pond off Highway 138 in
Stoughton, one of the latter probably a hybrid ROSS'S/SNOW.
A birder reported a SHORT-EARED OWL off S Taylor
Rd south of Stoughton.
Local yard sightings during the week include FOX
SPARROW, EASTERN TOWHEE, WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, and CHIPPING SPARROW.
Another caller reported a BALD EAGLE over Vilas Park.
*******************************
The next Madison Audubon field trip is Saturday,
Dec 2. Stay tuned for details.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 8 November 2006
* WIMA0611.08
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Red-necked Grebe
ROSS'S GOOSE
WHOOPING CRANE
Sandhill Crane
Short-eared Owl
Tundra Swan
Northern Shrike
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Lake Mendota boat landing near Captain Bill's Restaurant in
Middleton
Hwy 138 at S edge of Stoughton
Hyslop Road
Arena Boat Landing
Lake Marian, Mazomanie
Horicon Marsh
This is the hotline report for the Madison
Audubon Society for Wednesday, November 8, 2006.
This past Friday through Sunday, observers
reported a pair of RED-NECKED GREBES off the boat launch next to
Captain Bill's Restaurant in Middleton.
On Tuesday and Wednesday up to 3 ROSS'S GEESE or
possibly Snow/Ross's hybrid were spotted in a farm pond on the S edge
of Stoughton off Hwy 138.
A female WHOOPING CRANE along with about 1000
SANDHILL CRANES was still being reported Tuesday in the pond off Hyslop
Road, north of Waunakee.
Off the walking path near the bridge at the
Arena Boat Landing a birder found 2 SHORT-EARED OWLS on Tuesday.
A ROSS'S GOOSE was also spotted from Sunday
through Tuesday at Lake Marian, a large pond below the Hwy 14 bridge in
Mazomanie.
Two reports also come from Horicon Marsh. At the
east of Dike Road, about a 1000 TUNDRA SWANS were found along with a
variety of ducks, and a NORTHERN SHRIKE was spotted in the Bud Cook
Hiking Area.
*******************************
There have been two hard-to-find-in-Wisconsin
birds reported in the Milwaukee area over the past week. For the 3rd
straight year a Mew Gull has appeared at the South Metro Pier on the
south edge of Milwaukee County. The big news has been the TOWNSEND'S
WARBLER at Sheridan Park which has been seen by many up through Tuesday.
The next Madison Audubon field trip is Saturday,
Dec 2. Stay tuned for details.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 27 October 2006
* WIMA0610.27
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Nashville Warbler
White-crowned Sparrow
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Gray Catbird
Wild Turkey
Eastern Bluebird
Common Loon
Canvasback
American Coot
SURF SCOTER
Lesser Scaup
Hermit Thrush
Field Sparrow
Cooper's Hawk
Lapland Longspur
American Golden Plover
Tundra Swan
American Kestrel
Northern Harrier
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
UW Arboretum Madison
University Bay
Governor Nelson State Park
Schumacher Road, Dane County
Goose Pond Sanctuary, Columbia County
Odana Ponds, Madison
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Friday, October 27th.
A birder on Saturday, the 21st visited a number
of Dane County sites, and reported the following findings. . . UW
Arboretum: YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, NASHVILLE WARBLER, WHITE-CROWNED
SPARROW, SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, GRAY CATBIRD, 15-20 WILD TURKEY, and
10 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS. University Bay: COMMON LOON, 10+ CANVASBACKS, and
100s of AMERICAN COOTS. At Governor Nelson State Park: 2 SURF SCOTERS,
3 COMMON LOONS, 2 LESSER SCAUP, a HERMIT THRUSH, 8 FIELD SPARROWS, a
COOPER'S HAWK, and 15-20 flyover LAPLAND LONGSPURS. On Schumacher
Road: 50+ AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVERS. He also stopped at Goose Pond
in Columbia County and observed 12 TUNDRA SWANS, a KESTREL, and a
HARRIER among other species.
Another observer visited the Odana Ponds on
Sunday, the 22nd, and reported, among other findings, a late PINE
WARBLER and a LINCOLN'S SPARROW.
***************************
The next Madison Audubon field trips are:
1) Sunday,
October 29th - Scope Day at Goose Pond Sanctuary, Columbia County.
Spotting scopes will be set up along the drive for looks at migrating
waterfowl between 2 and 4 p.m. To get to Goose Pond, take Highway 51 N
from Madison to County Highway K in Columbia County. Turn left on K and
proceed to where K bends left. Turn right at that bend (Goose Pond
Road), and go over the hill. The bigger pond will open up to your left,
and the drive is on side you're coming from. If you have questions,
please call Dorothy at 608-221-1948. Please note that if the weather is
bad, the scopes will not be set up.
2) Saturday,
November 4th Lake Michigan Birding. The trip will look for
migrating waterfowl and raptors along Lake Michigan in Ozaukee and
Milwaukee counties. Please dress for the weather and bring a scope if
you have one. Meet to carpool in the middle of the parking lot of the
east-side Cub Foods in Madison. From Hwy 30 take Hwy 51 (Stoughton Rd)
north to Nakoosa Trail. Turn right and proceed east to Cub Foods. The
group will leave the parking lot at 6:30 a.m. If you have questions,
please call Aaron at 608-294-0618.
Good birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 18 October 2006
* WIMA0610.18
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
SURF SCOTER
HARRIS'S SPARROW
Blue-winged Warbler
Ovenbird
Tundra Swan
Snow Goose
Common Loon
White-crowned Sparrow
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Governor Nelson State Park
Goose Pond Sanctuary, Columbia County
Lake Monona
9 Springs Natural Area
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Wednesday, October 18th.
Two immature SURF SCOTERS were spotted this past
weekend (Oct 14-15) off the boat landing at Governor Nelson State Park.
Also present in the park were a HARRIS'S SPARROW, a late BLUE-WINGED
WARBLER, and an OVENBIRD.
TUNDRA SWANS, a SNOW GOOSE, and a variety of
ducks graced Goose Pond sanctuary over the weekend.
COMMON LOONS have been present along the
causeway along Lake Monona.
Another HARRIS'S SPARROW was seen last weekend
along with WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS at 9 Springs Natural Area.
Good birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 12 October 2006
* WIMA0610.12
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Hermit Thrush
Dark-eyed Junco
White-throated Sparrow
Fox Sparrow
Chipping Sparrow
Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow
LeConte's Sparrow
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Palm Warbler
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Rusty Blackbird
Winter Wren
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
9 Springs Natural Area
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Thursday, October 12th.
With the cold weather, many birds are moving
through and heading south. HERMIT THRUSHES and DARK-EYED JUNCOS are
currently plentiful in our area. WHITE-THROATED, FOX, and
CHIPPING SPARROWS are starting to leave our area. At 9 Springs Natural
Area, be sure to look for any remaining NELSON'S SHARP-TAILED and
LECONTE'S SPARROWS before they all leave.
Ducks are starting to come into our area on
their journey south. Most warblers are gone with the exception of
YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS and PALM WARBLERS.
One can find flocks of RED-WINGED and RUSTY
BLACKBIRDS in addition to multitudes of COMMON GRACKLES as they gather
in large numbers during migration. WINTER WRENS are also now in
our area.
Good birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 04 October 2006
* WIMA0610.04
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
NELSON'S SHARP-TAILED SPARROW
LECONTE'S SPARROW
Swamp Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Long-billed Dowitcher
Wilson's Snipe
Sora
Tennessee Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
White-throated Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Lincoln's Sparrow
Swainson's Thrush
Hermit Thrush
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Yellow-rumped Warbler
SABINE'S GULL
Horned Grebe
Bonaparte's Gull
Ruddy Duck
Redheads
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
9 Springs Natural Area
Madison School Forest
Honeeum Duck Pond
Lake DuBay, Portage County
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Wednesday, October 4th.
NELSON'S SHARP-TAILED SPARROWS have been
reported from last Saturday through Tuesday, this week at 9 Springs
Natural Area. On Monday up to 6 NELSON'S SHARP-TAILED SPARROWS were
present. A few LECONTE'S SPARROWS have also been spotted. The sparrows
tend to inhabit the grasses and shrubs around and near the far small
ponds. Be patient; looked for orange faces to help separate these
sparrows from the more common SWAMP and SONG SPARROWS. Other birds
spotted at 9 Springs recently have included LONT-BILLED DOWITCHER,
WILSON'S SNIPE, SORA, TENNESSEE WARBLER, BLACK-THROATED GREEN
WARBLER, WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, and
LINCOLN'S SPARROW.
Thrushes were abundant in the Madison School
Forest near Verona on Tuesday. Particularly numerous were HERMIT
THRUSHES and SWAINSON'S THRUSHES.
At the Honeeum Duck Pond part of the UW
Arboretum, an observer found both RUBY-CROWNED and GOLDEN-CROWN
KINGLETS. Other species seen there included TENNESSEE WARBLER and
YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER.
The big news this week is the immature SABINE'S
GULL that's been reported near the spillway at the dam on Lake DuBay in
Portage County. The bird was seen all last weekend, and we've had
reports through yesterday, Tuesday. Other species reported at Lake
DuBay include HORNED GREBE, BONAPARTE'S GULL, RUDDY DUCK and REDHEAD.
*******************************
There are 3 Madison Audubon field trips this
weekend:
1) Saturday,
October 7 - Raptor Migration at Eagle Valley. Meet to carpool at 7 a.m.
at the parking lot of Cub Foods on the west side of Verona Road just
south of the Beltline. Parking space at Eagle Valley is limited so
carpooling is essential. The trip will last until about 5 p.m. Bring a
scope if you have one, and a lunch.
2) Saturday,
October 7 - Fall Migrant Songbirds at the Dane County Unit of Pheasant
Branch. Meet at 7:15 at the 3rd parking lot heading north on
Pheasant Branch Road. Be sure to wear warm clothes against the
early morning chill.
3) Sunday,
October 8 - Lodi Ice-Age Tour at Lodi Marsh Wildlife Area. This
field trip focuses mainly on plants. Birds will be noted as well. Meet
at 8 a.m. at the parking lot of the now-empty Copps at the intersection
of Middleton Blvd and Century Ave.
Good birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 28 September 2006
* WIMA0609.28
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
AMERICAN AVOCET
Greater Yellowlegs
Spotted Sandpiper
Red-breasted Nuthatch
NELSON'S SHARP-TAILED SPARROW
EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH
American Goldfinch
House Finch
Great Egret
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Prairie du Sac dam, Sauk County
Waunakee
9 Springs Natural Area
Dane County Airport area
This is the hotline report for the Madison
Audubon Society for Thursday, September 28, 2006.
On Monday, Sept 25, at the Prairie de Sac dam, a
birder reported 3 AMERICAN AVOCETS, a GREATER YELLOWLEGS, and a
SPOTTED SANDPIPER
A RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH was observed in Waunakee
on Wednesday, September 27th.
Today, Thursday, September 28th, there were
several reports: A NELSON'S SHARP-TAILED SPARROW was seen at 9 Springs;
a EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH at Madison feeders, along with AMERICAN
GOLDFINCHES and HOUSE FINCHES; and GREAT EGRETS reported near the Dane
County airport.
**************************************
Two Madison Audubon Field trips are scheduled
for this Saturday, September 30th.
1) Necedah National Wildlife Refugee -- Join
Richard King and Nolan Pope in the observation tower in Necedah to
watch Whooping Crane chicks being trained to fly behind ultralites.
Afterward, we'll have a tour inside the refuge with a U.S. Fish &
Wildlife Service wildlife biologist. We should see adult Whooping
Cranes, large numbers of Red-Headed Woodpeckers, and possibly signs of
coyotes or gray wolves.
If weather conditions are bad (raining or too
windy), the ultralites and cranes may not fly. That decision often
isn't made until shortly before they start. Regardless, we will tour
inside the refuge. Later, those wishing can continue with us for a tour
of the open wildlife refuge areas. Wear sturdy footwear; bring
binoculars, scopes, water, and food; and dress appropriately for the
weather. We will meet in the parking lot of the now vacant Copp's at
the intersection of Allen Blvd and Century Ave. in Middleton and depart
promptly at 5:15 a.m., as we need to be at the top of the observation
tower by 7:00 a.m. For more information contact Nolan Pope at (608)
692-0149 or npope@library.wisc.edu
2) Mushrooms and Lichens of Black Hawk Ridge --
Join trip leaders Marie Trest, Dan Czederpiltz, and Diane Derouen
in an exploration of the mushrooms and lichens of the Black Hawk Unit
of the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway. Bring a hand lens, if you have
one. If fungi are abundant, we may continue into the afternoon, so you
might like to bring a lunch.
Meet to carpool at 9:30 am in the parking lot of
Middleton Copp's on Century Ave. Or, meet at 10 am in the Black Hawk
parking area on the east side of Hwy 78. If you have questions, contact
Diane at (608) 262-7475 or dderouen@wisc.edu.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 20 September 2006
* WIMA0609.20
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Common Nighthawk
Baltimore Oriole
Black-billed Cuckoo
Northern Waterthrush
Scarlet Tanager
Northern Flicker
Blackpoll Warbler
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Cooper's Hawk
Philadelphia Vireo
Wilson's Warbler
Caspian Tern
American Wigeon
Mute Swan
Golden-winged Warbler
Orange-crowned Warbler
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Brown Creeper
Blue-headed Vireo
Yellow-throated Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Sedge Wren
Hooded Warbler
NELSON'S SHARP-TAILED SPARROW
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Stewart Park, Mt Horeb
Odana Ponds, Madison
Honeeum area of UW-Madison Arboretum
Whalen Grade, Columbia County
Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Middleton
9 Springs Natural Area, Madison
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Wednesday, September 20th.
On Friday evening, September 15th, 2 birders at
Stewart Park in Mt Horeb spotted 2 COMMON NIGHTHAWKS, and BALTIMORE
ORIOLE plus a number of warbler species. Another birder at
Stewart Park on September 17th found a BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO, and the day
after, 2 birders observed a NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH and a SCARLET TANAGER
there.
An observer at Odana Ponds on Saturday, the 16th
counted 12 NORTHERN FLICKERS, among other species. On the 17th at
Odana, he found 5 warbler species including BLACKPOLL WARBLER and
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH plus an EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE.
On Saturday, the 17th, the Madison Audubon field
trip to the Honeeum area of the UW-Madison Arboretum had about 40
species, including COOPER'S HAWK, PHILADELPHIA VIREO, WILSON'S WARBLER,
and BLACKPOLL
WARBLER.
A visitor to Whalen Grade on Lake Wisconsin in
Columbia County on the 19th found, among other species, 5 CASPIAN
TERNS, 15 AMERICAN WIGEONS, and 28 MUTE SWANS.
A birder at Pheasant Branch Conservancy in
Middleton on the 20th spotted a GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER; ORANGE-CROWNED
WARBLER; WILSON'S WARBLER; RUBY CROWNED KINGLETS; BROWN
CREEPERS; BLUE-HEADED, YELLOW-THROATED, and RED-EYED VIREOS; and
a SEDGE WREN. The HOODED WARBLER found on Monday the 10th in the
western section of the stream corridor has not been seen since.
Today's late-breaking news from 9 Springs
Natural Area reports that 2 NELSON'S SHARP-TAILED SPARROWS were found
in the back north center field.
*********************************
The next Madison Audubon field trips are:
1) Saturday,
September 30th Fall at Necedah National Wildlife Refuge. The
group will observe ultra-light training of Whooping Cranes, weather
permitting, and tour part of the refuge looking for Cranes, Red-headed
Woodpeckers, and possibly Coyotes and Gray Wolves. Wear sturdy boots,
bring binoculars, scopes, water, and food. Please dress appropriately
for the weather. Meet to carpool at the parking lot of Copp's at
the intersection of Allen Blvd and Century Ave in Middleton by 5 a.m.
The group will leave promptly at that time in order to meet their guide
at Necedah. If you have questions, please call Nolan at 608-692-0149 or
email him at npope@library.wisc.edu.
2)
Saturday, September 30th Mushrooms and Lichens of Black Hawk
Ridge on the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway. Meet to carpool at 9:30
a.m. in the parking lot of the Middleton Copp's, as noted above. Or,
meet at 10 a.m. in the Black Hawk parking area on the east side of Hwy
78. If you have questions, please call Diane at 608-262-7475 or
email to: dderouen@wisc.edu.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 13 September 2006
* WIMA0609.13
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Connecticut Warbler
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Stewart Park, Mt Horeb
Owen Park, Madison
Pheasant Branch Conservancy
Picnic Point
Olin Park, Madison
Lake Farm County Park
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Wednesday, September 13th.
The only report of a specific bird this week is
that of a CONNECTICUT WARBLER at Stewart Park in Mt Horeb. The park can
easily be reached by following the signs as you drive west on the main
street through town.
Other good spots this time of year include Owen
Park, Picnic Point, and Olin Park, all in Madison, and Pheasant Branch
Conservancy in Middleton and Lake Farm County Park. Warblers and
other passerines are still moving through, and sparrows are starting to
come in.
*******************************
There are 2 Madison Audubon field trips this
coming Sunday
1) Fall
Birds at the UW Arboretum --- meet at 8 a.m. at the Honeeum Parking Lot
at the intersection of Arbor and Monroe on Madison's west side.
2) Parade
of Preserves at Faville Grove this will start at 9 a.m. from
Buddy's Place old homestead at N7710 Highway 89. Take the Lake Mills
exit off I-90 and go north on highway 89 about 2½ miles.
Good birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 8 September 2006
* WIMA0609.08
This is the hotline report for the Madison
Audubon Society for Friday, September 8th , 2006.
No reports were called in this week, although
there has been good migrant activity including warblers, thrushes, and
flycatchers among others. Between the wind that has now shifted to the
north and the rain, the weekend should be good for birding.
**********************************
The next Madison Audubon field trips are both
tomorrow, Saturday, September 9th.
1) Bird
Banding at Picnic Point feel free to drop in at the banding
station at the biocore prairie between Picnic Point and the Eagle
Heights gardens. Banding will be done between 8 and 12.
2) Fall
Birding at Lake Farm County Park. This field trip will start at 8 a.m.
from the shelter off Libby Road and last until 11. Please bring a scope
if you have one.
Good birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 31 August 2006
* WIMA0608.31
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
CAROLINA WREN
Red-headed Woodpecker
Lesser Yellowlegs
Greater Yellowlegs
WHOOPING CRANE
Sandhill Crane
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Middleton
9 Springs Natural Area
Hyslop Road pond
Horicon Marsh
This is the hotline report for the Madison
Audubon Society for Thursday, August 31, 2006.
There have been a variety of reports this week,
most of them centering on bird species seen at the Pheasant Branch
Conservancy in Middleton. Many warblers have been seen along the stream
corridor during the week, along with a CAROLINA WREN.
A RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was spotted at Olin Park
on the 31st, no longer a common sighting for Madison.
9 Springs Natural Area has been disappointing,
due to habitat loss from the combination of dry conditions and then the
recent spate of torrential rains. There are shorebirds present, but in
small numbers.
For shorebirds, a more promising area has been
the Hyslop Road pond, about 2 miles north of Waunakee; that too has
been negatively affected by recent rains. Both LESSER and GREATER
YELLOWLEGS have been spotted there, and a WHOOPING CRANE has also made
several appearances there in the midst of SANDHILL CRANES.
Horicon Marsh has been the best for shorebirds
recently, having hosted about 12 species of shorebirds south of Highway
49, east of Waupun. This coming weekend, the Old Marsh Road will again
be open, and may be one of the better places to find birds of interest
given how habitat is again drying up rapidly.
****************************
The upcoming Madison Audubon field trips are:
1) Saturday,
September 2nd Picnic Point. The group will leave from the
parking lot of the Class of 1918 Marsh at 8 a.m.
2) Wednesday,
September 6th Pheasant Branch Conservancy the walk will
start at 7 a.m. sharp from the dead end street that ends at Parisi Park
in Middleton, where Park St and Park Lawn would join if the park did
not intervene.
Good birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 23 August 2006
* WIMA0608.23
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Olive-sided Flycatcher
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Eastern Phoebe
Great Crested Flycatcher
Tufted Titmouse
CAROLINA WREN
Red-eyed Vireo
Yellow-throated Vireo
Blue-winged Warbler
Tennessee Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
Mourning Warbler
Wilson's Warbler
American Redstart
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Lake Kegonsa State Park
Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Middleton
Hyslop Road pond, NW of Waunakee
This is the hotline report for the Madison
Audubon Society for Wednesday, August 23, 2006.
Wed, Aug 16 -- 11 species of warblers and
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS were reported in Madison.
Sunday, Aug 20 A YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER
was seen at Kegonsa S. P.
Monday, Aug 21 -- 9 warbler species at Pheasant
Branch in the morning.
Tues, Aug 22 For the morning at Pheasant
Branch Conservancy (stream corridor) in Middleton, a birder reported 41
species. These included EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE, EASTERN PHOEBE, GREAT
CRESTED FLYCATCHER, TUFTED TITMOUSE, CAROLINA WREN, and BOTH
RED-EYED and YELLOW-THROATED VIREOS. Numerous warblers were
also seen, including: BLUE-WINGED, TENNESSEE, NASHVILLE,
CHESTNUT-SIDED, MAGNOLIA, BLACKBURNIAN, BLACK-AND-WHITE,
MOURNING, WILSON'S, and AMERICAN REDSTART.
Tues, Aug 22 -- In the evening, BUFF-BREASTED
SANDPIPERS were observed at the Hyslop Road pond in northern Dane
County. The Hyslop Pond is located on the east side of Hyslop Road
between Kopp Road and Lavina Road in north-central Dane County (the far
right side of page 35 in the Delorme), NW of Waunakee.
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 26 July 2006
* WIMA0607.26
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Bell's Vireo
WHOOPING CRANE
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Brooklyn Wildlife Area
9 Springs Natural Area
Hyslop Road pond, NW of Waunakee
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Wednesday, July 26th.
Two BELL'S VIREOS have been found in the
Brooklyn Wildlife Area this past week just east of the northmost
parking area on County DD.
More than 5 different shorebird species have
been reported from the back ponds at 9 Springs Natural Area.
A WHOOPING CRANE was reported last week in a
pond off Hyslop Road in Dane County, northwest of Waunakee. Mudflats
with shorebirds were also present.
************************
The next Madison Audubon Society field trip is
Saturday, August 5th. Birds of 9 Springs. Meet at 7 a.m. at the
Moorland Road parking lot of the 9 Springs E-Way.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 20 July 2006
* WIMA0607.20
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Lesser Yellowlegs
Solitary Sandpiper
Spotted Sandpiper
Least Sandpiper
Killdeer
WHOOPING CRANE
Sandhill Crane
Great Blue Heron
Short-billed Dowitcher
Greater Yellowlegs
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
9 Springs Natural Area
Hyslop Road, N of Madison
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Thursday, July 20th.
Observers at 9 Springs Natural Area on July 17th
reported finding LESSER YELLOWLEGS, SOLITARY SANDPIPERS, SPOTTED
SANDPIPERS, LEAST SANDPIPERS, and numerous KILLDEER. The last central
pond next to the cattails remains the best location thus far for
shorebirds.
On the 18th a visit to the Hyslop Road pond
resulted in sighting a WHOOPING CRANE in the midst of several SANDHILL
CRANES. Other species seen included GREAT BLUE HERON, SHORT-BILLED
DOWITCHER, GREATER and LESSER YELLOWLEGS, SOLITARY SANDPIPERS, and
KILLDEER Mudflat are appearing on the edges of the pond and may
be a good place to watch for additional shorebirds as they migrate.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 5 July 2006
* WIMA0607.05
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Hooded Warbler
Albino Red-winged Blackbird
Northern Bobwhite
Dickcissel
American White Pelican
Solitary Sandpiper
Least Sandpiper
Lesser Yellowlegs
Sedge Wren
Willow Flycatcher
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Madison School Forest, Verona
Enchanted Valley Road, near Cross Plains
Cherokee Marsh
Faville Grove Sanctuary
Lake Koshkonong
Lincoln Road, near Oregon
9 Springs Natural Area
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Wednesday, July 5th.
Three HOODED WARBLERS were spotted at the
Madison School Forest near Verona this past week.
Along Enchanted Valley Road near Cross Plains,
an observer found an albino RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD.
NORTHERN BOBWHITES were both heard and seen at
Cherokee Marsh.
Birders at Faville Grove Sanctuary in Jefferson
County found a singing DICKCISSEL, and then watched 12 AMERICAN WHITE
PELICANS circling overhead and landing in the Cherokee River. PELICANS
have also been seen regularly in Lake Koshkonong, the most recent
sighting being on the 3rd.
DICKCISSELS have also been reported along
Lincoln Road near Oregon by the bigger homes near the golf course.
A visitor to 9 Springs Natural Area found 6
SOLITARY SANDPIPERS, 29 LEAST SANDPIPERS, and 3 LESSER YELLOWLEGS. He
also noted that the area near the parking lot for 9 Springs is a good
place to look for SEDGE WRENS and WILLOW FLYCATCHERS.
Good birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 14 June 2006
* WIMA0606.14
BIRDS MENTIONED-
Grasshopper Sparrow
Henslow's Sparrow
Vesper Sparrow
Bell's Vireo
Eastern Bluebird
YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT
Yellow-Billed Cuckoo
Cerulean Warbler
Hooded Warbler
Worm-Eating Warbler
Orchard Oriole
Acadian Flycatcher
Alder Flycatcher
Bobolink
Northern Bobwhite
Eastern Meadowlark
Orchard Oriole
Yellow-Headed Blackbird
Dickcissel
Yellow-headed Blackbird
Marsh Wren
Western Meadowlark
Willow Flycatcher
LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Marbleseed Prairie, Green County
Brooklyn Wildlife Area, Dane County
Devil's Lake State Park, Sauk County
Baxter's Hollow, Sauk County
Bong Wildlife Area, Kenosha County
Turtle Valley Wildlife Area
This is the birding hotline report for the
Madison Audubon Society for Wednesday, June 14, 2006.
On June 6th, Marbleseed Prairie sightings
included GRASSHOPPER, HENSLOW'S and VESPER SPARROWS, BELL'S VIREO, and
EASTERN BLUEBIRDS.
On June 10th a YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT was viewed
at Brooklyn Wildlife Area
The MAS trip to Devil's Lake and Baxter's Hollow
on Sunday, June 11th, had highlights of YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOOS, CERULEAN
and HOODED WARBLERS, a WORM-EATING WARBLER, ORCHARD ORIOLES, and
ACADIAN and ALDER
FLYCATCHERS.
Observers at the Bong Wildlife Area on June 13th
sighted BOBOLINKS, NORTHERN BOBWHITES, EASTERN MEADOWLARKS, ORCHARD
ORIOLE, and
YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRDS,
Also during the week, at Turtle Valley Wildlife
Area, were seen DICKCISSELS, YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRDS, MARSH WRENS,
WESTERN MEADOWLARKS, and WILLOW FLYCATCHERS
************************
The next Madison Audubon Society field trip is:
Saturday, June 17: Prairie Birds and Flowers
Here's a chance to identify and enjoy prairie
grasses and flowers with prairie expert Amy Staffen. And bird ecologist
Dave Sample will help us recognize (both visually and aurally) Upland
Sandpipers, Meadowlarks, Bobolinks, Dickcissels, several grassland
sparrows, and other avian species that like wide open spaces. This tour
takes place on The Nature Conservancy's Thomson Memorial Prairie, and
will last 2-3 hours. Please meet at 10:30 a.m. at Thomson Prairie. From
Highway 18 in Blue Mounds, drive 1.7 mi south on County Highway F.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 8 June 2006
* WIMA0606.08
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
COMMON RAVEN
Upland Sandpiper
Henslow's Sparrow
Clay-colored Sparrow
Grasshopper Sparrow
Bell's Vireo
Dickcissel
Western Meadowlark
MISSISSIPPI KITE
Broad-winged Hawk
Red-shouldered Hawk
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Prothonotary Warbler
Cerulean Warbler
PACIFIC LOON (possible)
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Goose Lake Wildlife Area, E central Dane County
Marbleseed Prairie, Green County
Avon Bottoms Wildlife Area
Spring Harbor area, Lake Mendota, Madison
This is the birding hotline of the Madison
Audubon Society for Thursday, June 8th.
Reports have slowed down radically over the past
week, but there are some less than common sightings.
On Friday, June 2nd, a caller observed a COMMON
RAVEN at Goose Lake Wildlife Area in east-central Dane County. It was
seen being harassed by Red-winged Blackbirds near Mud Lake.
This past Sunday, June 4th, two observers
traveled in late afternoon to Marbleseed Prairie in Green County. They
found at least 3 UPLAND SANDPIPERS; HENSLOW'S, CLAY-COLORED, and
GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS; and a calling BELL'S VIREO. To get to
Marbleseed, take highway 39 west out of New Glarus. Turn right on York
Hollow Road, and drive about a half mile, and the prairie will show up
on the right side of the road. Along highway 39, these observers also
reported hearing numerous DICKCISSELS and 2 WESTERN MEADOWLARKS.
The same day a trip to Avon Bottoms Wildlife
Area in southern Wisconsin found a MISSISSIPPI KITE in addition to
BROAD-WINGED HAWK, RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, many YELLOW-BILLED
CUCKOOS, PROTHONOTARY WARBLERS, and CERULEAN WARBLERS. Here are
directions that were posted on the Wisconsin Birding Network (WisBirdN)
list serve: "If anyone is interested in trying for the
bird, the closest road is Brandherm Rd. There is a DNR access drive on
Brandherm at the corner where the road turns from East-West to NW-SE.
You would need to park on the road and walk back in. Once you cleared
the trees lining the road, the bird was seen over the tree south and
west of you."
On Tuesday, the 6th, a caller from just east of
Spring Harbor on Lake Mendota in Madison reports having seen at
relatively close range what appeared to be a winter-plumaged
possible PACIFIC or ARCTIC LOON.
************************
The next Madison Audubon Society field trips are:
1) Saturday, June 10th Beginning birding
at Picnic Point. Meet at 8 a.m. in the parking lot by the 1918 Marsh.
Please bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them. The trip
will last about 3 hours. If you have questions, please call Allen at
608-238-0546 after 3 p.m.
2) Sunday, June 11th Birds of Devil's Lake
and Baxter's Hollow. Meet to carpool and leave at 6:00 a.m. at the
parking lot of the former Copp's at the intersection of Allen Boulevard
and Century Avenue in Middleton. Or join the group at 6:45 at the
parking lot for the boat landing in the southwest corner of Devil's
Lake. Please note that you need a state park sticker in order to park
at Devil's Lake. Pack food for snacks and/or a light lunch. The group
usually returns to Madison about noon or 1:00 p.m.
Good birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 01 June 2006
* WIMA0606.01
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT
SNOWY EGRET
Great Egret
White-rumped Sandpiper
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Dunlin
Orchard Oriole
Mourning Warbler
Hooded Warbler
Louisiana Waterthrush
Acadian Flycatcher
Lark Sparrow
Vesper Sparrow
Grasshopper Sparrow
Dickcissel
Short-eared Owl
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Brooklyn Wildlife Area
9 Springs Natural Area
Baxter's Hollow
Cook Arboretum, Janesville
Spring Green Preserve
Buena Vista Grasslands
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Thursday, June 1st.
Observers have found at least 2 YELLOW-BREASTED
CHATS at Brooklyn Wildlife area in southern Dane County and
northeastern Green County. Two were spotted about 200 yards NE of the
parking lot on Hughes Road at the SE side of the wildlife area.
Activity has also been good at 9 Springs Natural
Area. A SNOWY EGRET was observed along with several GREAT EGRETS. In
addition, shorebirds present included WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER,
SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER, DUNLIN, and SEMIPALMATED PLOVER. An ORCHARD
ORIOLE was also found in the 9 Springs parking area.
MOURNING and HOODED WARBLERS are present at
Baxter's Hollow, along with LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH and ACADIAN
FLYCATCHERS.
Cook's Arboretum in Janesville also has reported
HOODED WARBLERS and ACADIAN FLYCATCHERS, mostly on the lower trail.
At the Nature Conservancy's Spring Green
Preserve were found LARK, VESPER, and GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS plus ORCHARD
ORIOLES. A DICKCISSEL was also present nearby on Highway 60.
There is a SHORT-EARED OWL reportedly at the
Buena Vista Grasslands, off Lake Road.
**************************
The next Madison Audubon field trips are:
Friday, June 2nd Rose Lake State Natural
Area. This is a trip held jointly with the Rose Lake Friends
organization. Meet at Dorothy Carnes Park shelter building at 6:30 p.m.
If you like, bring a picnic supper and meet at the shelter at 5:30. The
park is located on Radloff Lane off Highway 12, about 23 miles east of
Madison. Contact Mark or Sue regarding questions at 608-635-4160.
Saturday, June 3rd Birding Governor Dodge
State Park. Meet to carpool at leave at 6 a.m. in front of the Home
Depot located ¼ mile south of the Beltline off Verona Road.
You'll need a state park sticker to enter the park. Return will be
about noon. If you have any questions, please call John at 608-238-6039.
Sunday, June 4th Geology and Botany of the
Baraboo Hills. This hike with retired professor of geology, Robert Dott
and his wife Nancy, will include Hemlock Draw and, optionally, Natural
Bridge State Park (all after a picnic lunch). The walk and picnic will
last 3-4 hours, and cars will return to Madison by mid-afternoon. Bring
binoculars, a lunch and water, and wear sturdy shoes for hiking on
moderately strenuous terrain. Meet to carpool and leave at 8:00 a.m. at
the parking lot of the formerly Copp's grocery at the intersection of
Allen Blvd and Century Ave, or meet at 9:00 at the small town park on
the south side of the pond in the village of Leland. Please call Bob or
Nancy at 608-238-2500 if you have any questions.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 10 May 2006
* WIMA0605.10
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Eastern Bluebird
Blue-winged Warbler
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Red-shouldered Hawk
Baltimore Oriole
Prothonotary Warbler
Lark Sparrow
Eastern Meadowlark
Grasshopper Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
WHOOPING CRANE
Golden-winged Warbler
Orange-crowned Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Bay-breasted Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Wilson's Warbler
Yellow-throated Vireo
Warbling Vireo
Philadelphia Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Scarlet Tanager
Indigo Bunting
Least Flycatcher
Green Heron
Nashville Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Cerulean Warbler
Wood Thrush
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Horned Grebe
Black-billed Cuckoo
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Long-billed Dowitcher
Dunlin
White-rumped Sandpiper
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Semipalmated Plover
Greater Yellowlegs
Lesser Yellowlegs
Solitary Sandpiper
Least Sandpiper
Great Egret
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Indian Lake County Park, Dane County
Arena Boat Landing, Iowa County
Spring Green Prairie
Wisconsin River
Intersection of County Highways A&D in Dane
County
Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Middleton
UW Arboretum
Cherokee Marsh
9 Springs Natural Area
This is the hotline report for the Madison
Audubon Society for Wednesday, May 10, 2006. Warblers have been
reported at numerous sites over the past week.
On Sunday, May 7th species present at Indian
Lake County Park (Dane County) included EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, BLUE-WINGED
WARBLER, ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK, and RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER.
At Arena Boat Landing, RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS,
BALTIMORE ORIOLES, and PROTHONOTARY WARBLERS were found, along with
other warblers. At Spring Green Prairie, numerous LARK SPARROWS were
found, as well as an EASTERN MEADOWLARK AND GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS.
A WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW was also seen near the Wisconsin River.
On Wednesday, May 10th a WHOOPING CRANE was seen
near the intersection of County D and County A, south of Madison.
Also reported were 21 warbler species at
Pheasant Branch Conservancy, including GOLDEN-WINGED, ORANGE-CROWNED,
BLACKBURNIAN, BAY-BREASTED, BLACKPOLL, PROTHONOTARY, and WILSON'S
WARBLERS. Vireos were also numerous: YELLOW-THROATED, WARBLING,
PHILADELPHIA, and RED-EYED. Other species included YELLOW-BELLIED
SAPSUCKER, BALTIMORE ORIOLE, SCARLET TANAGER, ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK,
INDIGO BUNTING, LEAST FLYCATCHER, and GREEN HERON.
At the UW Arboretum, also on Wednesday, many of
the same species were sighted, as well as NASHVILLE, MAGNOLIA,
CHESTNUT-SIDED, and CERULEAN WARBLERS. A WOOD THRUSH was heard and
seen, and BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS were numerous. Also, a HORNED
GREBE was sighted.
At Cherokee Marsh, birds included BAY-BREASTED
WARBLER and a BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO. Later that morning, a YELLOW-BILLED
CUCKOO was heard.
At 9 Springs were present 2 DOWITCHERS (1 was a
LONG-BILLED), 20 DUNLIN, 1 WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER,1
SEMIPALMATED-SANDPIPER, some SEMIPALMATED-PLOVERS, GREATER and
LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 5 SOLITARY SANDPIPERS, 30 LEAST SANDPIPERS,
and 8 GREAT EGRETS. Both WILSON'S WARBLER and PHILADELPHIA VIREO were
seen as well.
===============
Please note that the 30th Annual Madison Audubon
Art Fair will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2006, from 9:30 am to 4:30
pm. It will be located at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3300 Atwood
Avenue, in Madison.
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 06 May 2006
* WIMA0605.06
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD
Lark Sparrow
Grasshopper Sparrow
CAROLINA WREN
Forster's Tern
Sora
Wilson's Phalarope
Long-billed Dowitcher
Redhead
Osprey
Northern Harrier
Red-tailed Hawk
Yellow Warbler
Clay-colored Sparrow
WHIP-POOR-WILL
AMERICAN AVOCET
Black & White Warbler
Tennessee Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Northern Parula
Blackburnian Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Blue-winged Warbler
Cerulean Warbler
WHITE-EYED VIREO
Wood Thrush
Dunlin
Greater Yellowlegs
Lesser Yellowlegs
Spotted Sandpiper
Solitary Sandpiper
Least Sandpiper
Semipalmated Plover
Killdeer
Wilson's Snipe
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Owen Park, Madison
Spring Green Preserve, Sauk County
Hudson to Olbrich Park area, Madison
Lake Wingra beach, Madison
Class of 1918 Marsh, Madison
9 Springs Natural Area, Madison
Goose Pond Sanctuary, Columbia County
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Saturday, May 6th. Migration
continues but at a slower pace due to cooler weather and unfavorable
winds. Stay tuned, things will heat up. Highlights this week
include Northern Mockingbird, Carolina Wren, Wilson's Phalarope, and
American Avocet.
On Wednesday, April 26th a caller observed a
NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD at Owen Park.
A couple on April 23rd reported finding several
LARK SPARROWS and GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS having returned to
the Spring Green Preserve in Sauk County. They also noted that there is
a 3rd CAROLINA WREN present in the area, this one on Lakeland Avenue,
between Hudson and Olbrich Parks.
A birder on Saturday, April 29th, found a group
of FORSTER'S TERNS near the bathhouse on the Lake Wingra beach, and
then heard a number of SORAS calling at the Class of 1918 Marsh. Then
on May 2nd, he visited 9 Springs Natural Area and spotted a WILSON'S
PHALAROPE on the first pond. On the far side of the 2nd pond was a
LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER. Raptors, including OSPREY, NORTHERN HARRIER,
RED-TAILED HAWK, and TURKEY VULTURES were also present. In addition
there were numerous YELLOW WARBLERS and calling SORAS near the
entrance. At the 9 Springs parking lot, a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was
calling.
Another observer reported a WHIP-POOR-WILL at
Owen Park on Wednesday, the 3rd.
Also on the 3rd, several observers at Goose Pond
Sanctuary in Columbia County watched an AMERICAN AVOCET and a WILSON'S
PHALAROPE.
Warblers have been arriving in small numbers,
but in increasing variety. Observers at Pheasant Branch Conservancy in
Middleton this past week have reported BLACK & WHITE, TENNESSEE,
CHESTNUT-SIDED, NORTHERN PARULA, BLACKBURNIAN, NASHVILLE,
YELLOW-RUMPED, BLUE-WINGED, CERULEAN, and YELLOW WARBLERS among
others. They also found a WHITE-EYED VIREO on May 2nd (not seen since)
and have been hearing WOOD THRUSHES.
A hardy group of about 14 braved the cold to
attend the Madison Audubon field trip to 9 Springs on Friday evening,
the 5th. Highlights among the nearly 50 species found included 3
WILSON'S PHALAROPES at the 1st and 2nd ponds, a LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER
on the edge of the 2nd pond, and 1 remaining FORSTER'S TERN flying over
the first 2 ponds just before the field trip officially started. Other
shorebirds present included DUNLIN, GREATER and LESSER YELLOWLEGS,
SPOTTED SANDPIPER, SOLITARY SANDPIPER, LEAST SANDPIPER,
SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, KILLDEER, and WILSON'S SNIPE. In addition 5
species of Swallow were seen.
**********************************
The next Madison Audubon Society field trip is
Tuesday, May 9th a warbler walk at the UW Arboretum. Meet at 6
a.m. in the Arboretum at the Wingra/Galistel Woods parking lot along
McCaffrey Drive. Enter the Arboretum from the east side, at the Mills
Street entrance. If you have any questions, please call Chuck or Delia
at 274-4043.
Also, please don't forget Madison Audubon's
Birding Big Day on May 20th. This is a chance in a team of 2 to 6
people to search a single county to see how many species you can find
between 4 a.m. and 6 p.m. A banquet gathering is held at the end
to share findings and accompanying adventures. The counties one can
choose from include Dane, Columbia, Jefferson, Sauk, Richland, Dodge,
and Iowa. Participation including the banquet is $30 per person,
and $20 without the banquet. All profits go to Madison Audubon.
More information can be found on the MAS website
http://madisonaudubon.org
or you can also call Delia or Chuck at 274-4043.
Good birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 26 April 2006
* WIMA0604.26
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
CAROLINA WREN
Greater Yellowlegs
Lesser Yellowlegs
Pectoral Sandpiper
Spotted Sandpiper
Solitary Sandpiper
Yellow Warbler
Warbling Vireo
LARK SPARROW
Orange-crowned Warbler
Palm Warbler
Pine Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Middleton
9 Springs Natural Area
Lake Farms County Park
UW Arboretum
County V ponds, northern Dane County
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Wednesday, April 26th.
CAROLINA WRENS were present in 2 locations this
past week at Pheasant Branch Conservancy between Century Avenue
and Park Lawn, and in Wingra Park.
Shorebird activity at 9 Springs Natural Area is
picking up. Seen this week were GREATER YELLOWLEGS, LESSER YELLOWLEGS,
PECTORAL SANDPIPER, SPOTTED SANDPIPER, and SOLITARY SANDPIPER. In
addition the caller observed YELLOW WARBLERS and WARBLING VIREOS.
A birder reported finding a LARK SPARROW at Lake
Farms County Park. Also present were several warblers, including
ORANGE-CROWNED, PALM, PINE, and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS.
Additional prime spots for migrants appear to be
Pheasant Branch and the UW Arboretum for warblers and the County V
ponds in northern Dane County for shorebirds.
Good birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 21 April 2006
* WIMA0604.21
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
American White Pelican
Green Heron
Barn Swallow
Wilson's Snipe
Pine Warbler
Tennessee Warbler
Palm Warbler
Western Meadowlark
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Odana Ponds
Lake Kegonsa
Lake Waubesa
Lower Mud Lake
Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Middleton
9 Springs Natural Area
Intersection of Patton Rd & Hahn Rd in
northern Dane County
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Friday, April 21st.
Migrants continue to arrive in our area although
they've slowed a bit because of the weather.
AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS have been reported
several times this past week as they fly northward. They have been
spotted over Odana Ponds, Lake Kegonsa, Lake Waubesa, and Lower Mud
Lake.
An observer at Odana Ponds noted finding GREEN
HERONS, BARN SWALLOWS, and a WILSON'S SNIPE this past week.
New warblers seen at Pheasant Branch this past
week include PINE, TENNESSEE, and PALM WARBLERS.
Only a small number of shorebirds has been seen
at 9 Springs Natural Area. The habitat just isn't right yet, and should
improve.
A WESTERN MEADOWLARK was present near the
intersection of Patton and Hahn Roads in northern Dane County.
**********************************
The WSO statewide hotline in Milwaukee, (414)
352-3857, is currently reporting a Northern Mockingbird, a Black-necked
Stilt, Red-throated Loons, and others. There have been no further
reports of the Band-tailed Pigeon seen up through last week.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 14 April 2006
* WIMA0604.14
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Brown Thrasher
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
American White Pelican
EURASIAN COLLARED DOVE
Ruddy Duck
Sora
Tree Swallow
Swamp Sparrow
HOODED WARBLER
Black-and-white Warbler
Pine Warbler
Louisiana Waterthrush
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Upland Sandpiper
Henslow's Sparrow
Grasshopper Sparrow
SNOWY OWL
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Intersection of Cty Hwy K & WIBU Rd, Dane County
Area south of Lake Waubesa
Picnic Point
Class of 1918 Marsh
Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Middleton
Hwy F Thompson Prairie area, Dane/Iowa
Counties
Buena Vista Grasslands, Stevens Point
Baxter's Hollow, Sauk County
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Friday, April 14th.
Migration is now well-developed, and hundreds of
YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS have been reported around our area.
A BROWN THRASHER was spotted at the intersection
of K & WIBU Rd in northern Dane County. The same birder reported
NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS and some early shorebirds at 9 Springs.
AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS were observed flying
between Mud Lake in McFarland and Lake Waubesa.
On the April 6th a EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE was
found in Montfort Town, off the hwy (Hwy 18?) between Dodgeville and
Wyalusing. The bird was on the Grant County side of the road.
Picnic Point has been the site of a number of
reports. RUDDY DUCKS have been recently spotted, and SORAS were heard
in the Class of 1918 Marsh across the street from the entrance to
Picnic Point. SWAMP SPARROWS were also present there.
TREE SWALLOWS have appeared all over the county
in the past week or so.
You might not want to wait for the official
Madison Audubon warbler walks to check out Pheasant Branch Conservancy
in Middleton. This morning a birder reported finding a HOODED WARBLER,
hundreds of YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, a BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER, a
PINE WARBLER, and a LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH at Pheasant Branch. The
birds were mostly found near the concrete V, east of Park Lawn.
Also today an observer heard UPLAND SANDPIPERS,
HENSLOW'S SPARROWS, and GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS on Dane County F, just
this side of Iowa County, the Thompson Prairie area.
SNOWY OWLS still grace the Buena Vista
Grasslands south of Stevens Point. All have been found along Hwy W, and
one in particular is just west of Elm St (or UU) on W about 3 light
poles away.
An early report from Baxter's Hollow in Sauk
County states that at least 4 LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSHES have been calling.
Good birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 22 March 2006
* WIMA0603.22
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Virginia Rail
Tundra Swan
Greater White-fronted Goose
Snow Goose
ROSS'S GOOSE
EURASIAN COLLARED DOVE
Common Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser
Hooded Merganser
American Woodcock
Rusty Blackbird
Lapland Longspur
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Lake Columbia south of Portage
Goose Pond Sanctuary, Columbia County
Schoeneberg Marsh, Columbia County
Arlington
Lake Waubesa
Lower Mud Lake, McFarland
9 Springs Natural Area
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Wednesday, March 22nd.
A caller reported a VIRGINIA RAIL at Lake
Columbia, which is south of Portage, just off Highway 51. This is
possibly an overwintering bird.
Goose Pond near Arlington in Columbia County has
good viewing of TUNDRA SWANS and GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE at present.
At Schoeneberg Marsh, near Goose pond (go east
on Hwy 60 and then north on Harvey Rd, this past weekend, birders
spotted good numbers of both TUNDRA SWANS and GREATER WHITE-FRONTED
GEESE. In addition, there was 1 blue-phase SNOW GOOSE and 2 ROSS'S
GEESE. This same group of birders found one EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE at
Arlington, near the Curling Club.
Lake Waubesa has all 3 MERGANSER species and a
good variety of ducks present. Better yet for waterfowl has been
Lower Mud Lake in McFarland. Today there were well over 1000 ducks
there. In addition, if one stays almost until dark, one can see and
hear AMERICAN WOODCOCKS courting.
The SHORT-EARED OWL that has been previously
reported at 9 Springs Natural Area has not been found for a week. 9
Springs continues, however, to be good at dusk when blackbirds flock
in. It's a good time of year to find RUSTY BLACKBIRDS there.
Thirty LAPLAND LONGSPURS were spotted today, and
that may indicate that they are moving through the area on their way
north.
**********************************
The next Madison Audubon Society field trip will
be Saturday, March 25th spring migrants, at Lake Farms County
Park. Meet by 9 a.m. at the Luescher Family Heritage Center parking lot.
Good birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 15 March 2006
* WIMA0603.15
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
ROSS'S GOOSE
Greater White-fronted Goose
Turkey Vulture
American Woodcock
GOLDEN EAGLE
Fox Sparrow
Brewer's Blackbird
Rusty Blackbird
Eastern Bluebird
Eastern Meadowlark
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Lake Barney & Swan Pond, Dane County
Lower Mud Lake, McFarland
Spring Green area
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Wednesday, March 15th.
Lots of migrants have come through the area in
the past week. ROSS'S GEESE were reported at Lake Barney. GREATER
WHITE-FRONTED GEESE have been spotted at numerous locations, including
Swan Pond, on County D, just south of County M in Dane County.
All of the migrant duck species have been
reported with the exception of Ruddy Duck, particularly at Lower Mud
Lake in McFarland.
Both TURKEY VULTURE and AMERICAN WOODCOCK were
seen this past week.
The SHORT-EARED OWL was still present at 9
Springs Natural Area in Madison on March 15th.
A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen in the Spring Green area.
Also found recently have been FOX SPARROWS, both
BREWERS and RUSTY BLACKBIRDS, and EASTERN MEADOWLARKS.
**********************************
The next Madison Audubon Society field trip will
be Saturday, March 25th spring migrants, at Lake Farms County
Park. Meet by 9 a.m. at the Luescher Family Heritage Center parking lot.
**********************************
The state-wide WSO Hotline in Milwaukee as of
March 11th is reporting Gyrfalcon, Northern Saw Whet Owl, Townsend's
Solitaire, Barrow's Goldeneye, and Carolina Wren
Good birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 10 March 2006
* WIMA0603.10
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Pileated Woodpecker
Greater White-fronted Goose
Canada Goose
Snow Goose
Cackling Goose
Northern Pintail
American Wigeon
Killdeer
CAROLINA WREN
Tufted Titmouse
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Pine Siskin
Cooper's Hawk
SNOWY OWL (near Stevens Point)
NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL
Eastern Screech Owl
Hermit Thrush
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Madison's north side, near Cherokee Marsh
Stoughton, 2 locations
Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Middleton
Buena Vista grasslands area, Stevens Point
UW Arboretum several locations
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Friday, March 10th.
On the 9th an observer watched a PILEATED
WOODPECKER on the north side of Madison in the Cherokee neighborhood.
The bird flew across Burning Wood Way and then north along the trees on
the edge of Cherokee Lake.
Another caller reported several spots in the
Stoughton area that have been reliable for waterfowl recently. There is
a "wide spread" on the Yahara River at County B north of Stoughton.
Recently seen there were 37 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE along with many
CANADA GEESE, 7 SNOW GEESE, and a number of CACKLING GEESE. Also
present where 34 NORTHERN PINTAILS and a few AMERICAN WIGEONS.
Another Stoughton Location that can be fruitful
is to go north on Williams St out of the center of Stoughton, turn east
on Yahara (a 4-way stop), and then observe from the landing off Yahara.
A birder at Pheasant Branch Conservancy in
Middleton reported both a KILLDEER and a CAROLINA WREN along the south
stream corridor in Middleton. Check in particular the areas near the
1st and 2nd stream crossings as you head south from the Branch St
Retreat. Also present were TUFTED TITMOUSE, RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, PINE
SISKINS, and a COOPER'S HAWK.
SNOWY OWLS continue to be spotted in the Buena
Vista grasslands area south of Stevens Point. For one owl, take the
Bancroft exit off I-39, and go west on County W. The owl has been seen
shortly after the grasslands start. The other owl has been seen east of
I-39 on Isherwood Rd, between County W and Coddington Rd.
The segment of the Madison Audubon Owl field
trip last weekend heard a NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL from the part of the UW
Arboretum near the Lost City Forest. The easiest way to get there is to
enter from the small parking area off Martin St, and explore the dike
area. An EASTERN SCREECH OWL was seen by the same group on the upslope
to the left from the entrance to Picnic Point. The trip leader also
reported, presumably at a different time, a HERMIT THRUSH at
Skunk Cabbage Bridge in the UW Arboretum.
*********************************
The next Madison Audubon field trip is Saturday,
March 11th. Meet at 7:15 in McFarland at the south end of Lewis Lane to
explore the waterfowl present at Lower Mud Lake. Please bring a scope
if you have one.
Good birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 01 March 2006
* WIMA0603.01
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
VARIED THRUSH
TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE
Tufted Titmouse
CAROLINA WREN
White-throated Sparrow
Northern Flicker
Brown Creeper
Gadwall
Hooded Merganser
Common Goldeneye
Common Merganser
American Coot
Redhead
Green-winged Teal
Sandhill Crane
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Green County
Devil's Lake State Park
Madison, various locations
This is the hotline report for the Madison
Audubon Society for Wednesday, March 1, 2006.
A VARIED THRUSH, reported last week in Green
County, was last seen at a feeder on Friday, February 24.
TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRES were seen at Devil's Lake
near Balanced Rock on Sunday, February 26. Also, a TUFTED TITMOUSE was
present.
On February 27th in Madison, CAROLINA WRENS,
WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS and a NORTHERN FLICKER were reported on
Bagley Court. BROWN CREEPERS were seen on Fox Avenue. And on the north
end of Lake Monona along Williamson Street, there were GADWALLS, HOODED
MERGANSERS, GOLDENEYES, COMMON MERGANSERS, AMERICAN COOTS,
REDHEADS and a GREEN-WINGED TEAL.
Numerous sightings of SANDHILL CRANES were
reported in the area during the week, including at 9 Springs in Madison
on February 28th.
***********************************************
The next Madison Audubon Society field trip is
this coming Friday, March 3rd Night Owls. Al Shea will lead this
trip to various locations in Dane County. The trip will last 3-4 hours
and is limited to 30 participants. To join the trip, please call the
Madison Audubon office at 608-255-2473, leave your name, telephone
number, and the number of people (maximum 4) in your group. Preference
will be given to those who have not previously been on one of Al's owl
trips.
Registered participants will meet at 7 p.m. in the UW Arboretum Visitor
Center for an introduction to owls and then proceed from there to look
for owls. Dress warmly as standing and listening for owls can be a cold
experience this time of year. After registering with the MAS office,
please call Al at 608-825-6232 if you have any questions.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 23 February 2006
* WIMA0602.23
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Northern Pintail
Snow Goose
VARIED THRUSH
GYRFALCON (possible)
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Lower Mud Lake, McFarland
Brittingham Park, Madison
Yankee Hollow Road, Green County
Lake Sinnissippi, Dodge County
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Thursday, February 23rd, 2006.
A birder reported finding 3 NORTHERN PINTAILS at
Lower Mud Lake in McFarland on Tuesday, the 14th. Other species
were also present.
On his way to work a caller found 2 SNOW GEESE
along with CANADA GEESE at Brittingham Park in Madison on Wednesday,
Feb 14th.
A male VARIED THRUSH has been reported and seen
by several observers at a home in Green County as recently as
today, Feb 23rd. This bird has been present since Saturday, Feb 18th,
but is not always cooperative with birders wishing to see it. Please
call 608-523-1289 if you would like to make an attempt to view it.
A caller also reported a possible (he was 90%
sure) white-phase GYRFALCON over Lake Sinnissippi in Dodge County on
Feb 20th. There have been no further sightings of this bird reported.
**********************************
The next Madison Audubon field trip is Saturday,
February 25th Late Winter Birds in Dane and Columbia Counties,
and possibly Sauk County as well. Exact itinerary will be decided
according to weather that day and reports received by the time of the
field trip. Meet to carpool at 7 AM at the Copp's Supermarket
parking lot at the corner of Allen Boulevard and Century Avenue (Hwy M)
in Middleton. Dress warmly, and bring binoculars, and a spotting scope
if you have one. The trip will last 3-4 hours. Please call Aaron at
608-294-9618 if you have questions.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 08 February 2006
* WIMA0602.08
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Fox Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Red-tailed Hawk albino
Short-eared Owl
Northern Harrier
Red-winged Blackbird
Great Horned Owl
Belted Kingfisher
White-crowned Sparrow
Wood Duck
Pied-billed Grebe
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Highway 51, S of exit 144
9 Springs natural area
Stoughton
This is the birding hotline report of the Madison Audubon Society for
Wednesday, February 8, 2006.
Both a FOX SPARROW and a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW were spotted in the
Madison area during the past week. An observer found a completely white
RED-TAILED HAWK along Highway 51 on the west side, south of exit 144.
At 9 Springs Natural Area, reports continue of SHORT-EARED OWL,
NORTHERN HARRIER, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD, and GREAT HORNED OWL. A BELTED
KINGFISHER has also been seen along 9 Springs Creek.
In Stoughton a caller noted seeing a WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW. Finally, A
WOOD DUCK and a PIED-BILLED GREBE have also been seen.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 02 February 2006
* WIMA0602.02
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Great Horned Owl
American Crow
European Goldfinches (likely escapes)
CAROLINA WREN
TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE
SNOWY OWL
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Quarry Park, near Hoyt Park, Madison
Whitewater
1900 block of Vilas Ave, Madison
Corner of Parmenter and South St in Middleton
Devils Lake State Park
Buena Vista Grasslands
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society forThursday, February 2, 2006.
AMERICAN CROWS were spotted mobbing a GREAT
HORNED OWL on January 27th at Quarry Park on Madison's near west side.
A caller from Whitewater (address unspecified)
reported 2 EUROPEAN GOLDFINCHES at her feeders on the 29th.
A birder found CAROLINA WRENS on January 30th in
2 locations: 1) the 1900 block of Vilas Avenue in Madison, near Vilas
Park; and 2) at the corner of Parmenter St and South St in Middleton.
TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRES continue to present on the
south face of the east bluff at Devils Lake State Park.
One to three SNOWY OWLS have been fairly
consistently found in theBuena Vista Grasslands south of Stevens Point.
Usually they have beenspotted in the area of the intersection of W and
Taft.
Good birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 26 January 2006
* WIMA0601.26
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (unconfirmed)
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Great Horned Owl
Northern Shrike
Belted Kingfisher
Bald Eagle
TOWNSEND’S SOLITAIRE
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Spring Green area lower Wisconsin River slough
Waunakee
9 Springs Natural Area, Madison
Lake Mendota
Devils Lake State Park
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Thursday, January 26th.
On January 21st and 22nd a caller reported
seeing a GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE on a lower Wisconsin River slough
near Spring Green. The sighting is unconfirmed, but if accurate, this
would be an early arrival by about 2 months.
On the 22nd, a birder in Waunakee reported a
YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER at his home feeders.
Also on the 22nd two visitors to 9 Springs
Natural Area in Madison found a GREAT HORNED OWL, a NORTHERN SHRIKE,
and a BELTED KINGFISHER in addition to other species.
A BALD EAGLE was spotted over Lake Mendota on
the 24th, near the Verex Building in Madison.
The TOWNSEND’S SOLITAIRES apparently are
stilling wintering off the south face of the east bluff at Devils Lake
State Park. The most recent sighting reported was Wednesday, the 25th.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 22 January 2006
* WIMA0601.22
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Northern Harrier
Horned Lark
Hooded Merganser
Bald Eagle
TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Goose Pond area, Columbia County
MG&E warm water outlet, Williamson St,
Madison
Devil's Lake State Park
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Sunday, January 22nd.
Two observers were in the Goose Pond area on
Saturday, the 21st. A NORTHERN HARRIER was spotted on County K south of
Goose Pond Road, and a single HORNED LARK was found in the snow on the
side of Kampen Road.
Today, the 22nd, visitors to the MG&E warm
water outlet near the Elks' Club on Williamson St in Madison saw 6
HOODED MERGANSERS and a soaring BALD EAGLE in addition to about 150
AMERICAN COOTS and a good number of MALLARDS.
The TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRES continue to be seen
off the East Bluff Trail at Devil's Lake State Park.
**********************************
The Great Backyard Birdcount is February 17-20.
Contact Madison Audubon or the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology for
information on how to participate.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 12 January 2006
* WIMA0601.12
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE
Common Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser
Lesser Scaup
Bald Eagle
Hooded Merganser
Ruddy Duck
Ring-necked Duck
NORTHERN SHRIKE
Northern Flicker
SNOWY OWL
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Lake Monona warm water outlet near the Elks Club
Lower Mud Lake, McFarland
Pheasant Branch Conservancy
Lake Kegonsa State Park
Badfish Creek Wildlife Area
Pheasant Branch and Fisher Road intersection
north of Middleton
Goose Pond area
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Thursday, January 12th.
Two of the best spots for waterfowl this winter
have been the MG&E warm water outlet on Lake Monona near the Elks
Club and Lower Mud Lake in McFarland.
A GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE along with about
100 COMMON MERGANSERS, a few RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS, about 15 LESSER
SCAUP, and 2 BALD EAGLES were seen this past week at Lower Mud Lake in
McFarland.
HOODED MERGANSERS can usually be found at either
Lower Mud Lake or at the Elks Club on Lake Monona.
Near the Elks Club on Lake Monona the warm water
outlet had both RUDDY and RING-NECKED DUCKS present.
The NORTHERN SHRIKE continues to be seen in the
county portion of Pheasant Branch Conservancy, and other Shrikes have
been reported at both Lake Kegonsa State Park and Badfish Creek
Wildlife Area.
NORTHERN FLICKERS have been spotted in a variety
of locations. Keep on the lookout for them.
The SNOWY OWL continues near the intersection of
Pheasant Branch Rd and Fisher Rd, north of Middleton. Please keep your
distance to respect the owl's sense of safety. Two other SNOWY OWLS
have been reported in prairie areas near Goose Pond in southern
Columbia County.
Good birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 04 January 2006
* WIMA0601.04
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
SNOWY OWL
White-crowned Sparrow
NORTHERN SHRIKE
Ruddy Duck
Ring-necked Duck
Northern Shoveler
Hooded Merganser
Rough-legged Hawk
Northern Flicker
Pine Siskin
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Pheasant Branch Rd north of Middleton
Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Dane county portion
Elks Club, Madison
Lower Mud Lake, McFarland
9 Springs Natural Area
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Wednesday, January 4th.
A SNOWY OWL has been found on Pheasant Branch
Road north of Middleton near the intersection of Fisher Road. This is
the same location in which a SNOWY OWL spent a good part of the winter
last year.
In the Dane County portion of Pheasant Branch
Conservancy, north of Middleton, an observer reported a WHITE-CROWNED
SPARROW and a NORTHERN SHRIKE
Recent sightings at the Elks Club warm water
outlet in Madison include RUDDY DUCK, RING-NECKED DUCK, NORTHERN
SHOVELER, and HOODED MERGANSER.
A birder has reported several ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS
at Lower Mud Lake in McFarland.
NORTHERN FLICKERS and PINE SISKINS are present
in the UW Arboretum.
Good Birding!
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* 01 January 2006
* WIMA0601.01
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
VARIED THRUSH
American Robin
Northern Harrier
Bald Eagle
Rough-legged Hawk
Tufted Titmouse
Purple Finch
American Tree Sparrow
-LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
UW Arboretum, Wingra Woods
Leland/Natural Bridge State Park area, Sauk
County
Block Road, Sauk County
This is the birding hotline report of the
Madison Audubon Society for Sunday, January 1st.
On the Madison Christmas Bird Count (CBC) on
December 17th, a VARIED THRUSH was spotted just west of Big Spring in
Wingra Woods. The bird was found in the watercress area off the short
boardwalk just west of Big Spring. AMERICAN ROBINS can also be found
there during the winter. The VARIED THRUSH was seen again about a week
later, and there have been no subsequent reports. It may, however,
still remain, and may shuttle between the little spring and the trees
around the McKay Center.
During the Sauk City CBC on December 31st, both
male and female NORTHERN HARRIERS were present in the Leland/Natural
Bridge State Park area. Also seen on the CBC were several BALD EAGLES,
light-phase ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS, and TUFTED TITMICE. At the west end of
Block Road in Sauk County were many PURPLE FINCHES and AMERICAN TREE
SPARROWS in the junipers.
Good Birding and Happy New Year!
