*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*30 December 2002
*WIST0212.30
-Birds Mentioned
Townsend's Solitaire
Purple Sandpiper
Brant
Harlequin Duck
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Monday,
December 30, 2002.
The TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE was found over the weekend at Loew Lake in the southernmost tip of the northern unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest, in Waukesha County. It was first seen on the 27th and it was seen again today, on December 30th. The best way to reach this location is to go to the town of Monches, which is located on County Line Highway (also known as County Highway Q). Which is on the Washington-Waukesha County line. This is in the southwest corner of Washington County. At Monches, Highway Q goes east and west and crosses County Highway E which goes to the south and County Highway K which goes to the north. Take Hwy. K north for less than 1 mile to Emerald Drive. Go north east on Emerald Drive; go almost exactly 2 miles. You come to a DNR parking lot on the right hand side of the road. Park in the lot and don't look for the bird here, but walk back along the road for about 100 feet west of the spruce plantation, back unto Emerald Drive. Walk 700 feet south until you are near a large dark green mail box with the number 935 on it. From this location or just slightly north of it you have a great view over the spruce plantation. This is the exact location where the solitaire was seen on both days.
There are two PURPLE SANDPIPERS that are being seen in Milwaukee. They are being seen north of Bradford Beach near North Point. The grassy area with the rocky point on it is just south of the water filtration plant. The Purple Sandpipers were found on Saturday and were seen on Sunday and today. The birds are present on the algae mat near shore. There were two birds present. This area is located east of where Ravine Road ends at Lincoln Memorial Drive. Walk the rocky shore line and check the algae mats where the birds are feeding.
A PURPLE SANDPIPER is still being seen in the city of Sheboygan, as well. The bird has been present for several weeks. This bird is most often found at North Point or Sheboygan Point. This is the rocky point north of the harbor. This bird has been very hard to find. Many people look for it and miss it. Sometimes it is at the point itself, but disappears behind the large rocks or sheets of ice. Also on a couple occasions it has been up on the break walls at Sheboygan. So if you can't find it at North Point you might want to check the areas around the break walls in Sheboygan as well. One report last weekend was from the south break wall in Sheboygan. A few other birds were seen recently from North Point, Sheboygan, as well, including a GREAT BLACK-BACKED, GLAUCOUS AND ICELAND GULLS. There was a report of all three of these gulls over the weekend in Algoma Harbor. So these northern harbors are a good place to look for winter gulls.
The BRANT is still being seen in the city of De Pere by Green Bay. This bird has been present for over a month now. Often times it is being seen on the ice in the Fox River, with flocks of Canada Geese in the area. There hasn't been any one location to look for the bird. It has been moving around a little bit. The most recent location this morning was about 8:30 when the Brandt was seen across from the boat launch at the Fox Point access.
Another report, HARLEQUIN DUCKS were still being seen in Sheboygan. Check the area near the south pier, this is the fisherman's pier, south of the harbor.
There are also two HARLEQUIN DUCKS being seen off of Sherwood Nature Preserve in
Milwaukee. Sherwood Nature preserve is located about 3 blocks south of Capital Drive and you can check the bottom of the hill. There is a rocky shoreline where the Harlequin Ducks are being seen. Ducks.
If you have any new reports or updates on any birds you can call
414-352-3857 and leave a message after the tone. If you have any questions
call Mark at 414-476-8049. Good Luck!
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*28 November 2002
*WIST0211.28
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Brant
Harlequin Duck
Short-eared Owl
Update on King Eider
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Thursday,
November 28, 2002.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! The BRANT is still being seen, however, in
the city of De Pere by Green Bay. The best location over the past several
days has been by the high school in De Pere, located on Merrill St. The
Brant is often seen in the soccer field which is just west of the high
school. Early morning before 7:30 has been a very good time to find the
bird. If you can't find the bird at the high school you may want to check
the original location which is St. Anne's Episcopal Church, which is located
at the intersection of Chicago Street and Libal Street. This Brant is very
cooperative and has been present now for a couple of weeks.
The KING EIDER that was present at Port Washington was present during last
weekend, but unfortunately was taken by a duck hunter. So this bird is
obviously no longer present.
A female HARLEQUIN DUCK was seen last weekend. It actually was seen at
Winthrop Harbor, Illinois. That was more on the north end of the harbor and
actually present in Wisconsin. The bird was being seen north of the North
Point Marina in Winthrop Harbor in Illinois, but again Winthrop Harbor is
actually in Wisconsin at that point. Harlequin Duck reports have been
really quiet this fall. Often times there're easily several birds being seen
now along the Lake Michigan shore. The only report I have had for the last
couple weeks has been this one. So it's been a quiet year for Harlequin
Ducks.
It's also a very quiet year for Purple Sandpiper reports. Usually mid to
late November is a very good time to check for them. So this is a very good
time now to check for them if you are along the Lake Michigan shoreline
Check the rocky shoreline and the rocks areas. Often times checking the
algae mats which are a good spot to look for Purple Sandpipers. Now is a
very good time to check for them into early December. We haven't had any
reports yet of Purple Sandpipers.
I haven't received any recent reports of the TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE at Devil's
Lake State Park, in Sauk County, though I imagine that there are some
still present. If you are going out into the woods please be careful because
the deer gun hunting season does last through Sunday. So if you are doing
any birding at State Parks remember that deer hunters are out and don't go
into the woods without wearing blaze orange and other bright colors to make
yourself conspicuous.
SHORT-EARED OWLS have been reported from a few traditional locations. They
were reported a couple weeks ago from the Bong Recreation Area in Kenosha
County. But I haven't had a recent update from there. Several birds are
being seen west of Appleton (Outagamie County) along Shady Lane Road. Again
a very good traditional spot to look for Short-eared Owls. Also in Buena
Vista Marsh south of Stevens Point (Portage County) three SHORT-EARED OWLS
were seen by drainage ditch number 3, which is located south of Lake Road,
1.5 miles west of Taft Road. These birds have been present a couple of
times last week. So it is a good spot to check for them.
Again SCOTER reports continue along Lake Michigan. Both SURF SCOTERS and
BLACK SCOTERS are being seen in scattered numbers along the lake front
White-winged Scoters have been harder to find this year. They are the least
common of the three along the lake front. A small raft of Black Scoters
were seen by several people north of Bradford Beach in Milwaukee. Also a
few Surf Scoters were present at Virmond Park in Ozaukee County. I have not
received any recent reports of the Barrow's Goldeneye, but again a good spot
to check for this bird include Virmond Park in Ozaukee County, also Doctors
Park or Schlitz Audubon Center in northern Milwaukee County.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*11 November 2002
*WIST0211.11
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Brant
Barrow's Goldeneye
Ross's Goose
Townsend's Solitaire
Short-eared Owl
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Monday, November 11, 2002.
A BRANT was found this morning in the city of De Pere by Green Bay. The Brant was seen at St. Anne's Episcopal Church, which is on the corner of Libal and Chicago Streets. To reach this area take Webster Street until it deadends at Chicago and go left (east) on Chicago. Go past Libal Street to the entrance of St. Anne's Episcopal Church. Go in the parking lot there and the Brant was resting with a flock of Canada Geese on the grassy area by a small pond. It was present this morning. I don't know if the bird will stay in this area, but it is a good time to check for the bird now. It was on the grassy area north of the pond.
BARROW'S GOLDENEYE was found yesterday at Virmond Park in Ozaukee County. It's probably the same bird that has come here since 1994. He usually shows up in November. There was a report earlier in the week of a BARROW'S GOLDENEYE just north of the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center in Milwaukee. It may be the same bird. I do believe this bird wanders with the flock sometimes between Doctor's Park and Schlitz Audubon Nature Center to the south. Then heads up north to Virmond Park in Ozaukee County. But again it was seen yesterday at Virmond Park in with a large raft of other ducks including a few Black Scoters.
Two ROSS'S GEESE were seen in Madison (Dane County) over the weekend. Actually they were seen in the city of Middleton at Stricker's Pond. This is a small pond in the heart of Middleton. This pond also is a good place to check for the LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. Which may be found here or more commonly has been seen recently at the soccer field near the intersection of Mineral Point and Gammon Road, again on the far west side of Madison.
TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE was seen last weekend at Devil's Lake State Park, in Sauk County. The TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE was seen on the Balance Rock Trail. At least one bird was present. This was a good spot last year to look for Solitaires. Where a few birds were seen well into the winter, so I imagine at least one bird is probably here for the winter now.
SHORT-EARED OWLS were reported today from Bong Recreation Area in Kenosha County. Four birds were present. This can be a very reliable spot to check for them. Dawn or dusk are the best time to see them. Although sometimes on heavily overcast days they are seen more frequently during the day.
SHORT-EARED OWLS have also been seen from time to time at the Milwaukee Coast Guard Impoundment.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*02 November 2002
*WIST0211.02
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Selasphorus Hummingbird
Pacific Loon
Townsend's Solitaire
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Saturday, November 2, 2002.
A SELASPHORUS HUMMINGBIRD, a young male bird, is coming to a feeder in Walworth County in the town of Lyons. Lyons is located not too far west of Burlington. This bird is a young male and with Allen's and Rufous Hummingbirds they can't be safely identified in the field, so we will call this a Selasphorus Hummingbird. The bird is being seen at a feeder at the home of Tom Schoneck And Tom is willing to have birders stop in to view the feeder. Tom is very hospitable. Lyons is west of Burlington, take Highway 36 into Lyons, take North Street one block north of Highway 36. Look on the southeast corner of the intersection of Mill Street and North Street. It's a gray house and the house number is 6059. The feeder is next to the back window. The young male Selasphorus Hummingbird is coming in quite frequently. It was photographed by a few people today. So a good bird for this part of the state.
Also in Madison (Dane County) a PACIFIC LOON has been seen quite regularly the last couple days. It's being seen on Lake Monona, on Turville Bay. This is just off of the Beltline Highway, Highways 12 & 18, on the south side of Madison. Exit on John Nolan and turn right at the Sheraton Inn and then turn right again on the John Nolan Frontage Road for a couple of blocks. Parking is somewhat available on the road itself. One person parked on the field adjacent to the bay. And suggested that you can scope the bay completely from the railroad tracks. This is the area where the PACIFIC LOON is being seen quite regularly.
Also in the Madison area a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL is being seen on the west side of town. Check the soccer field at the intersection of Mineral Point Road and Gammon Road. This bird has been seen here the last couple of days.
At least one TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE is back now at Devil's Lake State Park. The TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE was seen on the Balance Rock Trail, just below the Balance Rock itself.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*26 October 2002
*WIST0210.26
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Glossy Ibis
Red Phalarope
Pacific Loon
Little Gull
Update on Scoters
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Saturday, October 26, 2002.
The GLOSSY IBIS is being seen in the eastern part of Jackson County. This is just west of the Clark County line. The bird was found late Thursday and was seen again Friday and also was present this morning. It is being seen in a small marshy pond about three (3) miles west, northwest of the town of Humbird. The bird is being seen along North Alma Center Road, just north of the intersection of Highway B. It is about 50 yards north of the intersection. Check the small marshy area. Some people have apparently had the bird a little bit west of the road, out in a wooded area, so it does move out a little bit and sometimes is not in view. Be patient. One person was there yesterday and missed it altogether, but it was seen there later yesterday. And apparently it was present this morning. That is the last update I heard. So, a very good bird now in central Wisconsin.
The RED PHALAROPE was also relocated yesterday in Sheboygan. The bird yesterday was seen on the north side North Point by the boat landing at the bottom of the hill. Although while it was being observed, the RED PHALAROPE did fly to the south and was not relocated. Earlier in the week when the bird was first found it was being seen south of the Sheboygan River. About 150-200 yards south of the river, just off of the beach with the Sanderlings and Dunlins. So you may want to check the area by North Point first and if the bird isn't there you might want to check south of the original location.
Also from North Point yesterday a GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen. And also SURF SCOTERS and BLACK SCOTERS were present there as well.
On Thursday at Shawano Lake in Shawano County a LITTLE GULL was observed with the Bonaparte Gulls, but apparently this bird moved on and was not relocated yesterday. There was also a PACIFIC LOON that was seen on the northwest side of Shawano Lake. One observer had a possible look at this bird yesterday was not sure if it was a Pacific Loon or not. This bird is worth looking for again. Often times Pacific Loons hang around small lakes for several days so it may still be in the area. If anyone has an update of it I would appreciate it.
SCOTERS are being seen now in fair numbers along the Lake Michigan shore line. All three species have been seen, although BLACK SCOTERS and SURF SCOTERS are more common than WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS. Some locations where birds were reported this week include the areas north of Bradford Beach in Milwaukee, also Harrington Beach in Ozaukee County. The bluffs north and south of Cleveland are a good spot to check. And also again off North Point in Sheboygan is a good location to check for Scoters.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*20 October 2002
*WIST0210.20
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Red Phalarope
Pacific Loon
Ross's Goose
All three Scoters
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Sunday, October 20, 2002.
A RED PHALAROPE was discovered yesterday and it was still present again today. The bird is being seen in Sheboygan. It is about 150-200 yards south of the mouth of the Sheboygan River. Reach this location from 8th Street in Sheboygan. You go east on Water Street toward the lake. It becomes a gravel road, it is also called Fisherman's Road. Take this road out to the point and check the area on the beach or the south shore where the RED PHALAROPE is being seen. Yesterday it was present in a group with Sanderlings and Dunlins. Sometimes it is on the beach, today it was present just off shore.
Also in Sheboygan today a PACIFIC LOON was seen from North Point, from the parking area. Unfortunately this bird quickly disappeared and could not be relocated. There were lots of Common Loons migrating off here today, so if you are in the area and want to check closely for a PACIFIC LOON. Also seen from North Point were SURF SCOTERS and GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL. It was a good spot to check today.
In the Horicon Marsh a ROSS'S GOOSE was present yesterday along Highway 49. The bird was present on the south side of Highway 49. It was present in the ditch east of the large body of water. Also along Highway 49 there are decent numbers of LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS and there are reports of AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS as well. Along with of course great numbers of water fowl, especially Canada Geese.
All three SCOTERS have been reported in Lake Michigan from small numbers. Spots to check include the bluffs south and north of Cleveland. Also Virmond Park in Ozaukee County is a good traditional spot to check although there haven't been any reports of Scoters here yet this year. Harrington Beach, the park itself, and the area south of the park is a very good spot to check. Another location that is good to check because Scoters actually winter here is in Kenosha County about a mile north of Chiwaukee Prairie. Late last week seven WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS and three BLACK SCOTERS were seen.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*13 October 2002
*WIST0210.13
-BIRDS MENTIONED:
Scissor Flycatvcher
Spruce Grouse
Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow
Surf Scoter
Black Scoter
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Sunday, October 13, 2002.
A SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER was found yesterday in Manitowoc County and was still present again today. The bird is being seen about three (3) miles north of Cleveland along County Highway LS. Take LS north from Cleveland toward the birding area known as Kingfisher Farms. The bird is being seen about 1/4 miles south of Kingfisher Farms. There is a large alfalfa field on the west side of the road. As you are heading north on the right side the east side of the road you will see an orange flag by a driveway and the sign at the end of the driveway says "Wyncliffe". You can park any where along this stretch of gravel road and check the field on the west side of the road carefully. The bird sometimes perches on the wires. It often flycatches over the alfalfa and today with the colder weather it was sometimes taking cover in the tree line on the north side of the alfalfa field. As you head further north you will see the sign for Kingfisher Farms on the right hand side of the road. If you reach this you have gone too far. This area where the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is being seen is about a mile or so north of Fisher Creek. The park is on the right hand side of the road as you are heading north. The bird was present yesterday and again today.
A SPRUCE GROUSE was seen earlier in the week in Vilas County. It was seen along Forest Road 2205. It was south of the town of Lac Vieux Desert, between Highway "A" and Forest Road 2204.
Another spot for NELSON'S SHARP-TAILED SPARROW has been reported. This is an inland location just north of the town of Pardeeville in Columbia County. There is a spot with some fields and ponds. It is located along Highway 22, 6/10 of a mile south of the junction of Highway 22 and Highway 33. This is about two (2) miles north of Pardeeville. At the particular location along Highway 22 there is a parking area for the grasslands on the west side of 22 and opposite this there is a gravel pit on the east side of Highway 22. Most of the sparrows are on the north side of the second pond. And again there were at least three NELSON'S SHARP-TAILED SPARROWS seen there yesterday morning.
There were also at least five NELSON'S SHARP-TAILED SPARROWS seen this morning at the Milwaukee Coast Guard Impoundment. Again as I mentioned the last update when birding the Milwaukee Coast Guard Impoundment please avoid the workers that are often working in the southeast corner. Stay well away from them. They have warned some birders that the entire area is private property. I don't think this is the case, but we don't want amyone to get into trouble. When you bird the Impoundment don't park down at the far south end by the gate. People have gotten ticketed for parking there. The best way to do it is to park on the north end by the break wall. Walk out of the break wall itself and enter the grass areas from the break wall. Again avoid the workers at the test plots at all costs.
Good numbers of scoters are seen along Lake Michigan. At Harrington Beach approximately fifty (50) to sixty (60) SURF SCOTERS are present. There is also a couple of BLACK SCOTERS in there as well.
North of Cleveland at Fisher Creek at least five (5) BLACK SCOTERS have been seen by scoping from the bluff.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*26 September 2002
*WIST0209.26
BIRDS MENTIONED:
Long-tailed Jaeger
Parasitic Jaeger
Black-backed Woodpecker
Spruce Grouse
Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Thursday, September 26, 2002.
The WSO field trip last weekend was quite successful, with multiple sightings of PARASITIC JAEGER from Wisconsin Point. People saw the bird either from the tip of the Point itself outside the lighthouse also further down the point along the bluff, a good spot to check the lake. There was also a report on Saturday of a LONG-TAILED JAEGER, which was seen by the group. Which was a very exciting find in the state. Other interesting birds seen at Wisconsin Point include Millers Harris Sparrow, especially out toward the tip of the point.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*11 September 2002
*WIST0209.11
-BIRDS MENTIONED
White Ibis
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Wednesday, September 11, 2002.
A WHITE IBIS was discovered at Crex Meadows, in Burnett County, on Monday. And the bird was seen again this morning, Wednesday the 11th. The WHITE IBIS is being seen on the southeast corner of Phantom Lake Flowage at Crex Meadows. Check the area here. Evidently on Monday it was seen with a group of Egrets feeding in the shallow waters by the observation area in the southeast corner of the Phantom Lake Flowage. It was seen after a brief search this morning in this same general vicinity. I'll have an update later in the week to give people an indication whether or not it is still present part of the weekend. I am sure many people will want to make the long drive to Crex Meadow this weekend if they are sure the bird is still around. Also around the state it's been very quiet for reports the last couple of weeks. Hopefully the passage of the cold front which has brought many more fall migrants to the state will bring some unusual birds as well.
I have a few reports, very few, of BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS currently being found at various sod farms around the state. There's also been better numbers of AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVERS in the same locations. Other than that, it's been very quiet for very unusual sightings.
This is probably a very good time to start checking along the lake front, especially in Milwaukee, for Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrows. Usually around the 14th and 15th of September is when the first sightings occur. With the proper weather conditions that may occur this week. A very good spot to check for Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow includes the Harbor Island behind the Summer Fest and also the Milwaukee Coast Guard Impoundment, especially the weedy portion of the southeast corner of the impoundment.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*23 August 2002
*WIST0208.23
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Information about upcoming field trip on Sunday, August 25, to Horicon Marsh
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Franklin's Gull
Snowy Egret
Whimbrel
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Friday, August 23, 2002.
Only a few BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS have been reported so far this year. It's been a rather slow year for them so far. The next couple of weeks should bring at least a few birds to the state. This is a very good time for their migration and we find them around the state. Last weekend two birds were found at the Wind Lake sod farms in Racine County. This area is located just south of Wind Lake. The best spot to check last weekend was to take Burmeister Road from Highway S. As Burmeister Road bends south it actually becomes Britton Road. Take Britton Road to the first cross street which is Olson Road. Go east on Olson and the birds are generally in the corner south of the intersection on Olson Road. Also birds have been reported this year from the Anderson Sod Farms east of Stevens Point, but no recent reports have come from this area. Another good spot is west of Appleton at the sod farms in this area. Again, it has been a very quiet year for BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS.
The FRANKLIN'S GULL continues to be seen quite regularly at Nine Springs Sewage Treatment Facility on the south side of Madison. To reach Nine Springs take the Beltline Highway on the southside of Madison and exit on the Southtown Exit and go south for a half mile to the Nine Springs Sewage Treatment Facility; just past the facility, turn east on Moorland Road and go a short distance to a parking lot on the south side of the road.
In Horicon Marsh, Dodge County, SNOWY EGRETS are being seen now along Highway 49. Up to three birds have been present there recently, either on the north or south side of Highway 49. There is also very good numbers of AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS. Also one of the WHOOPING CRANES, one of the young birds that is spending time over at Necedah, probably has wandered over to Horicon and is being seen along Highway 49 with some frequency lately. Some of these interesting birds will be looked for during the field trip.
Also WHIMBRELS have been reported from a couple of locations in the last week and it's a very good time now to check for WHIMBRELS along Lake Michigan. Although their numbers are much smaller in fall than they are in spring. One WHIMBREL was seen last weekend at Bailey's Harbor in Door County. At least two different WHIMBRELS were seen at the Milwaukee Coast Guard Impoundment this week. But unfortunately none of these birds has lingered for any length of time. Also there has been a fair number and variety of other migrants along the lake front, including passerines and a few early Loons and Grebes. But again, no significant migration has been reported yet. It has been very quiet for any rarities. One bird that might be worth a check now, looking along Lake Michigan, or especially checking Superior at Wisconsin Point for Jaegers. People typically start looking for Jaegers in September, but Jaeger movement does start in August. There have already been a couple of reports from Upper Michigan, so Jaegers are on the move. The very unusual Long-tailed Jaeger is an early migrant, so if you are looking for this bird for a life bird, it is a good time to start looking along the Great Lakes for Jaegers.
Finally, the WSO field trip, the hotspot field trip will be held on Sunday, August 25. The group is going to meet on the Auto Loop Trail in Horicon Marsh, between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. on Sunday morning. The Auto Loop (for driving on) is located along Highway 49, on the south side of the road. It is on the west side of Highway 49 Turbo Pond. You have to cross a large body of water with the historical marker. Start looking on the left, you will see the sign for the Auto Loop Trail. They will spend the morning birding Horicon Marsh and they will also move to some adjacent areas. If you are staying with the group you might want to bring a bag lunch as often times this trip extends to the early afternoon. WSO field trips are open to the public; you do not have to be a WSO member and there is no charge for the field trip.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*13 August 2002
*WIST0208.13
-Birds Mentioned
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Franklin's Gull
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron
Some birding suggestions and "watch Out" for Brown Pelican
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Tuesday, August 13, 2002.
BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS were reported last week from the Green Meadow sod farm in Stevens Point, Portage County. These sod farms are located along Rainbow Drive on the east side of Stevens Point. The person who saw the birds suggested that you check in the evening, as there people who work on the sod farms during the day. Some of the land owners and farmers around there aren't too happy about birders scanning the fields while they are working. It's probably best to check the sod farms around 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Also there are other sites to check for Buff-breasted Sandpipers. They should be moving through now and probably in peak numbers. During August is the best time to find these birds. Some of these good spots include the sod farms south of Wind Lake in northern Racine County. Check the area along County Highway S. Also check east of S along Burmeister Road. That's a very good spot to find Buff-breasted Sandpipers and American Golden Plovers. There are sod farms in Winnebago County, west of Oshkosh. It's good to check here as well. There are no reports since last week, but these areas should all be checked out now, because there probably are a few birds going through.
YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS were reported in the last week in three or four locations. These birds have been scarce if not absent the whole year. One bird, an adult, was seen along the Sugar River in Rock County. It was seen where Newark Road crosses the Sugar River. Also there has been an immature YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON at the Milwaukee Coast Guard Impoundment. In general Night-Herons are worth a check because generally these birds come in at night usually to roost for the night. Although with the immature Night-Heron at the Coast Guard Impoundment you should look in early afternoon as well as in the early evening.
The FRANKLIN'S GULL is still being seen at Nine Springs Sewage Treatment Facility on Madison's south side, Dane County. It has been there for a couple of weeks. This area offers decent shorebird habitat as well as the Milwaukee Coast Guard Impoundment. Some of the interesting birds seen here in the past week are Willet, Hudsonian Godwit, and Stilt Sandpiper.
BROWN PELICANS have been reported from a couple of locations in Wisconsin. Unfortunately, none of these birds have hung around long enough for me to put an update them. One bird was recently seen up in Vilas County. It was found dead, though, a short time later. The second bird was reported from Vilas County. It was searched for by many people the next day, but apparently it moved on. There was a brief report of another bird in Vilas County, but it was the second individual as well. I finally received a report yesterday of a bird seen on a lake in Sauk County, although no confirmation or specific location was given for this one. If there are any reliable Brown Pelican reports I will definitely hotline it at once. It is such a rare bird to find in Wisconsin. But there does appear to be some kind of trend. So if you live near a body of water you might check it a little more closely for this possible bird then. Now with August starts the typical movement of fall birds into the state, especially Hummingbirds. You might want to check your feeders closely for any unusual western bird that might come in. And start watching for any unusual bird from the west that might move in now that it is the crucial fall season.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*1 August 2002
*WIST0208.01
-Birds Mentioned
Snowy Egrets
Franklin's Gull
Loggerhead Shrike
Update on Black-bellied Whistling Duck, which is no longer being seen
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Thursday, August 1, 2002.
Unfortunately, the BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING DUCK has not ben seen since last Friday morning, although searched for by many people on Friday and over the weekend.
LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES are being seen in St. Croix County in northwestern Wisconsin. Last Friday three birds were found at the intersection of 150th Street and 100th Avenue. This is about 4 miles northeast of Roberts, Wisconsin.
SNOWY EGRETS are being reported in a couple places in the state. One bird was found at
Barkhaven Preserve north of Green Bay. Currently this area has had some water drawn down and
has excellent shore bird habitat. Unfortunately the on the north side, there is a small clump of willows out in the distance. Use a scope here you need to see if Cattle Egrets that are possibly nesting in this area. . .
A basic plumage RUFF was seen today at the Horicon Marsh. It was seen just northwest of
Rockvale Road, just north of the Federal Dike Road. There's been a flooded field there with Greater and Lesser Yellow Legs for good comparison. Also the area along Highway 49 has been drawn down and is an excellent area for shorebirds right now. Check the area east of the pumphouse as the best location for the shorebirds, on the south side of the road. Interesting birds seen recently include Willet, Hudsonian & Marbel Godwits, and also Red Knots. It is a very nice variety of birds that can be seen now, and so it is a spot worth checking. CATTLE EGRETS have been quite regular in the Horicon Marsh. Check the area on Stumpf Road and there were up to 28 birds seen on Oak Center Road. Oak Center Road is a very good location to check. Cattle Egrets may be attempting to nest in this area. There are a couple of Willows they are often seen in, so it is possible they may be nesting in the area. The numbers of WHITE PELICANS continue to grow in Horicon Marsh.
YELLOW RAILS were heard this week calling at Puchyan Marsh, in Green Lake County. This has been a very reliable location for the last five yers. Though the last two years the birds have been harder to find there. Puchyan Marsh is located north of a line between Green Lake and Princeton, on page 45 of the Wisconsin Gazetteer. From County Highway J you drive north on Marsh Road until the stop sign on Highway CC, then continue on across CC and down the narrow gravel lane toward the marsh. At the end of the trees you can park your car and then walk north about 300 yards on the gravel road. It is at the north end of Marsh Road, off of County Highway CC. County CC leaves and rejoins County Highway J at St. Marie Road. You will find puddles every once in a while, so walk along the edges to stay dry. The rails will be calling on the west side of the road. They will be heard best very early, before dawn or in the evening after dusk. There is a very good location for Henslow's Sparrows not far from here. You take County Highway CC east to County Highway J. There is a large grassy field on the northeast corner of the junction. There were at least ten HENSLOW'S SPARROWS calling there a couple nights ago. I guess they have been there for a few years now.
Lake Wisota near Eau Claire, in Chippewa County has been very good for Grebes. Earlier in the week EARED, WESTERN AND RED-NECKED GREBES were seen there. Apperantly there is quite a bit of boat traffic there and so it is best to view the grebes early in the morning or later in the evening.
WORM-EATING WARBLERS are being seen at Baxter's Hollow in Sauk County. Check the area just before the first stream crossing. The birds were heard here and they were seen flying up toward the bluff itself. This is also a very good location for Louisiana Waterthrush.
Kentucky Warblers are back now in good numbers at Wyalusing State Park, in Grant County. Also Prothonotary Warbers, that you look for down near the boat landing and the bottomland.
A Yellow-breasted Chat was seen at the Brooklyn Wildlife Area south of Madison. It is a good traditional spot to find these birds.
Last week there was an incredible influx of Summer Tanagers into the state. Many of these sightings were in Milwaukee and Ozaukee Counties. But there were also scattered reports from around the state. This is one of the biggest years for this species in the state that I have ever heard of. Most of these birds quickly move on after being found, so they aren't that reliable to chase.
There was also a very good number of Harris's Sparrows last week, but they have moved on, too.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*25 July 2002
*WIST0207.25
-Birds Mentioned
Black-bellied Whistling Duck
Little Gull
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Thursday, July 25, 2002.
The BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING DUCK was discovered this evening in the Coast Guard Impoundment, Milwaukee County. The bird was found around 5:00 p.m. and it was seen on the far south side of the Coast Guard Impoundment in the little bay that is back there. The best viewing of this location is from the north break wall of the Coast Guard Impoundment. You may want to bring a scope because the distance is fairly great. However, the bird can be identified with binoculars, but trying with the scope is more helpful. At one point some hikers walked through the impoundment and flushed the bird and it flew north to the Petroleum Pier. That is the first pier that is about half a mile north of the Coast Guard Impoundment. It returned to the impoundment and was seen there until dusk, so the bird will probably spend the night and hope it will be around for longer than that so more people can enjoy it. I guess probably the best location to view are by scoping it from the parking lot of the Coast Guard Impoundment or to reach it from the back of the cove, but you need to walk out on the north break wall to do that. Again, avoid walking in the tall grass of the Coast Guard Impoundment as this does disturb the birds. There are Coyotes out there, too. They got quite agitated the other day when someone approached too closely. So you may want to avoid walking in the tall grass of the impoundment and confine your looking from the parking lot or the north break wall.
There was a report of a LITTLE GULL that was found last week, at North Point in Sheboygan. It was seen off and on through the weekend and the early part of the week. It is possible that it is still present. You may want to get to North Point early in the morning, especially on weekends when often times people are walking dogs and that will scare all the birds off. You want to be there shortly after first light. People last weekend also had good luck around midday, 12:30 or 1:00. That is another possibility for finding the Little Gull. There was a small group of Bonaparte's and Ring-billed Gulls. There were also two shorebirds last week on North Point, including a Hudsonian Godwit.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*14 July 2002
*WIST0207.14
-Birds Mentioned
American Avocet
Snowy Egret
Red-necked Grebe
Orchard Oriole
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Sunday, July 14, 2002.
With mid summer upon us now it has been slow for new reports. However there has been two
AMERICAN AVOCETS that have been hanging out at the Milwaukee Coast Guard Impoundment for better than a week now. These two birds were still present on Saturday evening. There were also STILT SANDPIPER present there along with a handful of other shore birds. Shorebird watching is pretty good around the state right now with fall migration definitely underway.
Another very good spot to check for shorebirds has been Highway 49 to the Horicon Marsh. The
water was almost too low earlier in the week, but the rain earlier in the week did bring it back up. Also the area along Old Marsh Road in Horicon Marsh is very good habitat for shorebirds. However Old Marsh Road is only open on the weekends and its only open to foot or bicycle traffic then. There is also a pair of RED-NECKED GREBES nesting along Old Marsh Road. Walk in Old Marsh Road; the spot where the Grebes are nesting is about one and a half miles west of Point Road. Look to the north toward Highway 49 toward where the Red-necked Grebes are nesting. Also in Horicon Marsh, at least one SNOWY EGRET was seen this weekend from Highway 49. It was seen on the north side of Highway 49. Look toward the east, the small willow trees where the egrets are nesting, there is at least one Snowy Egret present there. Also check for Cattle Egrets. If you can't find them here, you might want to check some of the back roads north of Highway 49. Look in the fields with cattle where the egrets are often feeding.
Also from Horicon Marsh there have been good reports of ORCHARD ORIOLE. There are at least
three birds that are being seen on the east side of Highway 49 before it enters the marsh. Check the picnic area. Again three Orchard Orioles were seen here on Friday. It is getting pretty late in the season for seeing Orchard Orioles, but they were still present there so its a good bird to check for.
There are reports of Dickcissels in the Milwaukee area. They are often hard to find in this part of the
state. The Dickcissels in the Milwaukee area are actually in Franklin in Milaukee County. They are being seen in the vincinity of 60th Street and Puetz Raod. Check along 60th Street, south of Puetz Road. Check along the park trail there. The Dickcissels are out in the field there.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*29 June 2002
*WIST0206.29
-Birds Mentioned
Black-backed Woodpecker
Conniticut Warbler
American Avocet
Western Sandpiper
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Saturday, June 29, 2002.
It's been very slow for any new reports for the last couple weeks, so there hasn't been much to update. One observer in northern
northern Wisconsin, in Douglas County, saw good numbers of BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKERS in the Divide Swamp area of the Brule River State Forest. Apparently there has been some heavy tree damage from hail recently and these damaged trees have become diseased and are a very good food source for Black-backed Woodpeckers. There are at least three to four individuals in this small area. Also not far from here on Jersett Road, just east of Divide Swamp, CONNECTICUT WARBLERS are very easy to
find. So if your from out of state or just looking for Connecticult Warblers this is a very traditional, reliable spot to look for them.
Horicon Marsh continues to have excellent shorebird habitat and there are a few lingering birds still present there and also fall migrants will start appearing any day now if they haven't already. Some interesting shorebirds seen at Horicaon Marsh this week include AMERICAN AVOCET and WESTERN SANDPIPER. An AMERICAN AVOCET was also seen at the Milwaukee Coast Guard Impoundment this week. So you can start watching for fall shorebirds at this time and also some summering birds as well. Again it has been very slow around the state for many new reports, it's the breeding season and it is starting to come to a close, so usually it is a pretty quiet time of year.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*14 June 2002
*WIST0206.14
-Birds Mentioned
Cinnamon Teal
Western Grebe
Red-necked Phalarope
Yellow-breasted Chat
White-eyed Vireo
Hooded Warbler
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Friday, June 14, 2002.
Horicon Marsh has been a real hot spot lately; with the draw down of water along Highway 49 it has very good shorebird habitat and a variety of very interesting birds were seen this week. The best bird of the bunch was a drake CINNAMON TEAL that was present for two days earlier in the week. Unfortunately the bird has only been seen sporadically, though with the large amount of habitat present here it is worth checking. The reports of the Cinnamon Teal came from the south side of Highway 49, just east of the pumphouse. Although one of them did mention that northeast of here on the north side of the road there is a very large flock of Blue-winged Teal that is hanging out, so it is very possible that the Cinnamon Teal could still be in the area just hanging out with the other Teal on the other side of the road. So be careful when you are birding in this area. Some good birds that are lingering at Horicon Marsh include a WESTERN GREBE, which is being seen along the south side of highway 49, between the pumphouse and the Historical Marker. Also a RED-NECKED PHALAROPE has been quite regular all week and this bird has been seen on the mudflats, just east of the pumphouse. Again on the south side of highway 49. There are several WILSON PHALAROPES here as well. And last week there were good numbers of WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS and at least one BAIRD SANDPIPER. So there is very good shorebird habitat now and a pretty good number of birds. Fall migration will start for shorebirds in a couple weeks so watch some of these areas you watched all summer for uncommon varieties as well as more common varieties passing through.
YELLOW-BREASTED CHATS are being reported in several locations around the state. Two individuals were found at Cliffside Park in Racine County last weekend. The birds were present through the early part of the week. I'm sure they are both still around; they both seemed to be on territory. In Cliffside Park, which is north of Racine, you can park at the second picnic ground lot and walk to the trail north from here, beyond the yellow gate. Walk until you get to three paths that branch out an overgrown field. The first Chat was seen at the area of the three paths. The second one was seen by taking the trail north toward the bluffs. This north trail is very wet, so you may want to wear a pair of boots. Chats are also being found at the Brooklyn Wildlife Area south of Madison. From the Beltline Highway in Madison go south on Fish Hatchery Road, which is also Highway D, to the "Y" intersection with Highway DD. Go left at the "Y" on DD, park in the first lot on the left and take the trail straight back toward the wetland overlook area and look here for the Yellow-breasted Chat and as well as the WHITE-EYED VIREO. Yellow-breasted Chats are being found near Bong Recreation Area, in Kenosha County. Check north of the Bong Recreation Area itself along Highway DD, and take the trail from the parking lot along Highway DD. The trail will be on the same side of the road as the golf course. Look and listen for the Chat along the trail.
A word of caution along with the update, all of these birds are potentially nesting this time of year. So please do not play tapes at them at all or do anything to harass them and affect their nesting success.
Also at Bong Recreation Area a BELL'S VIREO has quit being vocal and is probably on territory. It is being seen at the entrance to the Sunset Camp Ground. This bird was discovered this week and was seen throughout the week.
HOODED WARBLERS can be found in the Northern Kettle Moraine. The best area to check for them is at the Greenbush Picnic Area. Typically Hooded Warblers are very common in Southern Kettle Moraine as well. I have not heard any concrete reports from this year, but usually the areas along Scuppernong Springs Nature Trail and some of the trails off of Highway 67 at the junction with Highway ZZ are very good for Hooded Warblers. Also in Northern Kettle Moraine the WSO field trip last weekend was quite successful. At Mauthe Lake State Park both YELLOW-BILLED and BLACK-BILLED CUCKOOS were found. Also all the flycatchers were very easy to find. A very productive spot is at the end Haushalter Road. It is a very productive spot with a good radius of species including several species of warblers, northern and southern species, and also many saw Alder Flycatchers as well. Another very good grassland location in Northern Kettle Moraine is located on Spring Valley Road. This spot is good for Henslow's, Grasshopper, and Field Sparrows, as well as Bobolinks.
* Wisconsin
* Statewide
* 09 June 2002
* WIST0206.09
-Birds Mentioned
Yellow Breasted Chat
White-eyed Vireo
Worm-eating Warbler
Hooded Warbler
Bell's Vireo
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Sunday, June 9, 2002.
YELLOW BREASTED CHATS are being reported in a few locations around the state. These are traditional spots where chats have been found for the last couple of years. One location is at the Brooklyn Wildlife Area which is located south of Madison. To reach the Brooklyn Wildlife Area take Highway D, which is also Fish Hatchery Road, south from the Beltline Highway until it makes a "Y" intersection with DD, where you bear left on Highway DD. Park in the first lot on your left. Hike straight out toward the wetland overlook area, as you hike out you will pass two right turns. Do not take these turns; continue going straight to the wetland overlook area. At least two Yellow-breasted Chat were calling back in that area. There was also a WHITE-EYED VIREO calling there as well. It has been a slow year for White-eyed Vireos, so it is nice to have one reported somewhere.
Another YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT area is near the Bong Recreation Area in Kenosha County. North of the Bong Recreation area along Highway BB. Park in the lot and take the trail to the south, which is on the same side as the golf course; I believe the trail is to the south. But anyway, the trail will be on the same side as the golf course. Take this trail from the road and look and listen for the Yellow-breasted Chat. This has been a very good location the last couple years for Yellow-breasted Chats. Again with all of these birds at this time of year they are potentially nesting so please refrain from playing tapes harassing the birds in any way, so you don't disturb any of their nesting or other natural behaviors.
Baxter's Hollow in Sauk County is good now for a variety of warbler species, including the WORM-EATING WARBLER. The best spot for the WORM-EATING WARBLER is just before the first stream crossing in Baxter's Hollow. A HOODED WARBLER was also heard there yesterday as well. LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSHES continue to be quite regular at Baxter's Hollow and a few people recently reported a YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER singing there early in the morning plus a variety of other warblers, including both northern and southern species, as well as ACADIAN FLYCATCHERS.
BELL'S VIREOS are being reported from Wyalusing State Park, Grant County. Check the area right near the park headquarters building along the entrance road. Also at Wyalusing Yellow-throated Warblers were not found by several people that looked last week for them. They have been fairly reliable the last few years, but could not be found last week. But the usual good birds that are at Wyalusing State Park that are present in good numbers include CERULEAN, KENTUCKY, PROTHONOTARY WARBLERS. Also HENSLOW'S SPARROWS are reported from a couple different locations in the grasslands areas of Wyalusing State Park. This is a nice additional bird to look for while you are there.
Although migration has tapered off to a trickle YELOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHERS are moving through right now in decent numbers. People are reporting them in the southern part of the state the last couple of days, so if you are looking for Yellow-bellied Flycatchers this is now a good time to find them as a migrant. Probably the lastest migrant to comes through here.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*29 May 2002
*WIST0205.29
-Birds Mentioned
Little Blue Herons
Whimbrel
Red Knot
Bell's Vireo
Worm-eating Warbler
Lark Sparrow
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Wednesday, May 29, 2002.
A LITTLE BLUE HERON has been seen the last two days in Milwaukee County at the Coast Guard Impoundment. It is an adult bird. It is present generally on the east side of the impoundment or viewed from the north wall. WHIMBRELS have been reported along Lake Michigan the last couple of days. One group of birds was seen at the Manitowoc Impoundment. There were a couple of WHIMBRELS seen at Milwaukee last week very briefly. Manitowoc is a very good spot to check now, particularly late in May is a good time to possibly pick up Whimbrel. Other species such as RED KNOT should be checked for.
RED KNOTS have been reported at Horicon Marsh along Highway 49. Where the water is drawn down is exposing excellent shorebirds habitat. There have also been reports of Marbled and Hudsonian Godwits there in the past couple of weeks with pretty good consistency. Another good shorebird habitat around the state is Crex Meadows in Burnett County, where the Phantom Flowage is also drawn down exposing lots of mudflats. Again both Godwits have seen there along with a Red Knot. In Horicon Marsh Cattle Egrets are quite regular. Check from Highway 49 on the north side, there is a small clump of willows out in the distance. Use a scope here; you need a scope to see if Cattle Egrets that are possibly nesting in this area. A good spot to see Cattle Egrets is along Stumpf Road. Take Stumpf Road north of Highway 49 and check the pastures; look for Cattle Egrets feeding with the cows out in the fields.
At Wyalusing State Park the Yellow-throated Warblers are back nesting again. Check the tall pines at the top of Long Valley Road or ask the park naturalist for more specific directions. BELL'S VIREOS are also being heard and seen along the entrance road to Wyalusing State Park. At the boat landing itself, Prothonotary Warblers are being found quite easily. Kentucky Warblers are common as usual in Wyalusing State Park. Down the hill along Long Valley Road to the boat landing is the best place to look for Kentucky Warblers.
WORM-EATING WARBLERS are being seen with pretty good frequency at Baxter's Hollow in Sauk County. Check the area just before the first stream crossing. The best spot is within the first 100 yards before the first stream crossing. Louisiana Waterthrushes are also being seen and heard with pretty good frequency at Baxter's Hollow. There has been one report of a Yellow-throated Warbler apparently very early in the morning last week at Baxter's Hollow. But more people have been missing this bird so I am not sure if it's hanging on in the area or just not very consistent.
At Governor Dodge State Park look for Orchard Orioles by the Cox Hollow concession stand and again BELL'S VIREOS are being seen in the shrubby hillside across from the lake. At the Spring Green Prairie west of Madison LARK SPARROW and Grasshopper Sparrows can both be found. Grasshopper Sparrow numbers seem to be down a bit this year and this is one of the more consistent spots to look for Grasshopper Sparrows this year. For while migration is starting to taper off now, with the late start we had, there will probably be a few lingering migrants into early June, especially shorebird a few warblers going through so it pays to check for any of those birds.
Some unusual birds seen in the last week, but not being around very long include a Swainson's Warbler which was seen at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Bay; also Painted Bunting spent a couple days at a feeder in Iron County and a Black-headed Grosbeak was also seen very briefly at a feeder in Iron County.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*16 May 2002
*WIST0205.16
-Birds Mentioned
Ruff
Yellow Rail
Henslow's Sparrow
Cattle Egret
Eared Grebe
Western Grebe
Worm-eating Warbler
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Thursday, May 16, 2002.
A basic plummage RUFF was seen today at the Horicon Marsh. It was seen just northwest of Rockvale Road, just north of the Federal Dike Road. There's been a flooded field there with Greater and Lesser Yellow Legs for good comparison. Also the area along Highway 49 has been drawn down and is an excellent area for shorebirds right now. Check the area east of the pumphouse as the best location for the shorebirds, on the south side of the road. Interesting birds seen recently include Willet, Hudsonian & Marbledl Godwits, and also Red Knots. It is a very nice variety of birds that can be seen now, and so it is a spot worth checking. CATTLE EGRETS have been quite regular in the Horicon Marsh. Check the area on Stumpf Road and there were up to 28 birds seen on Oak Center Road. Oak Center Road is a very good location to check. Cattle Egrets maybe attempting to next in this area. There are a couple of Willows they are often seen in, so it is possible they may be nesting in the area. The numbers of WHITE PELICANS continues to grow in Horicon Marsh.
YELLOW RAILS were heard this week calling at Puchyan Marsh, in Green Lake County. This has been a very reliable location for the last five years. Though the last two years the birds have been harder to find there. Puchyan Marsh is located north of a line between Green Lake and Princeton, on page 45 of the Wisconsin Gazetteer. From County Highway J you drive north on Marsh Road until the stop sign on Highway CC, then continue on across CC and down the narrow gravel lane toward the marsh. At the end of the trees you can park your car and then walk north about 300 yards on the gravel road. It is at the north end of Marsh Road, off of County Highway CC. County CC leaves and rejoins County Highway J at St. Marie Road. You will find puddles every once in a while, so walk along the edges to stay dry. The rails will be calling on the west side of the road. They will be heard best very early, before dawn or in the evening after dusk. There is a very good location for Henslow's Sparrows not far from here. You take County Highway CC east to County Highway J. There is a large grassy field on the northeast corner of the junction. There are at least ten HENSLOW'S SPARROWS calling there a couple nights ago. I guess they have been there for a few years now.
Lake Wisota near Eau Claire, in Chipppewa County, has been very good for Grebes. Earlier in the week EARED, WESTERN and RED-NECKED GREBES were seen there. Apparently there is quite a bit of boat traffic there and so it is best to view the grebes early i the morning or later in the evening.
WORM-EATING WARBLERS are being seen at Baxter's Hollow in Sauk County. Check the area just before the first stream crossing. The birds were heard here and they were seen flying up toward the bluff itself. This is also a very good location for Louisiana Waterthrush.
Kentucky Warblers are back now in good numbers at Wyalusing State Park, in Grant County. Also Prothonotary Warbers, which you look for down near the boat landing and the bottomland.
A Yellow-breasted Chat ws seen at the Brooklyn Wildlife Area south of Madison. It is a good traditional spot to find these birds.
Last week there was an incredible influx of Summer Tanagers into the state. Many of these sighting were in Milwaukee and Ozaukee Counties. But there were also scattered reports from around the state. This is one of the biggest years for this species in the state that I have ever heard of. Most of these birds quickly move on and after being found, so they aren't that reliable to chase.
There is also a very good number of Harris's Sparrows last week, but they have moved on, too.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*06 May 2002
*WIST0205.06
-Birds Mentioned
Black Rail
Harris's Sparrow
White-faced Ibis
Willet<
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Monday, May 6, 2002.
A BLACK RAIL was initially seen at the Milwaukee Coast Guard Impoundment on Saturday, May 4. It was also heard very faintly at dusk last night. It was seen and heard very briefly on Sunday morning before day break. The Black Rail is present in the southeast corner of the Coast Guard Impoundment right near the gardens that aware test plots. The best way to find this bird if you are coming to the Coast Guard Impoundment is to come at 7:30 in the evening and park near the blue trailer building (that the construction people use). Many local birders have been gathering nightly and going out hoping to find the Black Rail. It is best to go with one of them. The spot where the Black Rail has been seen is in an area with some very soft mud and walking in the wrong area you could end up in some quick sand. This will also minimize disturbance to the bird. With people tramping through the grass all of the time it might cause undue distress to the Black Rail and any other Rails in this area. The bird has been present at both dawn and dusk and there have been people actively out looking the last couple nights for it . Anyone who wants to join up with the group can should meet at the 7:30 pm at the blue trailer and the people who bird the impoundment on a regular basis can take you on back to the right area, where the bird hopefully can be heard. The bird is not terribly responsive to tapes and so probably at best you can hope to hear it, as seeing the bird can be very difficult.
A WHITE-FACED IBIS is being seen in the Chippewa bottoms up in the Eau Claire area. The bird is present in a flooded field between 240th Avenue and 210th Avenue, which is on Page 60 of the Wisconsin Gazetteer, the river bottoms in the middle of the page, on the north side of the Chippewa River. The bird was discovered yesterday afternoon and it was confirmed this morning that it was a White-faced Ibis.
HARRIS'S SPARROWS were seen in several locations around the state this morning which is unusual. Harris's Sparrow can be a very difficult bird to spot in Wisconsin. Several birds were present in Cedars. A couple of the birds were seen in public areas, including two birds that were seen this morning in Milwaukee at Lake Park. the birds were present toward south end of Lake Park. Check on the edge of the golf course just west of large statue of General Wilcox on horseback. There is a very large flock of White-throated and White-crowned Sparrows sitting along the edge of the bushes and there were two Harris' Sparrows was in with these birds this morning. Another Harris's Sparrow has been seen at Schlitz Audubon in Milwaukee by the parking lot.
WILLETS continue to be seen around the state at scattered locations in above normal numbers this year. A very good spot is the Coast Guard Impoundment, also the beaches in Kohler-Andrae State Park. Inland birds have been reported at Nine Springs at Madison and at various spots around the state. There is a very big influx of Willets in the state this year.
Milwaukee Coast Guard Impoundment also had six MARBLED GODWITS and a HUDSONIAN GODWIT on Friday, but these birds left later in the day. Also there have been scattered reports of shorebirds around the state at various locations. Some of the habitat is very good now along Highway 49 in the Horicon Marsh. Apparently there is a draw down at Crex Meadows up in Burnett County this year and the potential for shore birds at Crex looks very good. It will be an interesting variety of birds.
Otherwise there are a lot of migrants moving to the state which started on Saturday and there is a good push today. The unusual migrants seen include the PRAIRIE WARBLER, seen at the end of Texas Avenue in Milwaukee. This bird could have moved on. A NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD was seen yesterday at the Milwaukee Coast Guard Impoundment. This bird moved on. In the Madison area a PROTHONOTARY WARBLER, CAROLINA WREN, and WHITE-EYED VIREO were seen at Picnic Point in the Arboretum. So these are good spots to check. Of course during spring migration now many good birds are reported, unfortunately they move on as quickly so they are located.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*29 April 2002
*WIST0204.29
-Birds Mentioned
Summer Tanager
Piping Plover
Yellow-throated Warbler
Willet
American Avocets
Red-necked Grebe
King Rail
Carolina Wren
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Monday, April 29, 2002.
In sprite of the winter weather over the weekend many birds now are being seen in the state. There is a pretty good push of passerines including several warbler species.
One interesting bird is a first year male SUMMER TANAGER being seen at the home of Bill Brooks, WSO President. Bill lives between Princeton and Green Lake in the central part of the state. If you want to get directions from Bill and permission to see the bird you can reach him at 920- 294-0328. This bird has been present for the last two days now.
A PIPING PLOVER was seen today near Wind Point in Racine. Apparently it is a banded bird. Late April and early May is a very good time to check the Lake Michigan shore line for Piping Plovers. Another good spot to check for these birds is at the stretch of beach that runs between Manitowoc and Two Rivers in Manitowoc County. This has been a very good place to find them. Any of the impoundments along the lake should also be checked. Nine Springs in Madison is also a good spot to find Piping Plovers.
There has been a very good movement of WILLETS and AMERICAN AVOCETS this year. Avocet numbers could have peaked about 1-1/2 weeks ago, although a large group of AMERICAN AVOCETS were seen over the weekend at Lake Maria in Green Lake County. The last couple of days have seen lots of reports of Willets scattered around the state, including about 60 birds in Milwaukee yesterday. Again the Lake Michigan shore line is the best place to find Willets. Any of the impoundments along the lake can be checked. Also check large stretches of shore line. There were several reports of WILLETS at inland locations, including Nine Springs in Madison and some birds in Fond du Lac. So Willets are being seen in good numbers this year.
There has been a pair of RED-NECKED GREBES seen at Lake Emily, which is located in central Wisconsin, (Dodge County) not far from Lake Maria. Apparently these birds can be seen very well off of the boat launch. A pair has been seen there the last two weekends.
A KING RAIL was heard calling Friday evening along the auto loop trail in Horicon Marsh.
A CAROLINA WREN has been seen and heard recently in Madison (Dane County) at Picnic Point near the arboretum.
YELLOW-THROATED WARBLERS are back again at the traditional spot in Wyalusing State Park, Grant County, this year. Check the cathedral pines near the Homestead camp grounds for these birds. Check in with the naturalist for the specific location. Sometimes these birds are seen in different spots around the park The tall pines at the top of the Long Valley Road are another good spot to check for them. I have not received any recent reports about the Yellow-throated warbler at Baxter Hollow, in Sauk County.
The LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH is continuing to be seen at Baxter Hollow, in Sauk County, though.
This is also a very good time to look for Pine Warblers. People who live in southern Wisconsin where Pine Warblers are not common breeders often miss this bird in migration and it can be a rare bird to find. Right now they seem to be moving through in decent numbers. Late April and the first couple days in May seem to be the primary window to find migrant Pine Warblers. For people hoping to see this bird, now is a very good time to get out and look for them, along with the many passerines that are starting to show up now.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*14 April 2002
*WIST020414
-Birds Mentioned
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
Cinnamon Teal
Baird's Sandpiper
Eared Grebe
Yellow-throated Warbler
Louisiana Waterthrush
American White Pelican
Marbled Godwit
Red-throated Loon
Red-necked Grebe
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Sunday, April 14, 2002.
There was a report earlier this evening that there was a SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER being seen today in Ozaukee County at a private residence. I am still trying to reach the person that found the bird. If the bird is still present I will definitely update the hotline. Often with this species they will show up in spring just briefly and then move on.
The CINNAMON TEAL that has been seen in Perrot State Park in Trempealeau County may have moved on. It was present earlier this morning and then could not be found the rest of the day. The group of Teals couldn't be found either. This bird was present for about a week by the canoe launch area in the park.
Three EARED GREBES are being seen in a pond in Dane County just north of Waunakee. The birds are being seen on Hyslop Road, go south on Hyslop Road to the town of Dane and look on the east side of the road for the pond. The pond is located between Lavina Road on the north and Kopp Road on the south. The shoulders along the road are narrow and there is a lot of traffic along the road so use appropriate caution.
The YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER was seen over the weekend at Baxter's Hollow in Sauk County. It was seen in the pines that are located just before the creek crosses the road for the second time. Also at Baxter's Hollow at least eight LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSHES are back on territory now.
AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS continue to be seen in scattered locations around the state. Four birds were seen in the Mead Wildlife area this weekend. They were also seen in Portage county, Green Bay, Horicon Marsh and along the Mississippi River.
Two MARBLED GODWITS and BAIRD'S SANDPIPER were seen with some other shore birds in Eau Claire County at the Truax Prairie. They were seen near the church in a flooded field there.
Along Lake Michigan all three SCOTERS were seen in good numbers Saturday. They are generally seen north of Harrington Beach all the way up to Cleveland in Sheboygan County. There were impressive numbers of ducks along the whole strip and good numbers of all three species of SCOTERS in scattered locations along the lake front here. Also a RED-THROATED LOON was seen Saturday at the Kingfisher Farms. The Kingfisher Farms are located along Highway LF north of Cleveland in Sheboygan County.
RED-NECKED GREBES were seen at Grassy Lake in Columbia County over the weekend. They are also being seen at Lake Maria in Green Lake County. Two birds have been present on the Wisconsin River in Portage County and another bird was seen last week on Lake Wausau.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*08 April 2002
*WIST0204.08
-Birds Mentioned
Cinnamon Teal
Red-necked Grebe
Red-throated Loon
Harlequin Duck
American White Pelican
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Monday, April 8, 2002.
A CINNAMON TEAL has been reported today at Perrot State Park in Trempealeau County, in the western part of the state. It was seen at the canoe launch/landing area.
Elsewhere in the state, a couple of AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN have been reported in a couple of locations. One of them was observed flying over the main dike at Horicon Marsh. A second individual was seen at the mouth of the Fox River in Green Bay, Brown County. Both of these areas are locations where Pelicans have nested in the last couple years so they probably are returning and will spend the summer in these areas.
At least one RED-NECKED GREBE was back at Lake Maria in Green Lake County. This is
a traditional nesting site for RED-NECKED GREBE. April and early May are the best time to check Lake Maria as the lake becomes quite choked with bulrush later in the year and the birds become harder to see. When the Red-necked Grebe show up early like this the view of them is much better.
There was also a report of RED-NECKED GREBE at Virmond Park on Saturday morning, in Ozaukee County. The birds moved on and couldn’t be found later in the day.
The male HARLEQUIN DUCK was seen over the weekend at the end of Sandy Beach Road,
which is located just south of Harrington Beach State Park, in Ozaukee County. This may be the same bird that was seen in the park itself. You may want to check Sandy Beach Road or Rocky Point itself in the park.
All three SCOTERS continue to be seen in this area.
Reports have been trickling in from along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Some good spots to check include the Fischer Creek area just north of Cleveland and the bluff areas both north and south of Cleveland in Manitowoc County, Virmond Park and Harrington Beach State Park in Ozaukee County. With a little bit warmer weather coming in there have been a few more spring migrants showing up now. People have reported YELLOW RUMPED WARBLERS, WINTER WRENS, FOX SPARROWS, and many other early spring migrants trickling in.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*18 March 2002
*WIST0203.18
-Birds Mentioned
Scoter Species
Ross's Goose
Gyrfalcon
Harlequin Duck
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Monday, March 18, 2002.
ROSS'S GEESE have been reported now from a few locations in central Wisconsin. Dane and Columbia Counties have been the best spots to find the Ross's. Some locations that they were seen in the last several days include, Schoenberg Marsh, which is in Columbia County. Schoenberg Marsh can be reached by taking Harvey Road north from Hwy 60. After about 1.5 miles the road bends back to the east and you will overlook the marsh at this point. There were also good numbers of GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE seen here last weekend. Another spot for Ross's and Greater White-fronted Geese was along Hwy V in Dane County. Look from Hwy V on the stretch between Schumacher and Patton Roads. Any large concentration of Geese in Dane or Columbia County should be checked. There was at least 1 Ross's Goose reported in Jefferson County as well. These birds typically show up now in late March or early April.
HARLEQUIN DUCKS are still being seen in Milwaukee. At least two birds were present north of North Point just south of the old Gun Club area. Check anywhere along the rocky shoreline. Also a male HARLEQUIN is being seen at Harrington Beach State Park in Ozaukee County. This bird was seen off the beach near the rocky point. All three SCOTER species were also reported at Harrington. There was also a report of two fly-by RED-THROATED LOONS yesterday.
The GYRFALCON was seen again in Racine on the courthouse building. This bird was seen yesterday evening between 5:30 and 6:15 pm. The bird was perched on a ledge on the southwest corner of the courthouse. The courthouse is located straight west of the harbor area.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*08 March 2002
*WIST0203.08
-Birds Mentioned
Scoter Species
Spring Migrants
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Friday, March 8, 2002.
Things are quiet in the state right now for rare birds. All three SCOTER species are being seen along Lake Michigan in small numbers. SURF SCOTERS have been reported just north of Bradford Beach in Milwaukee and also off North Point in Milwaukee. Surf Scoters have also been seen at Virmond Park in Ozaukee County. All three Scoter species have been reported at Harrington Beach State Park in Ozaukee County.
Four HARLEQUINS were being seen in Milwaukee just north of Bradford Beach. These birds have not been reported in the last few days and may have moved on. You might want to check for them along the rocky shoreline north of Bradford Beach and as far north as the old Gun Club property.
Small numbers of GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE continue to be reported in both Dane and Columbia counties. In general, look for the White-fronted mixed in with flocks of Canada Geese.
The warm weather has brought in a few more migrants. Start checking for ROSS'S GEESE if you see any "white" Geese mixed in with the Canada's. There were reports of many other spring migrants including SANDHILL CRANES, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, GRACKLES, and KILLDEER.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*27 February 2002
*WIST0202.27
-Birds Mentioned
GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE
Harlequin Duck
Black Scoter
Surf Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Red-necked Grebe
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline
report for Wednesday, February 27, 2002.
Along with the early spring migrants this past week a
couple of flocks of GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE have
been seen in the Beaver Dam area, just south of Beaver
Dam. One group of geese was seen on Blackbird Rd.
just south of Chapel Rd. A second group was seen in a
corn field east of the intersection of Highways 16, 26,
and 60. A few SNOW GEESE were seen in these areas as
well.
Four HARLEQUIN DUCKS are being seen regularly in
Milwaukee, just north of Bradford Beach by the old Gun
Club property. Check the area along the rocky
shoreline there. There are three females and one male
in breeding plumage.
BLACK SCOTERS, SURF SCOTERS, AND WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS
were all being seen last weekend at Harrington Beach
State Park in Ozaukee County.
Some SURF SCOTERS and a RED-NECKED GREBE were seen at
Virmond Park, which is also in Ozaukee County.
Last weekend many gulls were seen along the lake,
including ICELAND GULLS, which were seen at Virmond
Park, Ozaukee County, and at the Shorewood Nature
Preserve in Milwaukee County.
An impressive amount of winter gulls were seen in the
Manitowac/Two Rivers area. These included many
GREATER BLACK-BACKED GULLS, GLAUCOUS GULLS, and one
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*14 February 2002
*WIST0202.14
-Birds Mentioned
2 Gyrfalcon
Barrow's Goldeneye
Townsend's Solitaire
Golden Eagle
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline
report for Thursday, February 14, 2002.
Two GRYFALCONS are being seen in the state right now.
One bird has been seen up in Superior(Douglas
County)/Duluth. It has been seen both at Connor's
Point in Superior and at the Peavey grainery building on the
Minnesota side. You
can see it from the Superior side, particularly when
the bird is perched on the bridge crossing from Duluth
to Superior. A second GYRFALCON has been seen in
Racine. This bird is being seen at the Racine
Courthouse, at the corner of 7th St. and Washington
Ave. It is right along the lake front near Gateway
Technical College, just south of the Racine Harbor. It
is usually being seen on the southeast corner of the
building. A good time to look for it is between 7:00
and 8:00 a.m. when it roosts in a peregrine box up on
one of the top floors. It often flies from here and
hunts along the lake front. People have been
examining this bird closely and apparently there is no
evidence of a jess strap on the leg. People were
wondering if it was a falconer's bird. There is still
some question of its being a hybrid between a gyrfalcon
and a European falcon. So the origin of this one is
still uncertain, but it is still a beautiful bird and
an impressive one to see.
Along the lake front last weekend a BARROW'S GOLDENEYE
was seen again at Virmond Park in Ozaukee County.
The TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE continues to be seen at
Devil's Lake State Park, Sauk County. At least one
bird is present as you hike up Balanced Rock Trail.
Also at times a few individuals have been seen around
the parking lot on the south side of the lake. Be
careful there because the trails are quite steep and
rocky and can be very treacherous this time of year
with snow and ice.
GOLDEN EAGLES continue to be seen along Cranberry Road
in the Bear Bluff area. Cranberry Road forms the
boundary between Jackson and Wood counties. Inspect
the area along Cranberry Road and also toward Bear
Bluff itself.
I have not received any recent reports of Sharp-tailed
Grouse. These birds should be looked for in this
area, but are often quite hard to find.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*08 February 2002
*WIST0202.08
-Birds Mentioned
2 Gyrfalcons
Townsend's Solitaire
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline
report for Friday, February 8, 2002.
It has been a very slow week for reports coming in.
An exception has been a report of a second GRYFALCON,
which is being seen in Racine, in southeastern
Wisconsin, for a change. This bird was found last
weekend and has been present almost daily since. It is
being seen often at the Racine Courthouse, at the
corner of 7th St. and Washington Ave. It is right
along the lake front near Gateway Technical College,
just south of the Racine Harbor. A good place to look
for the bird at the large courthouse is on the
southeast corner of the building. It roosts there
between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. and then around 8:00 it can
be seen along the lake front.again . If you can't
see the bird here check the area south of the Racine
Harbor and Gateway Technical College. When it was
first found last Saturday it was seen near Myers
Beach. There is some concern that this bird is a
hybrid. In one photo the bird looked like it had a
jess, which is a strap used by falconers. There is a
definite concern that this might an escaped bird and
possibly a hybrid. But it is still a beautiful bird,
nonetheless, and many people have enjoyed seeing it.
A second GYRFALCON is still being seen up in Superior,
Douglas County. From the pier look across at Connor's
Point where the bird was seen several days in a row
last week. It has also been reported a few times on
the Minnesota side at the Peavey grain elevators.
The TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE continues to be seen at
Devil's Lake State Park, Sauk County. At least one
bird is present as you like up Balanced Rock Trail.
Also at times a few individuals have been seen around
the parking lot on the south side of the lake. Be
careful there because the trails are quite steep and
rocky and with snow and ice can be very dangerous this
time of year.
Elsewhere along the lake shore there haven't been any
further reports of Scoters. Since this is a wintering
flock I am sure that the birds are still present.
You can still search for the Barrow's Goldeneye either
at Doctors Park in Milwaukee or at Virmond Park in
Ozaukee County. Sometimes in late winter or early
spring they move north to the original site. This is
also a good spot to check for Scoters and other diving
ducks.
It has been a very quiet winter for interesting gull
reports. This is probably due to the mild weather and
lack of ice in the harbor and the birds aren't
concentrated.
Winter Finches continue to be seen in small numbers
throughout northern Wisconsin. There is a real lack
of Crossbills this year. Other than that, Pine
Grosbeaks and Red Polls are being seen in good
numbers thoughout the north woods, but they are in
smaller numbers than in past years.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*01 February 2002
*WIST0202.01
-Birds Mentioned
Purple Sandpiper
Harlequin Ducks
Townsend's Solitaire
Gyrfalcon
Sharp-tailed Grouse
Golden Eagle
-This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline
report for Friday, February 1, 2002.
A PURPLE SANDPIPER was found today in Racine Harbor at
Myers Park and in the area where you launch boats. It
was among the rocks along the shore line. This is
just south of the main harbor.
Also in Racine four HARLEQUIN DUCKS (three
females and an immature male) are being seen in Myers
Park and also near the boat launch. I am not sure if
it is the same group of Harlequin Ducks that were
being seen in Milwaukee about two weeks ago, but have
been missing for a coupld of days now.
Elsewhere around the state an immature gray phase
GYRFALCON was seen at Connor's Point in Superior
(Douglas County) earlier this week.
There are no further updates of other gyrfalcons
around the state.
The Sharp-tailed Grouse location in the Bear Bluff
area of the central part of the state was productive
last weekend. An individual saw six or seven sets of
SHARP-TAILED GROUSE fly into the corn stubble located
along Cranberry Road (boundary between Jackson and Wood
counties) south of Ball Road. This is north of the
tiny town of Mather. This is also a good spot for
GOLDEN EAGLES and several individuals were present
along this stretch of Cranberry Road last weekend. It
is a pretty good spot to check. There were several
ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS and a couple of NORTHERN SHRIKES as
well.
The TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE continues to be seen at
Devil's Lake State Park, Sauk County. At least one
bird is present as you hike up Balanced Rock Trail.
Also at times a few individuals have been seen around
the parking lot on the south side of the lake. Be
careful there because the trails are quite steep and
rocky and with snow and ice can be very treacherous.
The next WSO field trip is tomorrow, February 2. It
is the annual trip to Prairie du Sac to look for
Eagles. The group is meeting between 9 and 9:30 a.m.
at the eagle observation area at Prairie du Sac
located on Hwy 78 just south of the Hwy 60 bridge.
The group recommends bringing a bag lunch. WSO field
trips are open to the public, you don't have to be a
member and there is no charge.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*21 January 2002
*WIST0201.21
-Birds Mentioned
Barrow's Goldeneye
Harlequin Ducks
Townsend's Solitaire
Possible Gyrfalcon
Scoters
Greater Prairie-Chicken
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Monday, January
21, 2002.
Two BARROW'S GOLDENEYES were reported over the weekend
at Doctor's Park in Milwaukee County. At least one of
these birds is the one that has been seen earlier in
the year at Virmond Park in Ozaukee County. In past
years when the Barrow's Goldeneye has disappeared from
Virmond Park, they have shown up at Doctor's Park. To
reach Doctor's Park, take I-43 north of Milwaukee and
exit at Brown Deer Road. Go east on Brown Deer Road
toward the lake. After a mile or so Brown Deer Road
bends to the south, continue on it for about 1 mile.
Look for the signs to Doctor's Park on the left (east)
side of the road. This is about 1/2 mile south of the
Schlitz Auduban Center.
Four HARLEQUIN DUCKS (three females and an immature
male) are being seen in Milwaukee, at the end of
Capital Drive at Atwater Park. This isn't too far
north of the Old Gun Club location and two of these
birds are probably the ones that were seen at the Gun
Club recently. Check along the rocky jettys.
At least one TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE is fairly easy to
find at Devil's Lake State Park, Sauk County. Check
the Balanced Rock Trail, which is on the south side of
the lake. It has been seen near the top of this trail
the last few weekends. Do be careful this time of
year with snow and ice on the trail, it can be
treacherous and with steep bluffs it can be quite
dangerous. A probable GYRFALCON was also seen at
Devil's State Park yesterday. It was a white or very
light gray morph. It was seen just off of the east
bluff, just west of the south parking lot. I don't
know if this is a bird that would stay in the area, so
would appreciate any further updates on it.
GREATER PRAIRIE-CHICKENS are being found in good
numbers at spots in the Buena Vista Grasslands, near
Stevens Point, Portage County. One spot that was
quite good this weekend was in a field on the left
side along Farmer's Road about 1/4 mile north of Mill
Road.
All three SCOTERS were seen last weekend at the south
end of Harrington Beach State Park, Ozaukee County.
They were at the end of Sandy Beach Road. They have
been here for some time and move around in this area.
Also BLACK and SURF SCOTERS were seen at the end of
Beach Road just south of Sheboygan.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*11 January 2002
*WIST0201.11
-Birds Mentioned
Townsend's Solitaire
Black-backed Woodpecker
Eurasian Collared Dove
Trumpeter Swan
Harlequin Duck
Scoters
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Friday, January
11, 2002.
First, I want to make a correction about the WSO field
trip scheduled in February. The information in the
Badger Birder is incorrect. The trip date is
Saturday, February 2, to view eagles at Sauk
City/Prairie Du Sac. More details about times and
locations will be posted on Wednesday or Thursday of
that week.
A couple of TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRES are still being seen at
Devil's Lake State Park, Sauk County. Check either
the Balanced Rock Trail, which is on the south side of
the lake, or the south end of the lake by the south
parking lot. One bird was seen today in the parking
lot itself. At least one or two birds are still
hanging around and have been since earlier this fall.
A BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER was seen in Nicolet National
Forest on Wednesday of this week. The bird was seen at
the junction of Divide Road and Forest Road 2182, and
then it moved back into the bog that is east of this
location.
The northwoods are pretty quiet this winter. There is
a scattering of winter finches at different places.
All of the varieties have been reported, but there
isn't any large concentrations of them at any feeders.
EURASIAN COLLARED DOVES are being seen at various
locations around the state. One bird is still being
seen in in the small town of Holy Cross,Ozaukee
County, along Hwy A at a house with a feeder. Look at
the wires here, too. Two EURASIAN COLLARED DOVES are
being seen at Potato Lake, Oconto County. They have
been seen here for 1-1/2 years now. Go north on Hwy
141 and turn west on Hwy 64 to Parkway Drive. Go
north on Parkway Drive to the boat landing. The doves
were in the trees 4 houses east of the boat landing.
The house number is 13161. They overwintered here
last year too.
TRUMPETER SWANS are being seen on the Wolf River near
Shawno, on the south side of the Hwy M bridge. You
can see Mute Swans here as well.
Two HARLEQUIN DUCKS were seen in Milwaukee last
weekend. They were present north of Bradford Beach,
in the old Gun Club area, not too far off shore. They
move to the north sometimes. If you can't find them
at this location, try further north along the lake at
the Shorewood Nature Preserve. It is located about 3
or 4 blocks south of Capital Drive. The trails down
to the lake are very steep. With icy conditions you
might want to avoid these steep trails, but once you
get down to the lake you have good access to a small
bay where there are often large rafts of ducks,
including the Harlequin ducks.
All three SCOTERS were seen last weekend at the south
end of Harrington Beach, Ozaukee County. They were at
the end of Cedar Beach Road. They have been here for
some time and move around in this area.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*03 January 2002
*WIST0201.03
-Birds Mentioned
California Gull
Snowy Owl
Short-eared Owl
Update on WSO field trip on January 5, 2002 to the Milwaukee Lake Front
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline
report for Thursday, January 3, 2002.
A second year winter CALIFORNIA GULL was seen in
Milwaukee on New Year's Day. The bird has not been
reported since then. It may still be in the area. It
was seen at the South Shore Yacht Club, south of the
boat launch area near the rocky point. A third year
GLAUCOUS GULL and a first year ICELAND GULL were seen
at the Milwaukee Harbor the same day. Winter gulls
are arriving in the Milwaukee area and are being seen
around the state. Keewanee has several BLACK-BACKED
GULLS. Sheboygan Harbor and Port Washington are two
good spots to check for winter gulls.
SHORT-EARED OWLS continue to be seen at Bong State
Recreation Area in Kenosha County. They were seen
again last night. They are being seen in the ATV
parking lot. The best time is shortly before dark,
around 4:00 p.m. It is the peak time for the birds to
be actively hunting.
SNOWY OWLS continue to be seen in good numbers all
around the state. Almost twenty spots have been
mentioned. I will mention one area because the
concentration of them. On New Year's Day at the
Petrolum Pier in Milwaukee(just north of the Coast
Guard Impoundment) one observer had six birds in view
at one time. There are at least three birds that are
staying in this area of the inner harbor. They perch
on the Petroleum Pier itself and on the rocky break
walls. I am sure that these birds can also be seen at
the Coast Guard Impoundment or Harbor Island. There
have been reports of one or two Snowy Owls at every
harbor along the Lake Michigan lake front, as well as
some inland locations.
The first WSO field trip of the year is this Saturday
morning, January 5, between 8 and 8:30 a.m., at
McKinley Marina pavillion on Lincoln Memorial Drive in
Milwaukee. Take I-94 into Milwaukee, to I-794 (this
goes east of Milwaukee and ends at the lake front)
exit on Lincoln Memorial Drive. Go north of Lincoln
memorial Drive for about one and a half miles to the
McKinley Marina pavillion. You will go past a park
lagoon, continue on Lincoln Drive to the second set of
signal lights (there is a sign, turn right and look
for a little round building near the boat launch area.
We'll scope the harbor here and move out to various
spots in and around Milwaukee. Usually the group
continues north from here making stops at places like
Virmond Park, Port Washington, Sheboygan Harbor before
the group breaks up. The leader suggests that you
bring a bag lunch and stay with the group as long as
you want. Be sure to dress to stay warm. As with all
WSO trips there is no charge and you don't have to be
a member of WSO to go on a trip.
