*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*26 December 2003
*WIST0312.26
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Spotted Towhee
Cinnamon Teal
Mew Gull
Barrow's Golden Eye
Harlequin Duck
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Thursday,
December 26, 2003.
The SPOTTED TOWHEE that was being seen in Muskego County Park in Waukesha
County is still present. The bird has been seen several times this week
after a brief absence from the park. Muskego County Park is located in
southeastern Waukesha County at
the intersection of Janesville and Woods Roads. Janesville Road is also
Highway 24. The SPOTTED TOWHEE is being seen generally just north and west
of picnic area #5. This is a brushy area with Hawthorns and other brushy
vegetation. The SPOTTED TOWHEE is being seen quite regularly by a person
who checks the park quite frequently. He said he often detects the bird by
subtle chip notes and call notes and is able to find it. It has been a lot
more reliable than it was a few weeks ago when people searched for long
periods of time without finding it.
The CINNAMON TEAL is still being seen in Grant County in Prairie du Chien in
the pond by the Villa Louis mansion. However there is some question as for
the origin of this bird. Apparently the CINNAMON TEAL is quite tame and
one observer examined some digital photos and it appeared that the halix or
toe on the rear of the foot may have been clipped, so this could possibly
could be an escaped bird. For those of you viewing the bird, it is a
beautiful duck and I'll let you obviously make your own decision as far as
counting the bird. But before you go out to make a trip I wanted you to
know that there is some question of origin of this bird. The bird is still
present and is easy to find. It is hanging out with a group of Mallards in
the pond and is very approachable. It has been photographed by people and
been seen by everyone looking for it. This bird is a fine. It is a very
beautiful male CINNAMON TEAL.
The MEW GULL is still being seen from time to time at the South Metro Pier
in Oak Creek at the south part of Milwaukee County. The MEW GULL was last
reported on Saturday the 20th, and I did not receive any reports during the
week, but it may still be present. The bird is usually present on the beach
or just off shore with a flock of Ring-billed Gulls at the South Metro Pier.
The South Metro Pier is located along 5th Avenue, just north of Puetz Road
in Oak Creek. This is about a mile or so north of where Ryan Road ends at
the lake. At South Metro Pier there are two sets of stairs that go down to
the lake. Once you are down there you can scope the gulls on the beach or
just off shore. The MEW GULL is seen with some regularity the last couple
of weeks.
Also in Milwaukee County the BARROW'S GOLDEN EYE was still present on the
23rd at Doctors Park. Doctors Park is located on the north side of
Milwaukee, about 1/2 mile or so south of Brown Deer Road, just south of the
Schlitz Audubon Center. There was also an ICELAND GULL that was seen on
Saturday and again on Tuesday at the same location. Along with a few
SCOTERS.
The female HARLEQUIN DUCK was seen in the Milwaukee Christmas count last
Saturday. It was present off of the soccer field that is located just
north of Bradford Beach just south of the water filtration plant. This is
the old Gun Club property. The Harlequin Duck was present there Saturday
just off shore. If you can't find the bird here, it might possibly be
further north of here. A good vantage point to check the lake north of here
is from the Shorewood Nature Preserve which is located about 4 blocks south
of Capital Drive. There is a steep hill down to the lake and a rocky
shoreline where Harlequin Ducks have frequently been there in past winters.
SCOTERS are being seen quite regularly at Harrington Beach State Park Both
at the park itself and from the road at the extreme south end of the park.
There is at least one SURF SCOTER in Milwaukee last weekend. There are also
reports of SCOTERS at Wind Point in Racine.
PINE GROSBEAKS are being seen in decent numbers in parts of northern
Wisconsin, especially along Rolling Stone Lake Road off of Hwy. 55. Also
one PINE GROSBEAK was being seen at a feeder in Ozaukee County in Saukville.
This is a very south observation of this bird. Perhaps this bird will stay.
There might be an invasion this year. It would be nice to see good numbers
this far south for a change.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*11 December 2003
*WIST0312.11
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Mew Gull
Barrow's Goldeneye
Harlequin Duck
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Thursday,
December 11, 2003.
A MEW GULL has been seen a few times off and on since before Thanksgiving at
the South Metro Pier in Oak Creek, which is on the south end of Milwaukee
County. The South Metro Pier is on the lake front about 1/2 miles north of
where Ryan Road ends at the lake; at Bender Park, turn left (north) and
continue north along the road that is parallel to the lake until you come to
the South Pier access. There is a steep set of stairs to walk down to the
lake, to reach the beach and the pier for the best viewing. The bird is
very sporadic in its appearance and is missed by many
people. In fact it had been not been reported for about a week. But it was
seen again last Sunday morning at about 10:30 am. The best way to find the
bird is to check the beach by the South Metro Pier, look for the flock of
Ring-billed Gulls, where the Mew Gull is seen occasionally. Late mornings
seem to be a pretty good time to look for the bird, although it is
inconsistent in its appearance.
Also in Milwaukee County, a BARROW'S GOLDENEYE was found at Doctor's Park on
Sunday. Doctor's Park is located about 1/2 mile south of Brown Deer Road,
on the north end of Milwaukee County. It is just south of the Schlitz
Audubon Center. This may be the same bird that bounced back and forth
between Virmond Park (Ozaukee County) and Doctor's Park for the last several
years. If you don't find it at Doctor's Park, you might want to check
Virmond Park. Also at Doctor's Park both BLACK and SURF SCOTERS were seen
on Sunday.
Also another bird seen in Milwaukee County on Sunday was a HARLEQUIN DUCK.
This bird was present off the grassy soccer/rugby fields north of Bradford
Beach and just south of the water filtration plant. This is a very good
stretch of shoreline to look for HARLEQUIN DUCKS. They are very reliable
here in past years. If you can't find a HARLEQUIN DUCK along this shoreline
another very good spot in past years has been Shorewood Nature Preserve,
which is located four (4) blocks south of Capitol Drive in Milwaukee.
There is a very steep path down the hillside to reach the lake and there is
a rocky shore line where HARLEQUIN DUCKS are seen quite frequently in
winter. Do be careful as the path is quite steep and if there is any ice or
snow it can be treacherous. It is a tough climb down there and it's much
easier when the bird can be seen by the soccer fields, or a raft of ducks
can drift further south all the way to the way to the North Point Snack Bar
area. While you are checking the shoreline check carefully for the
possibility of other unusual birds such as the Purple Sandpiper or Red
Phalarope; both are still possible this time of year. Another interesting
bird you are going to look for as you scour the Lake Michigan shoreline and
checking rocky jetties is the possibility of a Rock Wren. Rock Wrens have
never been recorded in Wisconsin, but there are one to two birds now being
seen in Michigan. At least one of the birds was seen on a rocky jetty along
the Great Lakes shoreline. This has been a typical spot to find these birds
and Michigan has a good handful of these records. It is probably a bird
that we have missed in the past in the state. The Rock Wren can be a
difficult to find in the rocky crevices; they are not easy to see. So as
you are checking the shoreline of Lake Michigan or Lake Superior pay a
little extra as you are looking along rocky jetties and breakwalls for the
possibility of a Rock Wren.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*5 December 2003
*WIST0312.05
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Update on Spotted Towhee
Greater White-fronted Goose
Summer Tanager
Some birding suggestions for this time of year
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Friday,
December 5, 2003.
It has been a very quiet two weeks for any new reports coming in. The
SPOTTED TOWHEE however is still being seen in Waukesha County, although it
is often very hard to find. This bird ranges over a fairly wide area and is
very good at hiding from people. Many people are missing this bird. It
was still present this morning. The SPOTTED TOWHEE is being seen at Muskego
Park, which is in southeastern Waukesha County. Muskego Park is located at
the intersection of Janesville and Woods Roads. Janesville Road is also
Highway 24. Check the area around picnic area #5, either north or west of
this area. The few people who have had good luck finding the bird have
found activity with other birds, feeding flocks of Tree Sparrows, Juncos
and Cardinals. And finding active bird activity you might find the Towhee
in with them. Patience and persistence does help and you may hear the
Towhee's call note, which is very similar to an Eastern Towhee's. You might
be able to locate the bird this way. Be patient as some people have
searched for several hours before locating it and many people have missed it
as well.
A GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE has been seen a couple of times in Milwaukee County in the past week. Although this is not an earth-shattering rarity,
usually it is kind of hard to find these in this part of the state. The last location where the GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE was seen was with a large flock of Canada Geese. It was in a pond on the west side of Highway 36, which is also Loomis Road, just north of the intersection of Highway 100. There is a small pond that is loaded with geese and there was at least one GREATER-WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE in there with them. It is good this time of year to check large flocks of Canada Geese for unusual geese.
Last year in Green Bay a Brant was found and was seen throughout the month.
So you might want to carefully check large flocks of Canada Geese and look
for something unusual like a Ross's Goose or especially a Brant, which would
be a nice find this time of year.
In Milwaukee last weekend a SUMMER TANAGER was seen on the north end of
Grant Park at the Willoway/Grant entrance. The bird was seen one morning,
but was gone the next. It was feeding in some fruit trees with Robins and
Cedar Waxwings. It was looked for the next day and couldn't be relocated.
Birds to check for this time of year are Purple Sandpipers along Lake
Michigan or Lake Superior shoreline. It is not too late to see them, some
birds last year were found after Christmas. So, there is a good possibility
of locating a Purple Sandpiper in December. The most reliable spot has
been North Point in Sheboygan. You might also have luck at Wind Point in
Racine or any rocky stretch of shoreline or rocky jetty. It has also been a
very quiet fall for Harlequin Ducks. Typically several have been reported
by now by this time of year. A good spot to check for Harlequin Ducks
include Harrington Beach State Park, areas around Sheboygan or Wind Point in
Racine. Also in Milwaukee check north of Bradford Beach or a little further
north at the Shorewood Nature Preserve, which has been a very reliable spot
for Harlequin Ducks. There have also been very few Snowy Owl reports this
fall. It will probably be a pretty quiet winter, but there should be a few
birds showing up now. Good spots to check are anywhere along the lake front
and also inland areas south of Green Bay. The Freedom area was a good spot
in past years to find Snowy Owls. Sometimes the areas around Marshfield and
Stevens Point are pretty good as well.
There is one report of a BOHEMIAN WAXWING in downtown Stevens Point, with
Cedar Waxwings. So there is just a smattering of winter finches around the
state. A few Common REDPOLLS are being seen. There have been a few reports
of Pine Grosbeaks in the north woods, but not a large scale invasion yet.
Good Luck!
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*22 November 2003
*WIST0311.22
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Spotted Towhee
Carolina Wren
Townsend's Solitaire
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Saturday,
November 22, 2003.
A SPOTTED TOWHEE was found yesterday in Waukesha County and was seen again
today. It's being seen at Muskego Park which is located in the southeastern
part of Waukesha County, at the intersection of Janesville and Woods Roads.
To reach this location take Highway 45 and Highway 100 (which run together
in Milwaukee) south to the intersection of Highway 24 (which is also
Janesville Road), turn right or west on Hwy 24/Janesville Road. Continue
about 6-1/2 to 7 miles and you will see Muskego Park on your right, at the
intersection of Janesville and Woods Road. In the park itself the SPOTTED
TOWHEE is being seen north of the shelter in picnic area #5. It's always
present in the company of a few Cardinals. Be patient, the people this
morning had to wait a couple of hours, so it is pretty good at hiding back
in the thicker shrubs.
A TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE was seen earlier in the week at Devil's Lake State
Park in Sauk County. It was seen on the CCC (Civilian Conservation Core)
Trail. The TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE was present about half way up the trail in
a group of pines before the first large rock formation. Also on the CCC
Trail there were two CAROLINA WRENS right near the start of the trail. The
birds were seen quite well.
In the Madison area at Lake Farm Park, two CAROLINA WRENS are being seen
quite regularly. The most recent location was on the left side of therailroad tracks near the water.
Also at Devil's Lake State Park earlier in the week there were two
WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS.
All three SCOTERS continue to be reported along Lake Michigan. A really
good spot for the birds is Wind Point in Racine. Also the south point of
Harrington Beach State Park and a few reports of Virmond Park, both in
Ozaukee County. And the North Point area in Milwaukee and North Point at
the Sheboygan lake front This is also a very good time to check the Lake
Michigan shoreline for PURPLE SANDPIPERS, which often show up in late
November. North Point in Sheboygan is by far the most reliable spot where
they are found. Any rocky shoreline or jetty along the lake front might
contain the PURPLE SANDPIPER this time of year.
There is also report of a SNOWY OWL in Mukwonago (Waukesha County) earlier
this week. This bird apparently moved on after being seen a couple of days.
There are some winter birds showing up now. There have also been reports of
flocks of COMMON REDPOLLS as far south as Sheboygan and EVENING and PINE
GROSBEAKS were seen in the Wausau area. So there is a little winter finch
movement. Hopefully it will be better than the poor winter finch year we
had last winter.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*17 November 2003
*WIST0311.17
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Possible Yellow-billed Loon
Ross's Goose
Great White-fronted Goose
All Three Scoters
Short-eared Owl
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Monday,
November 17, 2003.
A possible YELLOW-BILLED was seen yesterday at Crystal Lake in Dane County.
It was located just west of the town of Lodi. Unfortunately many people
looked for the YELLOW-BILLED LOON today and were not able to find it. There
has never been a report of a YELLOW-BILLED LOON in the state before, but
this species wanders around throughout continent and there have been records
in several of our surrounding states. This is a good time of year to check
the larger inland lakes, quite possibly the great lakes for unusual loons,
such as the Yellow-billed. A PACIFIC LOON has been quite regular the last
few years at this time of year. Again the larger inland lakes such as the
Madison lakes or Green Lake are good places to check for any unusual loons
inland. Also at Crystal Lake the last couple of days there were two species
of SCOTERS, including BLACK SCOTER.
All three SCOTERS were seen in a couple of places this weekend, including
the Wind Point area in Racine, also at the sound end of Harrington Beach
State Park. It is a pretty good year for SCOTERS inland too. There have
been reports on the Mississippi River for many locations and on larger
inland bodies of water, as well.
Yesterday some interesting geese were seen in the town of Janesville.
Yesterday the ROSS'S GOOSE and a GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE were seen at the pond behind the motel and gas station on Milton Avenue just south of the
interstate at Janesville. Later a person checked the pond and had the
Greater White-fronted Goose, but not the Ross's Goose. However he was able
to locate the ROSS'S GOOSE where Milton Avenue crosses the Rock River. And
later in the day, what was probably the same Ross's Goose, at Delevan's
Drive. There is a vantage point on Freedom Lane near Delavan Drive. There
are a couple different ponds in the area that are worth checking on.
SHORT-EARED OWLS were seen at the Bong Recreation Area in Kenosha County.
They were seen on the west side of the entrance road just before dusk. Also
this past week there have been reports of SHORT-EARED OWLS in Milwaukee.
Both at Coast Guard Impoundment and also near the water filtration plant on
6th and Howard. The water filtration plant on 6th and Howard doesn't have
any public access to it, as the tight security around water filtration
plants. They would be skeptical of someone with binoculars hanging around
this area, so I wouldn't spend a lot of time checking this location.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*9 November 2003
*WIST0311.09
-BIRD MENTIONED
Harlequin Duck
Short-eared Owl
Barrow's Goldeneye
Spruce Grouse
Lesser Black-backed Gull
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Sunday,
November 9, 2003.
A male BARROW'S GOLDENEYE was found last week in an unusual inland location.
The bird was seen from Radtke Point on Lake Wausau (Marathon County). It
was present there for a couple days, but I have not had any updates from
over the weekend. So I don't know if the bird is present or not. It may
have moved on. A more likely spot, worth checking now is Virmond Park in
southern Ozaukee County, where up through last winter there has been a
BARROW'S GOLDENEYE present every year since 1994. This bird usually shows
up sometime in the middle of November, so it may be showing up very soon if
it's going to come back for another winter.
This weekend a few reports came in. A female HARLEQUIN DUCK found at South
Port Park in Kenosha. No other HARLEQUIN DUCKS have been reported along
Lake Michigan, but November is a good time to check the Lake Michigan
shoreline for HARLEQUIN DUCKS. Very reliable spots in the past include
North Point in Milwaukee, or on the Shorewood Nature Preserve a little bit
north in Milwaukee. Also North Point in Sheboygan, that area has been very
reliable in the past for HARLEQUIN DUCKS.
The LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL also was seen in Kenosha along the lakefront
this weekend. It was seen at Simon's Island, near Carthage College. And a
Red-throated Loon was also seen from this location. Again it was the
Simon's Island parking lot near Carthage College along the lake front in
Kenosha County. Also in Kenosha County a few SHORT-EARED OWLS were back at
the Bong Recreation Area. These birds were seen just west of the main
entrance road just before dusk. Bong is oftentimes a very good spot for
SHORT-EARED OWLS and they spend the winter. In some years there are very
good numbers depending on the food supply.
Another LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL is being seen in the Madison area. It is
being seen on the west side of Madison, oftentimes at the soccer field at
the intersection of Mineral Point and Gammon Road. And sometimes it is seen
at either Tiedeman's or Stickler's Pond, in the city of Middleton.
SPRUCE GROUSE were seen again in what is now a very reliable location, along
Fire Lane Road, just north of Conover, Vilas County. Again check Fire Lane
Road, about 9/10 to one mile off of old Highway 45. Usually earlier in the
morning is a good time to find SPRUCE GROUSE in this location.
There have been no serious report of winter finches from the north woods so
far. There is a smattering of birds, but not in any good numbers or any
specific spot to look for them yet.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*October 31, 2003
*WIST0310.31
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
Birding suggestions for this time of year
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Friday,
October 31, 2003.
The SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER that was discovered last week, in Oconto County, was still present and observed both yesterday and today. It was missed earlier in the week. The SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER is still being seen at the same intersection in southern Oconto County, at the intersection of County Highway S and Oak Orchard Road. The SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER has been observed on the fence post and the wires in this general area. Oftentimes it is seen just north of this intersection. This bird was seen within a short distance from the Green Bay itself.
This behavior is pretty typical of vagrants this time of year. The Lewis's Woodpecker is another fine example of a bird being seen right along side Lake Michigan. One thing you might want to do this time of year is to check your favorite birding area along Lake Michigan and Lake Superior shore line. And that is oftentimes the spot where if you get something unusual coming from the west the large body of water acts as a natural barrier to stop the bird so in the past years some of our unusual vagrants were found right along the lake shore line.
SCOTERS have been seen throughout the state, both along Lake Michigan and the larger inland lakes. A BLACK SCOTER was seen on Lake Wausau this week also off Schoop Park just south of Wind Point in Racine. This has been a good reliable place to check for SCOTERS. The large inland bodies of water should be checked this time of year as well, for any unusual loons. Pacific Loons have been quite regular in the Madison area lakes for the last 4 or 5 years. Usually November is a good time for these birds to be found. Also Shawano Lake, up northwest of Green Bay is a good spot to check for unusual loons and other divers. The Yellow-billed Loon as I mentioned earlier on a hotline is a very good possibility. It has never been seen in Wisconsin, but we are long overdue for one. These birds are found on large inland lakes in November or December. So it is a good time to check your larger bodies of water for unusual vagrants such as Pacific or Yellow-billed Loon.
Finally another bird you might want to check for at this time of year is Townsend's Solitaire. Devils Lake in Sauk County is a very good reliable spot to find Townsend's Solitaires. These birds are typically discovered in early November. Keep a watch on the trails, especially along Balance Rock Trail. If one would venture out there sometime soon there is a good possibility of seeing a Townsend's Solitaire or two.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*October 26, 2003
*WIST0310.26
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
American Avocet
Surf Scoters
Black Scoter
White-winged Scoter
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Sunday,
October 26, 2003.
A SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER was seen over the weekend and was still present today. It was seen in southern Oconto County, which is north of Green Bay. The bird was seen along County Highway S at the intersection of Oak Orchard Road. It was right on the shore of Green Bay and south of the town of Pensaukee. The bird was found, possibly on Friday, but was definitely seen yesterday, and was seen again today right at the intersection perching on telephone wires. Occasionally flycatching out over the field. A very nice bird to look for, photograph. Good sightings were observed by people over the weekend.
An AMERICAN AVOCET was present yesterday in Milwaukee. It was seen just offshore at the Shorewood Nature Preserve. It was out with the gulls on the rocky area just south of the preserve itself. Shorewood Nature Preserve is located about four (4) blocks south of Capital Drive in Milwaukee. There is a steep hill down to the lake front. It was present yesterday. Though they don't stay very long.
All three SCOTERS were seen over the weekend. Best spot to check for these birds was Wind Point in Racine. Check Wind Point itself or just south of there at Schoop Park, where all three SCOTERS have been seen the past week. Also a few SCOTERS were seen from North Point in Milwaukee, the point of land just north of Bradford Beach. Also a BLACK SCOTER was seen from Concordia College in Mequon (Ozaukee County). Other good spots to check for SCOTERS now include Harrington Beach State Park in Ozaukee County, North Point in Sheboygan is another good spot, and the bluffs north and south of Cleveland, especially the Sister Creek area, is a very good spot for SCOTERS.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*October 23, 2003
*WIST0310.23
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Lewis's Woodpecker
Eared Grebe
Surf Scoters
Black Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Bohemian Waxwing
Le Conte's Sparrow
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Thursday,
October 23, 2003.
On Tuesday at Concordia University in Mequon (Ozaukee County), a LEWIS'S WOODPECKER was observed for about 5 minutes. The bird then headed north along the lake front. As accepted by the records committee, this will be the second record for the state for Lewis's Woodpecker. A beautiful woodpecker from the west that does make occasional vagrant appearances to the central and eastern part of the US. This is a good reminder that fall is an excellent time to expect the unexpected wanderer often from the west. The Lake Michigan shoreline is a good natural barrier that does kind of concentrate migrants. So it is a good time of year to be out checking your favorite birding hotspots, looking for the unusual bird. Unfortunately this bird did not stay around long, but often times birds in fall are more apt to linger compared to those in spring. So it is a good time to go out looking for some unusual birds.
EARED GREBES have been reported from three locations in the state this past week. One bird was seen on the Wisconsin River in Stevens Point (Portage County). Another was seen on Lake Michigan, off of Concordia College. The third birds was reported on Lake Farm County Park in Madison (Dane County). Unfortunately none of the EARED GREBES were seen consistently; they were just seen briefly and then apparently moved on.
There is a report of all three SCOTERS on Lake Michigan this past week. Good spot for SCOTERS this week include Wind Point in Racine and also North Point in Milwaukee. This is the point just north of Bradford Beach. Both of these spots are good spots to check for SCOTERS, whose numbers will be peaking out now as we get toward the end of October. November is also a very good month to look for SCOTERS. Good spots to look for SCOTERS along the lake front include Virmond Park in Ozaukee County, Harrington Beach State Park, also in Ozaukee County, and the bluffs north and south of Cleveland in Manitowoc County. These are probably the best traditional spots in the state to find a good number of SCOTERS.
BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS were seen today in the state in the town of Argon, which is in the Nicolet National Forest. In Argon check along Pine Street, there are a lot of fruit trees in the area, and there were two BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS seen with a group of Robins. In Loew's Lake in Washington County, there were a good variety of sparrows seen last weekend. Interesting sparrows observed there include Grasshopper's Sparrow and also a Le Conte's Sparrow on Sunday. One observer wend back to look for these birds and did observe a NORTHERN SHRIKE in this location, as well. There have been reports of NORTHERN SHRIKES in several locations around the state in the last week. It looks like it could be a decent Northern Shrike winter, judging by the initial numbers reported.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
* 16 October 2003
*WIST0310.16
BIRDS MENTIONED
Spruce Grouse
Greater White-fronted Goose
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Surf Scoter
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Thursday,
October 16, 2003.
SPRUCE GROUSE were seen at a couple of locations today in the Nicolet
National Forest. The first location is on Fire Lane Road (Vilas County).
The birds were seen on Fire Lane Road about 9/10 - 1 mile off of old 45.
Fire Lane Road is a very traditional, good spot to check for SPRUCE GROUSE.
There were two birds seen there this morning. Another spot where SPRUCE
GROUSE were seen today was on Military Road about 1/4 mile west of
Haymeadows Road. There two SPRUCE GROUSE roosting together in a small
tamarack tree along the road. The same observers birding in the Nicolet
National Forest, including the Scott Lake/Shelp Lake area (Forest County),
and the forest roads in the area, reported seeing Gray Jays, Boreal
Chickadees, but no one could census. They did have one Evening Grosbeak
along Highway 55 at the Wolf River Inn. This is the report on the Nicolet
National Forest.
A GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE was seen yesterday in the town of Middleton, on Madison's west side (Dane County). The bird was seen at Tiedeman's Pond,along with a blue phase Snow Goose. Also in this area look for the LESSER
BLACK-BACKED GULL. It's probably the same gull that makes an appearance in
the fall of the year and hangs out for the winter. The LESSER BLACK-BACKED
GULL has been reported recently at the soccer field near the intersection of
Mineral Point and Gammon Road, on the far west side of Madison.
Three SURF SCOTERS were seen earlier in the week at an unusually inland
location of Shawano Lake (Shawano County), up northwest of Green Bay.
Shawano Lake was a very good spot last fall. Several Scoters were seen here
last fall, along with Pacific Loon and Little Gulls. This spot does bear
watching. Large inland bodies of water, such as the Madison Lakes and the
large flowages around Steven Point and Wausau are often good spots to find
more diving ducks that are more typically found in Lake Michigan. These
inland large bodies of water are often good places to check for rarities
such as the Pacific Loon and Yellow-billed Loon, which has never been
recorded in the state but is long overdue for Wisconsin.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*11 September 2003
*WIST0309 .10
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Greater White-fronted Goose
Red Knot
Possible Black-legged Kittiwake
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Wednesday, September 10, 2003.
A pair of GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were seen today at Tiedeman Pond, in Middleton, on the west side of Madison (Dane County). This will be a record arrival date for fall migration. Also today a RED KNOT was seen at the Sensiba Wildlife Area, located just north of Green Bay. Also as Sensiba the observer had what he is pretty sure was a BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE. But you have to be quite early, but it is a definite possibility now along the lake shore. There also was a decent number of shore birds along the Sensiba Wildlife Area. Another good spot for shore birds and also for herons and egrets is Barkhausen Preserve, also located just north of Green Bay. These are all spots that will be covered by many people this weekend at the Midwest Birding Symposium. So hopefully some good birds are found up there this weekend.
Good numbers of shore birds continue to be seen at various spots around the state. One hotspot has been in Dane County, on County Highway V, just east of Schumcher Road. These ponds are very good habitats, a nice mix of birds. Seen here recently included BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER, both AMERICAN GOLDEN and BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS, and a good variety of other birds. The Wind Lake sod farms continue to produce small numbers of BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS. Check along Burmeister Road, also along Briton Road, and along County Highway S south. There has also been AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVERS in this area. The LARK BUNTING, though, has not been reported now for the last couple of weeks.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*22 August 2003
*WIST0308.22
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
American Avocet
Piping Plover
Red-necked Phalarope
Snowy Egret
Little Blue Heron
WSO Hotline Field Trip to Horicon Marsh update
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Friday, August 22, 2003.
The Big Eau Pleine reservoir in Marathon County has very good shorebird habitat right now. A PIPING PLOVER was seen there last night. It was seen on the east side of County Highway O and it was on the north end of the flowage. Also at the Big Eau Pleine Reservoir several RED-NECKED PHALAROPES were seen earlier in the week. There have also been reports of BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS at Big Eau Pleine Reservoir as well as a good number and variety of other shorebirds. It has excellent habitat there right now.
A group of eleven (11) AMERICAN AVOCETS were seen at the Milwaukee Coast Guard Impoundment on Thursday. At least one (1) bird was still present this morning. That south prominence has excellent shorebird habitat now and a decent variety of birds. BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS have been seen there on a few occasions recently as well. Also the Wind Lake sod farms in Racine County are producing BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS. Check along the east side of County Highway S, where five (5) and six (6) Sandpipers were present earlier in the week. Also the area along Burmeister Road, east of Highway S. Especially where Burmeister Road meets Briton Road is another good location to check. Another good location to check for BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS is in Dane County, just north of the Town of DeForest. Check along the east side of Highway 51, just north of DeForst High School there is an athletic field and several BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS have been seen there THROUGHOUT THE WEEK.
There is a LITTLE BLUE HERON that is being seen north of Waunakee is still being seen. The bird is being seen at the intersection of Easy Street and Highway 113. It has been present for a couple of weeks now. Also today several SNOWY EGRETS were seen at the Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve, north of Green Bay (Brown County). While there you might want to also check the Bay Beach Sanctuary, that has also been good for SNOWY EGRETS during the later part of the summer.
The next WSO Field Trip is Sunday morning at the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge. The group is going to meet at 8:00 a.m. at the boardwalk parking area, along the auto tour loop. The auto tour loop is located off of Highway 49 at the northwest corner of the refuge. To reach the boardwalk parking area go straight ahead on the auto tour loop. After about 3/4 mile you will see a one-cell rest room on the right. You will want to in the lot right near there. The group will hike along the road to look for migrants and will also bird Old Marsh Road and other locations in the area. As with all WSO Field Trips it is open to the public and you don't have to be a member to attend. Also there is no charge for these programs. You might want to bring a bag lunch and snacks to eat in the car as these field trips extend into the afternoon.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*31 July 2003
*WIST0307.31
-Birds Mentioned
Snowy Egret
Western Sandpiper
A Parade of other shorebird migrants
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Thursday,
July 31, 2003.
Predictively its been really slow during the month of July. Typically it is a very quiet time of year. One exception are migrant shorebirds. A couple are in the state in good numbers now, also wading birds, as in the case of the SNOWY EGRETS. SNOWY EGRETS continue to be seen at the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Bay. Up to 5 birds are present. The best place to look is behind the nature center, around the lagoons. Several birds are being seen. SNOWY EGRETS are also being seen in Horicon Marsh. And being seen on Oak Center Road. To reach Oak Center Road, take Highway 49 into the central part of the marsh, turn right on Centerline Road. Go 2 miles on Centerline Road to Breakneck Road, turn left on Breakneck Road and go 1 mile to Oak Center Road. Turn left on Oak Center Road. There is a slight hill and you will see a pond to the south and up to 3 or 4 Egrets have been seen in this pond as well. Also on the north side of Highway 49 look for roosting herons and egrets, for several family groups nest here as well. The area along Highway 49 on the south side had excellent shorebird habitat until a week ago, then it was rapidly drying up. Hopefully with the heavy rains in the last couple days have brought the levels back up. After it dried up it wasn't quite as productive for shorebirds. One area in Horicon Marsh that was very good for shorebirds last weekend was the area along Old Marsh Road. Old Marsh Road is located just south of Highway 49 and it can only be accessed on the weekends, either Saturday and Sunday; it is open only to foot or bicycle traffic. You can reach it either from the east side or from the boardwalk. It is classic and excellent shorebird habitat. Good numbers including American Avocets.
Another good spot for shorebirds is the Nine Springs E-Way on the south side of Madison, just south of the Beltline Highway. A WESTERN SANDPIPER was seen here earlier in the week. And there has also been a good number of migrant shorebirds passing through here.
Milwaukee Coast Guard Impoundment has good shorebird habitat. Right now they are putting some fresh dredge in. There is a good number and variety of birds, including a WILLET in recent times.
And also in Racine, Shoop Park just south of Wind Point has good habitat along the lake front and a good number and variety of shorebirds. There has also been a LAUGHING GULL seen here sporadically during the summer. Myers Beach, which is south of Racine Harbor, has some good sand bar habitat with a good variety of shorebirds.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*03 July 2003
*WIST0307.03
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Mississippi Kite
Snowy Egret
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Little Gull
Laughing Gull
Loggerhead Shrike
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology Hotline report for Thursday, July 3, 2003.
The MISSISSIPPI KITE is still being seen in Door County, although very sporadically. The KITE has been found on a couple of occasions at the intersection of Timberline Road and Europe Bay Road. These are southeast of Gills Rock, at the tip of the Door's peninsula. The most recent confirmed sighting was on Sunday evening when the bird was seen at about 7:30 or 7:45 in the evening. There was a possible sighting of it last night as well. Yesterday there was also a Northern Goshawk seen in the area, as well, so do be careful when looking for this bird as far as making an accurate identification. The couple of recent sightings have been evenings, so that may be a better time to look for the Kite, although it's been very sporadic. The one observer that had it on Sunday made five trips to the area before finally seeing it. It has been a very difficult bird to find. Sporadic at best, but still a very good record for the state, especially for a summer bird which is actually hanging around for a change.
Four SNOWY EGRETS were seen near Horicon Marsh earlier in the week. Apparently early morning is a good time to find these birds. The SNOWY EGRETS are being seen on a pond outside of Oak Center Road near Breakneck Road; this is north of Highway 49, in Horicon Marsh. Along Highway 49 is excellent shorebird habitat right now on the south side of the road, east of the pumphouse. Yesterday there was a good variety of fall migrant shorebirds seen there, as their fall migration is under way now. Usually typical around the first of July is the first wave of the south-bound shorebirds. So, fall migration is upon us now.
LAUGHING GULLS are being seen in several spots, but the most consistent area has been in Sheboygan Harbor, where up to two birds were seen earlier in the week. Sheboygan Harbor is a real hot spot for gulls. There is an immature LITTLE GULL that has been seen from time to time. Especially check the area near North Point. There is a large flock of Bonaparte's Gulls. The LITTLE GULL is often found in the flock of Bonaparte's Gulls. Last weekend there were seven species of gulls seen in Sheboygan Harbor, including Little and Laughing Gulls. Also, Great Black-backed Gulls and Lesser Black-backed Gulls. So right now there's a very nice variety of gulls to search through.
EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVES in the town of Arlington in Columbia County. This is a town just north of Goose Pond. The Doves are being seen near the Fireman's Park, which is located off of Bullen Road; this is north of Highway 60. Bullen is an extension of Highway I. There are at least two to three birds present. Sometimes the Doves are seen over toward the grain elevator, which is very near the park.
There are other reports of LAUGHING GULLS along Lake Michigan, from Wind Point in Racine and also from the Milwaukee Coast Guard Impoundment. Neither of these spots has been consistent. The birds have been bouncing along the lake front and only occasionally stopping at different areas.
LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES that nested up in the town of Roberts, in St. Croix County, have apparently fledged two young. One observer said he saw the adult feeding the young last weekend. The birds are seen along 70th Avenue, just east of the intersection of I-94 and Highway 65. Now with the Shrikes recently fledged they maybe harder to find. Check along 70th Avenue and you will be able to find at least one of the two birds.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*Thursday, June 19, 2003
*WIST0306.19
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Blacktailed Gull Update
Missippi Kite
Northern Mockingbird
Loggerhead Shrike
Snowy Egret
King Rail
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Thursday, June 19, 2003.
Last week Thursday a BLACK-TAILED GULL was seen in Racine. This bird was photographed by two different people. It dropped out of sight during the day and was last seen in Kenosha County. Probably the same bird was seen on Friday in Northern Illinois. This is why I didn't get an update on the bird because it moved around quickly and disappeared just as quick as it was found. This is a first-day record for a BLACK-TAILED GULL in Wisconsin and quite possibly the first interior record of a BLACK-TAILED GULL for the US. So this is quite exciting and fortunate that it was photographed quite well by two different individuals. It will likely be an addition to our state list.
Birds that are still being seen in our state now include a MISSISSIPPI KITE which is being seen in Door County. This bird was found earlier in the week and was relocated again today. So it is quite possibly hanging around. This MISSISIPPI KITE is probably not quite in adult plummage , is in an immature plummage yet. The MISSISSIPPI KITE is being seen southeast of Gills Rock at the intersection of Europe Bay Road and Timberline Road.
A NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD is being seen, probably on territory, in Portage County. It is being seen in the Four Oaks Marsh. Directions to this bird are to take Plum Lane off of Portqage County H, this is about one mile east of Wood County line. Go north on Plum Lane to the parking lot. Walk the road northeast of the parking lot along the bank south of the marsh. Follow the bank to the corner with the Four Oaks sign. The bird is being seen in the vicinity of the Four Oaks sign.
A LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE was seen last weekend, quite possibly on territory also, in Roberts, Wisconsin (St. Croix County). The LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE was seen along 70th Avenue, northeast of the intersection of Highway 63 and I-94. It was seen perched on a telephone wire in this area.
SNOWY EGRETS are being seen both at the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Bay, Brown County, and one, and possibly two birds were seen at the Eldorado Marsh west of Fond du Lac. In the Eldorado Marsh the SNOWY EGRETS are being seen on the flowage behind the dam.
Finally, the KING RAIL is still being seen and heard at the Bong Recreation area (Kenosha County). Check the marshy area located just east of the parking lot for the dirt bike ATV trail. This is the small marshy area where the KING RAIL can be found. It's not quite as vocal as it was earlier in the month, but people still have seen it recently. The best times are shortly after dawn and just before dusk. Again these birds are nesting in the area, so please don't harass them. Keep on the road and don't go through the vegetation to try to get a look at them. Don't use tapes as these birds can become harassed as too many people play tapes at them.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*6 June 2003
*WIST0306.06
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Snowy Egret
Laughing Gull
King Rail Bell's Vireo Northern Mockingbird Red Knot Yellow-throated Warbler
Carolina Wren
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Friday, June 6, 2003.
The SNOWY EGRET was seen this morning at the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Bay, Brown County. It was seen with two Great Egrets across the lagoon from the fishing dock, which is at the first parking lot on the right as you enter the sancuary off East Shore Drive.
LAUGHING GULLS have been seen off and on now for the past week. One bird has been fairly consistantly seen aong Wind Point in Racine County . It is often seen just south of Wind Point at Two Parks and occasionally been seen just south of boat launch ramp at Meyers Beach. Another LAUGHING GULL was present at the Milwaukee Coast Guard Impoundment (Milwaukee County) a couple nights ago. Also in the vicinity of Wind Point a RED KNOT was seen yesterday along the shoreline. Apparently a pair of NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRDS are being seen around the area of Wind Point as well. They are quite possibly nesting on the property north of the lighthouse. Because these birds may be nesting do observe caution and don't harass the birds in any way. Don't play tapes for them or try to trek through the vegetation to get a better look at them.
The KING RAIL is being seen quite regularly at the Bong Recreation area (Kenosha County). This is the same area where two birds were seen two years ago. The KING RAIL is being seen by the small wetland just east of the parking lot by the dirt bike ATV trail. The KING RAIL has been quite vocal most evenings. It is very vocal and very easy to see at times. Again this bird is in a very small area and please don't harass this bird in anyway by playing tapes or traipsing thorough the reeds to get a better look at it. Also at the Bong Recreation Area a BELL'S VIREO was seen by the campground area at site #423. It was very vocal.
RED KNOTS were seen last weekend in the Two Rivers area, Sheboygan County. They were present along the shoreline right near the north break wall by the mouth of the river.
YELLOW-THROATED WARBLERS are being seen at a couple of locations in Wyalusing State Park, Grant County. The best locations to check are on the Sentinel Ridge trails, the tall pines. Also at Wyalusing a CAROLINA WREN was present at the Wisconsin River at the end of the Indian Trail.
The next WSO field trip is tomorrow, Saturday, June 7, to the Northern Kettle Moraine (State Forest). The group is meeting between 6:00 and 6:30 a.m. at the Mauthe Lake recreation area, in the first parking lot, beyond the ticket booth on the main road to the beach picnic area.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*22 May 2003
*WIST0305.22
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Yellow-breasted Chat
White-eyed Vireo
Bell's Vireo
Worm-eating Warbler
Yellow-throated Warbler
Red-necked Grebe
Eared Grebe
Red-necked Phalarope
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Thursday, May 22, 2003.
The Brooklyn Wildlife area south of Madison (Dane County) has some good birds right now. The best location to check is to take the trails off of the parking lot near Highway DD. At the Brooklyn Wildlife Area right now there is at least one YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT. There is also a singing WHITE-EYED VIREO and there have been reports of certain BELL'S VIREO in this area. There is also BELL'S VIREO being seen at the Odana Marsh near Madison. BELL'S VIREOS can also be found at Governor Dodge State Park, southwest of Madison. There are also reports of BELL'S VIREOS along the entrance road to Wyalusing State Park, Grant County, again.
Baxter's Hollow in Sauk County is very good right now. WORM-EATING WARBLERS are being found near the typical spot, near the first stream crossing or just before the first stream crossing. There is also YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER a little further north of there. Listen for this bird. There were also at least two KENTUCKY WARBLERS along the road into Baxter's Hollow earlier in the week. Also LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSHES are very easy to find all along the stream in Baxter's Hollow. It is a very beautiful spot to bird and there is a very nice mix of birds in here every year.
At Horicon Marsh now RED-NECKED GREBES and EARED GREBES were both seen this week along Highway 49. Check the north side of Highway 49, in open water areas. Also RED-NECKED GREBES continue to be found at Lake Maria in Green Lake County, but the EARED GREBES apparently have moved on from this location. Perhaps over to Horicon Marsh where several birds were seen earlier in the week.
Goose Pond in Columbia County has excellent shorebird habitat with very low water right now and lots of mud flats. Many shorebirds were seen here this week including at least one RED-NECKED PHALAROPE. So this spot should be watched for the next week or so. It has very good potential for unusual shorebirds to stop in. It has been a very slow spring so far for shorebirds, with poor numbers of birds reported and very few unusual birds. One exception, of course, being the REEVE, which was last reported late last week in Brown County.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*19 April 29 2003
*WIST0304.29
-BIRDS MENTIONED
White-faced Ibis
Little Blue Heron
American Avocet
Summer Tanager
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Tuesday, April 29, 2003.
The four WHITE-FACED IBIS are still being seen in Horicon Marsh, Dodge County. They have been quite regular. They have been seen from the outlook location along Ledge Road. This is in the federal part of Horicon Marsh, the norhern part of the marsh. Again check the area from Ledge Road for the four birds.
A LITTLE BLUE HERON was seen over the weekend near the Navarino Wildlife Area (about 10 miles south of the city of Shawano) in Shawano County. But unfortunately this bird could not be relocated.
Also a large flock of AMERICAN AVOCETS was present north of Port Washington Harbor, Ozaukee County, along the beach. These birds were seen temporarily and then moved on, as is the case with spring birds. However it is a very good time now to watch for American Avocets as usually the last few days of April and the first few days of May are the peak window of migration through the state. The Milwaukee Coast Guard Impoundment area should be checked over the next several days. It is a good possibility that Avocets and Willets will stop in at this time. Other locations along the lake front, especially along beach areas are good for Avocets and Willets. Oftentimes these birds can be seen in other locations with good shore habitat such as Horicon Marsh and Nine Springs in Madision (Dane County).
A SUMMER TANAGER was seen at a park in Beloit, Rock County. This bird quickly moved on. Summer Tanagers are a little bit earlier migrant than Scarlet Tanagers and should be watched for at this time. Oftentimes in spring Summer Tanagers will visit feeding stations, especially for oranges and sometimes can be seen for several days consecutively. If anyone has any reliable locations they should be reported so they can be put on the update.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*10 April 2003
*WIST0304.10
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Possible - Loggerhead Shrike
Red-throated Loon
Eared Grebe
Ross's Goose
Carolina Wren
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Thursday, April 10, 2003.
A possible LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE was seen today in Ozaukee County. It was seen in an area where other Loggerhead Shrikes have nested in past years. It was seen along Six Mile Road, about 1/4 mile south of County Highway A. This is the stretch of Six Mile which is north of Dixie Road, in the town of Homecroft. A Loggerhead Shrike nested in this area three years ago and at least one bird has been seen here for the last two years in a row. So if it is a Loggerhead Shrike at least one bird has returned to this spot this year.
Along Lake Michigan the first RED-THROATED LOONS of the season were seen today. One bird was seen off of Harrington Beach State Park today. It was present south of rocky point. At the north end of Harrington Beach all three SCOTERS were seen. Another RED-THROATED LOON was seen off of the Kingfisher Farm property, which is located along Highway LS north of the town of Cleveland. This is a very good spot to check for Red-throated Loons. This is at the Fisher Creek Park overlook on the lake. Right now, the next two weeks will probably be the peak for Red-throated Loon migrations. With the warmer weather expected over the next several days we should have a pretty good push of birds along the lake front.
An EARED GREBE was reported from Lake Farm Park in the Madison area, (Dane County). Also ROSS'S GOOSE was seen two days ago just northeast of Waunakee, Dane County. The ROSS'S GOOSE was seen on Hyslop Road about 3/4 of a mile north of Kopp Road. It was present with some Canada Geese and Mallards. Also Middleton, just west of Madison, at Seven Branch Park there was a CAROLINA WREN singing along the south trail by the cement "V".
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*31 March 2003
*WIST0303.31
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Little Gull
Northern Mockingbird
Greater White-fronted Geese
American White Pelican
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Monday, March 31, 2003.
A first year LITTLE GULL was seen in the Milwaukee Harbor by the McKinley Marina. The bird was present with a small group of Bonaparte's Gulls. A THAYER'S and LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL there too. This is quite possibly the same Little Gull that was seen late last week. At that point it was on an ice flow just north of Bradford Beach in Milwaukee.
A NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD is also being seen in Milwaukee County in Brown Deer. It was seen along Bradley Road. Check the section of Bradley Road which is west of Green Bay Road and east of Teutonia Road. Again, it is being seen along the north side of the road, in the vicinity of the second and third transmission line tower north of Bradley Road. There is a transmission line right away that runs north and south. You can walk along this area, this is public property here. There are backyards that abut this property and please stay out of the backyards, and stay on the power transmission tower right of way. It is recommended that when you are checking this right-of-way area that you park only on the blacktop that is the deadend extension of Cedarburg Road. That is on the south side of Bradley Road. Walk the transmission right of way and look for the bird between the second and third towers. The Northern Mockingbird has been seen the last couple days feeding on Buckthorn berries.
Also around the state there are very good numbers of GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE being seen throughout central Wisconsin. The best numbers have typically been between Dane and Columbia Counties. A very good spot to check is along Harvey Road just north of Highway 60. This is where the larger number of birds have been seen most consistently. Other reports have come in from Shoveler's Sink west of Madison, also Lake Barney on the south side of Madison. Also a few of them have been seen in the Prairie du Sac area as well. There aren't any large concentrations of them. Check groups of geese and maybe you can find a few birds. Any large concentration of geese and you can find a few Greater White-fronted Geese.
A few AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS are back in Horicon Marsh. Look from the end of Point Road. Also a few American White Pelicans are being seen at the mouth of the Fox River in Green Bay. And there are reports of several thousand TUNDRA SWANS seen over the weekend in and around the Saxon area. Although in several locations the water level is very low, so birds are not staying around for very long or definitely are not staying in one spot. So you may need to drive around and search pretty hard to find both the swans and other waterfowl due to the lack of water, which hopefully will improve. Right now shorebird habitat was excellent at Horicon Marsh. And probably many other areas that are typically pretty small ponds or lakes are initially showing alot of edges as well.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*17 March 2003
*WIST0303.17
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Gyrfalcon
Barrow's Goldeneye
Snowy Owl
Gray Partridge
Greater White-fronted Geese
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Monday, March 17, 2003.
A GYRFALCON was seen last week at Wisconsin Point in Superior (Douglas County) at the area of the land fill. It was seen on a couple different occasions on one day. Both times it was seen stooping over a captured Starling. There is a large flock of Starlings in the aea. This is a good spot to check for this bird. You also want to check the Duluth/Superior harbor itself for Gyrfalcon. Often times the hang around the grain elevators hunting pigeons. There was one report from the Superior Harbor earlier in the winter. Apparently the bird is quite hard to find.
The one SNOWY OWL is still being seen in the area near Freedom (Outagamie County). The bird is being seen on Section Line Road about 1/2 mile north of Highway UU. Also in this area a flock of GRAY PARTRIDGE were along Highway UU at the intersection of Weyers Road. A BARROW'S GOLDENEYE is still being seen in Milwaukee County. The best spot is at Doctor's Park. The bird was seen there on Saturday. Also along the lake front over the weekend. all three SCOTERS were seen from Harrington Beach area (Ozaukee County), along with LONG-TAILED DUCKS. I've no reports of Red-throated Loon yet. They should start being seen soon. Usually this time of the year, by the end of March a few Red-throated Loons being seen along the lake front.
With the warm water there is a push of spring migrants into the state. Good numbers of water fowl, Fox and Song Sparrows, Blackbirds and Robins Many GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were seen over the weekend with flocks of Canada Geese that came in. The best location to look for Greater White-fronted Geese now is the pond on Harvey Road, just north of Highway 60. This is in Columbia County. This is a very traditional spot to find Greater White-fronted Geese. There was a very large number of birds seen there over the weekend. Another spot over the past week included the area along Schneider Drive, 1/8 mile east of Sand Hill Road. This area is near McFarland. Also another spot would be near Beaver Dam. Look for White-fronted Geese east of the Meadow Road Bridge over Beaver Dam River. There are large concentrations of Canada Geese and may hold a few Greater White-fronted Geese at this time.
The next WSO Field Trip is being held this Saturday, March 22, to Dane and Columbia County ponds . This is usually a favorite field trip of the year and easy to fill. It is good for a host of spring migrants. Good numbers of water fowl incuding the Greater White-fronted Geese mentioned earlier. The group is meeting between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. at Goose Pond. This is located one mile south of the junction of Highway 51 and 60. It is on Goose Pond Road. This is east of the town of Arlington. The leader suggests bringing a bag lunch. As with all WSO field trips, this is open to the public, you don't have to be a member to attend and there is no charge for the field trip.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*8 March 2003
*WIST0303.08
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Black-legged Kittiwake
Winter Gull Update
Black Scoter
Barrow's Goldeneye
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Saturday, March 8, 2003.
A first winter BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE was seen last Sunday in the Sheboygan Harbor. The bird was present for part of the day and then moved on. The bird has been searched for by birders, but not been seen. As is so often the case, as you check in the harbor for gulls, the bird may reappear in the Sheboygan Harbor or it may appear at some different harbor along the lake front. However, this past week in Sheboygan lake front area, from the mouth of the river up to North Point have been good for a variety of gulls, including GREATER and LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS, also GLAUCOUS, THAYER and ICELAND GULLS. Another hot spot for winter gulls has been near the mouth of the Milwaukee River in the Milwaukee Harbor. Check the area behind Summerfest grounds, from this area all the way to the mouth of the river. There have been an excellent number and variety of birds loafing on the ice, including GREATER and LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS, THAYER, ICELAND and GLAUCOUS GULLS. A very nice concentration, the best of the winter by far.
The adult male BARROW'S GOLDENEYE was being seen quite regularly at Doctor's Park in Milwaukee County just south of Schlitz Audubon Center. It was missed by one person the last couple days who said the lake is freezing up in this part of the area, but this spot should be checked. Also if you don't find the BARROW'S GOLDENEYE here it is possible that it is starting to move north and sometimes in that case it does reappear in Virmond Park in Ozaukee County. This has been the pattern in the last couple of years. So check Doctor's Park or possibly Virmond Park in Ozaukee County. In the Madison (Dane County) area at Babcock Park, just south of Madison, is good for a variety of water fowl now in open water. This includes a female BLACK SCOTER, which is very unusual inland. Other than that there has only been a trickle of migrants, of water fowl and some early migrants reported in the state. This is due in part to our wintry weather which is continuing. So hopefully there will be a break in the weather soon with a nice push of spring migrants into the state.
The next WSO Field Trip is tomorrow, March 9, to the Milwaukee Lake Front. The group is meeting between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. at the South Shore Yacht Club. The leader suggests bringing a bag lunch. The group will start in Milwaukee Harbor and work their way north, ending up in Sheboygan. The whole field trip will go until about 2:00 or 3:00 p.m.. You can join the group for as long as you want. You can go for a while or stay for the whole trip. WSO field trips are open to the public and there is no charge. It is a very flexible and fun trip. They will be looking for gulls at the Milwaukee River and continue to go up the lake front with some success.
Directions to the South Shore Yacht Club: From the intersection in Milwaukee of I-43 and I-94 take I-794 east over Harbor Bridge and at the south end of the bridge take the Port of Milwaukee exit. The exit terminates at Carferry Drive, turn left on Carferry Drive. Continue east to a "T" intersection with south Lincoln Memorial Drive. Turn right on Memorial Drive. At the top of the hill the road will curve west and become Russell Avenue. After one block you will come to a stop light at Superior Street. Turn left on Superior Street and go three blocks to Iron St. Turn left on Iron Street, go two blocks and you will go down the hill into the parking lot. Continue to the south end of the yacht club near the boat launch area, where the group is meeting.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*22 February 2003
*WIST0302.22
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Northern Mockingbird
Snowy Owl
Gray Partridge
Barrow's Golden Eye
Golden Eagle
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Saturday, February 22, 2003.
A NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD was found earlier in the week in Iowa County. It was east of the town of Avoca. It was on Leaches Crossing Road, about one mile south of Highway 133. The Mockingbird was sitting on the east side of the road.
Two SNOWY OWLS are being seen in the Fox Valley. One bird is being seen in the Hofa Park area, in the southeastern part of Shawano County. This bird has been quite reliable for the last couple of weeks. In the Hofa Park area look for the bird east of Maple Road and north of Redwood Road. Redwood Road and Maple Road intersect. Another SNOWY OWL was seen in the Freedom area, Outagamie County, last weekend. This bird was present on Section Line Road north of Highway UU.
GRAY PARTRIDGE continue to be reported in scattered locations. In the Green Bay area, the little bit of snow cover makes them easier to find. One spot to check for GRAY PARTRIDGE is at the northwest corner of Highway W and School Road. Another group of Partridge were seen east of Glenmore Road, about a 1/4 mile north of Shirley Road. These sites are all south of Green Bay, in Brown County. Another group of Partridge were seen along Birch Drive, about one mile west of Highway 29, Shawano County. Another group was also seen on Birch Drive about 1/2 mile west of Highway 29 and probably is the same group. All of these locations are good spots to check for Gray Partridge.
The adult male BARROW'S GOLDENEYE has been fairly regular in Milwaukee at Doctor's Park, which is located on the far north end of Milwaukee County. It is just south of Schlitz Audubon Center. And often that bird has been present not that far off shore. A SURF SCOTER was also at Doctor's Park earlier in the week It was in a group of ducks there.
GOLDEN EAGLES continue to be seen in the Bear Bluff area. Check Cranberry Road. Cranberry Road forms the border between Jackson and Wood Counties. This is north of the Town of Mather about ten miles. Often times in the vincinity of Cranberry Road and Ball Road is a good place to check. You can also scan the area to the west of the bluff itself for Golden Eagles. Often times the late mornings and early afternoons are the best time to look for them as they are more actively flying around then. Another good reliable spot for Golden Eagles is in the western part of the state. This area is north of Fountain City, Buffalo County, in the area known as Canada Ridge. One individual reported at least three different present there this winter, one adult and two immature birds.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*06 February 2003
*WIST0302.06
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Gray Partridge
Boreal Chickadee
White-winged Crossbill
Golden Eagle
Sharp-tailed Grouse
Townsend's Solitaire
Barrow's Golden Eye
Harlequin Duck
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Thursday, February 6, 2003.
With recent heavier snow cover now in the Green Bay area, GRAY PARTRIDGE were found last weekend and a couple times during the week. There are two good spots to check for the partridge. One was at the intersection of Highway 96 and Highway W. This is east of Greenleaf, located south of Green Bay. Another good spot was right in the area of Hofa Park, Shawano County. Up to twenty partridges seen in the Hofa Park area. Some birds were seen up to a mile north of Hofa Park and another group was seen about a mile south of Hofa Park. So this is a good spot to check now for partridge with the snow cover.
BOREAL CHICKADEES were found in a couple of locations up in the Nicolet Forest. The birds were seen along Shelter Valley Road, which is also Forest Road 2182. And they were seen about half a mile west of Giant Pine Road, which is also Forest Raod 2144. Another group of BOREAL CHICKADEES was seen about one-eighth of a mile west of this original location. And WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were seen at both locations. It has been a very quiet winter for finches up north so any reports from the northern forest are good to hear, as there have been very few reports from there. The woods have been very quiet.
GOLDEN EAGLES are being seen now at the Bear Bluff now. Bear Bluff is the area in the cranberry country just north of the Town of Mather. Cranberry Road forms the border between Jackson and Wood counties. It is a very good traditional spot to find GOLDEN EAGLES in the winter. There also was at least one SHARP-TAILED GROUSE seen along Cranberry Road just south of Ball Road and remember to scope for those Golden Eagles. There are reports of Northern Shrikes in the same area.
TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRES continue to be seen in Devils Lake State Park (Sauk County). Up to three birds are present at Darcey's Buttress. This is along the Balance Rock Trail. There was also a Carolina Wren reported a couple times at the base of the bluff of Devils Lake State Park.
Along Lake Michigan an adult male BARROW'S GOLDENEYE was seen last weekend at Doctor's Park, which is located just south of Schlitz Audubon Center in Milwaukee. And both female HARLEQUIN DUCKS were seen last weekend.south of the water filtration plant which is north of Bradford Beach. These are probably the same two birds that have been seen for most of the winter off of the Shorewood Nature Preserve, which is about one-half north of the filtration plant. Occasionally the group moves south of the filtration plant there and then they can be seen from the filtration plant. If you don't see the Harlequin Ducks there, check the Shorewood Nature Preserve itself. Also a few Scoters have been turning up occasionally in the raft of ducks in the same location. And with the Milwaukee Harbor partially frozen the mouth of the river has been very good for winter gulls in the last week or so. Several different Iceland Gulls have been reported. Also Glaucous and Thayer's Gulls have been seen here as well. But then again in general it has been a very quiet winter along Lake Michigan shoreline for winter gulls. There hasn't been a great concentration of birds and not a big variety for the most part.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*21 January 2003
*WIST0301.21
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Gyrfalcon
Harris's Sparrow
Townsend's Solitaire
Harlequin Duck
White-winged Scoter
Black Scoter
Surf Scoter
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Tuesday, January 21, 2003.
A GYRFALCON was found this past weekend in Superior area. The bird was seen from Connor Point in Superior. This is the point of land which is extremely close to the Minnesota border. The Gyrfalcon was a gray morph adult that was perched out on the ice. Gyrfalcons are often found in the winter in the Duluth/Superior Harbor area. They are often found near the grain elevators hunting pigeons. And sometimes they are seen off Connor's Point as well.
An immature HARRIS'S SPARROW is being seen in Madison. It is being seen in the Eagle Heights Gardens area, which is just north of Picnic Point. Check the main part of the garden itself as the Harris's Sparrow tends to hang out with a small flock of Tree Sparrows. It was in the main part of the garden yesterday and was headed toward some conifers. This is probably the same bird that was reported about a month ago as well.
A HARLEQUIN DUCK is still being seen in Milwaukee. It is being seen at the Shorewood Nature Preserve, located about three blocks south of Capital Drive on the lake front. The bird is being seen along the rocky shoreline just south of the nature preserve property itself. Also there over the past weekend all three species SCOTERS were seen from Shorewood Nature Preserve north to Atwater Beach, which is the park right at the end of Capital Drive, in Milwakee right where it meets the lake front. There were at least one or two members of all three species seen. . . . . from time to time.
Along the lake front small numbers of winter gulls continue to be seen. No really big numbers have been reported. Not even at Two Rivers Harber, which is very good in winter. The only reporting is a very few of Great Black-backed and Glaucous Gulls. Sheboygan has the greatest variety of interesting gulls over the past few weeks with Less Black-backed and Thayer's Gulls being reported at various times. Milwaukee Harbor has been slow with generally a few Thayer's Gulls present. There have been occasional reports of Lesser Black-backed and Greater Black-backed Gulls, but nothing consistant. Port Washington Harbor has been slow as well with one recent report of an Iceland Gull, but nothing is consistantly being seen from this location.
In Devils Lake State Park (Sauk County) at least three TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRES are still present. These birds are being seen along the CCC Trail. They are being seen near Darcey's Buttress. That is the best place to find the Townsend's Solitaire. Also along the Balance Rock Trail a Carolina Wren was seen on at least one occasion. One observer often reported a Golden Eagle flying over the Devils Lake State Park. It's a nice spot to check. 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
*12 January 2003
*WIST0301.12
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Townsend's Solitaire
Snowy Owl
Short-eared Owl
Purple Sandpiper Update
Snow Goose
Greater White-Fronted Goose
Harlequin Duck
Winter Gull Update
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Sunday, January 12, 2003.
TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRES are being seen at Devil's Lake State Park (Sauk County) again this year. As many as three birds were seen there recently. The best location to look for the Solitaires is along the Devil's Doorway Trail. This upper trail letter is CCC. The Solitaires have been seen along Darcey's buttress. Three birds were seen there, one bird was still present in this area over the weekend. There hasn't been any recent reports of the Townsend's Solitaire at Loew Lake in Washington County.
There have been several reports of SNOWY OWLS. One SNOWY OWL has been seen quite reliably near Green Bay at a park. The Snowy Owl was last seen earlier in the week. It was present north of Redwood Road and east of Maple Road in the park area. This area south of Green Bay is also a good spot to look for Partridge. Although the lack of snow cover makes them very hard to find this year.
One PURPLE SANDPIPER was still being seen during the week in the North Point area north of Sheboygan Harbor. But this bird has only been seen sporatically at best the last couple weeks. The Milwaukee birds, of course very reliable, have not been seen for over a week now. I think the last report was the 2nd or 3rd of January. These birds have apparently moved on finally.
There are a couple spots around the state for SHORT-EARED OWLS. One is still the traditional spot along Shady Lane, west of Neenah (Winnebago County). Where at least several Short-eared Owls are present. Also Northern Shrike have been seen there as well. Another good spot is the Scupernung Prairie area in the southern Kettle Moraine. Look for Short-eared Owls near the intersection of Highway N and Wilton Road. There are five or six birds present in this area.
In Babcock Park in McFarland is where a GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE was seen over the weekend, along with a SNOW GOOSE. They are new birds for this time of year. Unfortunately the BRANT finally pulled out of De Pere by Green Bay. It was seen one time after it left De Pere, south of De Pere, closer to the Appleton area. People who looked for it over the weekend were not able to locate it.
HARLEQUIN DUCKS are seen in Milwaukee from time to time. Occasionally when there is a large raft of ducks south of the old Gun Club property just south of the water filtration plant. Occasionally Harlequin Ducks can be seen in this area. Probably the best spot to look is to walk down the trail at the Sherwood Nature Preserve, which is about three blocks south of Capital Drive. And look along the rocky shoreline. There usually is one to three female Harlequin Ducks there. Also last week off of the old Gun Club property, North Point in Milwaukee, a female Barrow's Goldeneye was seen there, but this bird didn't turn up during the weekend with the field trip. Also an adult male Barrow's Goldeneye was looked for at Doctor's Park over the weekend but was not found. However, a few White-winged and Surf Scoters were seen in a number of locations. Also over the weekend an adult ICELAND GULL and a GLAUCOUS GULL were seen at Port Washington. And the Sheboygan Harbor had a GREATER BLACK-BACKED GULL and GLAUCOUS GULLS.
