*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*12 December 2004
*WIST0412.12
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Ash-throated Flycatcher
Great Gray Owl
Snowy Owl
Harlequin Duck
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Sunday,
December 12, 2004.
An ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER was discovered yesterday morning at Racine. This is the second state record for this rare western vagrant. The ASH-THROATED
FLYCATCHER was found Saturday morning and was not seen in the afternoon. It
was missed for much of this morning, but then was located late this morning,
Sunday, December 12th. The ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER is being seen in Schoop Park, which is located just south of the Wind Point Lighthouse. Schoop Park
is located off of Lighthouse Drive in Racine, between the 3 Mile and 4 Mile
Roads. 4 Mile Road is also County Highway G, if you approach from that way.
The best location to look for the ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER is in the brush
directly below the parking lot along the lake. This is where it was found
yesterday originally and where it was also seen today. At one point this
morning it did make a flight to the woods along the creek on the west
side of the road. Generally the brushy area east of the parking lot along
the lake is the best spot to check for this bird. Hope it is finding enough
food and it will be able to survive our milder than normal weather for the
next week or two for the Christmas Count.
The GREAT GRAY OWL that is being seen near Dorchester in Marathon County was
still found again this weekend. This bird has been a little harder to find.
It is being seen a little further back from the road. People are spending
most of the day looking before finding it. It is being seen near
Dorchester, which is about 20-30 miles west of Wausau. Go to the
intersection of State Highway 13 and Highway A. There is a Centex Service
station at this intersection. Go east on Highway A for about 1 mile to
Pickard Avenue. Yesterday (December 11) it was seen along Town Hall Road,
about 2/10 of a mile west of Pickard Avenue. Oftentimes the owl has been
seen.when crows have mobbed it, much as they mob Great Horned Owls. You may
locate the bird based on the behavior of the crows in this area. Early
mornings have been a great time to find it, also mid to late afternoons
it is fairly actively feeding.
There is also a SNOWY OWL in the same area. It was seen on Friday on Pickard Road, about 1.2 miles south of County Highway A. This is just a little south of where the GREAT GRAY OWL is being seen.
There is at least one SNOWY OWL that is being seen near Freedom in Outagamie County. This bird was seen yesterday near the intersection of Highway J and Highway S.
An adult male HARLEQUIN DUCK was seen last week in Milwaukee. It was seen at North Point, which is just north of Bradford Beach. This is a good spot to check for Harlequin Ducks. Another good spot in past years has been Shorewood Nature Preserve, which is located a couple blocks of Capitol Drive right on the lake front.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*05 December 2004
*WIST0412.05
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Gyrfalcon
Great Gray Owl
Northern Hawk Owl
Snowy Owl
Pine Grosbeaks
Bohemian Waxwings
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Sunday, December 5, 2004.
A GREAT GRAY OWL has being seen quite regularly since Thursday of last week. It is being seen near Dorchester, about 20 - 30 miles west of Wausau. There is also a SNOWY OWL present not far from there. Directions for the GREAT GRAY OWL: from the intersection of State Highway 13 and Highway A (there is a
Centex service station at this intersection) go east on Highway A for 1 mile to Pickard Avenue. The Owl is being seen very near this intersection. It has also been seen on the east side of Pickard Avenue, just south of Town Hall Road. Look for the SNOWY OWL in the same general location. Oftentimes about a mile south of where the GREAT GRAY OWL is being seen. The bird is very active in the morning. The farmer is very friendly and cordial to birders. He said that usually between 4:30 am and about 8:30 am is a good time to see the GREAT GREY feeding. There seems to be another feeding time in the early to mid afternoon hours when it becomes active again. So those are good times to check for the GREAT GRAY OWL.
One observer was south of Superior this weekend and checked the area along County Highway A and he did not find any Great Gray Owls. These birds might be a little more difficult to find now. Probably though as the snow depth get heavier the owls will be easier to find near the road sides. Near Freedom in Outagamie County there are one and probably two SNOWY OWLS that have been seen regularly. These birds are present near the intersection of Highway J and Vanasten Road.
The GYRFALCON that was being seen at the ore docks in Ashland has not been seen at the ore docks for several days. One report saw the bird on Friday, December 3, at the south-east side of Ashland along County Highway A near a chip mill. It was also seen chasing ducks on the west end of the bay near Long Bridge. People looked for the bird over the weekend and did not find it, so the GYRFALCON may have moved on.
The NORTHERN HAWK OWL near Ashland has been quite hard to find. It was seen, though, this weekend, actually today it was seen along old US Highway 2, about 4/10 mile east of Bayfield County Highway G. This is about 10 to 15 minutes west of the city of Ashland. The NORTHERN HAWK OWL has been seen sporadically now for a couple of weeks.
In the north woods today 60 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS were seen in Douglas County along Highway M, about half way between Highway 35 and Highway 53. One observer on Highway A south of Superior reported seeing PINE GROSBEAKS in at least three locations.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*26 November 2004
*WIST0411.26
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Gyrfalcon
Great Gray Owl
Northern Hawk Owl
Mew Gull
Ross's Goose
Snowy Owl
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Friday,
November 26, 2004.
A GYRFALCON is being seen in the city of Ashland up on Lake Superior. The GYRFALCON has been frequenting the Ashland ore dock, which is located right near downtown. It has been seen hunting pigeons and waterfowl in this area. It can be seen anywhere along the shoreline, but the ore docks have been the most consistent location to find the bird. It has been present now for about a week.
Several GREAT GRAY OWLS were seen during the week south of Superior. The best location is in Douglas County along County Highway A. Other side roads that you may want to check include Milcheski and also along the southern trail. There have also been a couple of NORTHERN HAWKS OWLS sighted in the same area., but these birds have not been as consistent as the GREAT GRAY OWLS.
The NORTHERN HAWK OWL that has been seen west of Ashland has been relocated today after being missed the better part of the week. This NORTHERN HAWK OWL is being seen along US Highway 2 at the intersection with Highway G.
The Superior landfill is also very good now for gulls, for there are good numbers of birds. Some of the more unusual gulls seen there in the past week include LESSER and GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULLS, ICELAND, THAYER'S AND GLAUCOUS GULLS. So this spot is worth watching for unusual gulls.
A MEW GULL is being seen at the South Metro Pier in Milwaukee County in the city of South Milwaukee. This bird is probably the same bird that has reappeared here for about 3 or 4 Novembers in a row. The South Metro Pier is located in South Milwaukee along 5th Avenue, just north of Puetz Road .
A ROSS'S GOOSE has been seen sporadically at Goose Pond (Columbia County) over the last week or so. It is apparently an immature bird. Another ROSS'S GOOSE was seen this week in Superior. This bird was seen between Barkers Island and the Peavey grain elevator.
A couple of SNOWY OWLS have been reported this week. One bird was seen earlier in the week in Outagamie County at the intersections of Highways S and J. This birds was apparently seen briefly and could not be relocated.
A SNOWY OWL was seen today along the lake front at Two Rivers (Manitowoc County). It was present at the northern-most pier with the red and white navigation marker. The observer has found this bird while other people walked the pier. He doesn't think it will stay around for long in this area. This area should be checked as well as the Manitowoc Impoundment, which is a better spot to hold a SNOWY OWL in winter time.
Again watch carefully for BOREAL OWLS, as there continues to be a large invasion in northern Minnesota. It is quite possible that BOREAL OWLS are already in the state in good numbers and should be looked for carefully.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*14 November 2004
*WIST0411.14
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Northern Hawk Owl
Little Gull
Townsend's Solitaire
Ross's Goose
Black-legged Kittiwake
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Western Grebe
All three (3) Scoters
Harlequin Duck
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Sunday,
November 14, 2004.
A NORTHERN HAWK OWL has been seen now consistently for three days in Bayfield County. This NORTHERN HAWK OWL was present on the south side of old US Highway 2, 1/2 mile east of Bayfield County Highway G, about .2 miles west of Cross Road. Apparently it likes to frequent a large willow tree on the south side of old US 2. This is the second report of a NORTHERN HAWK OWL in Bayfield. There was also a report last week of one in Outagamie County, but this bird was not seen consistently and apparently has disappeared. Apparently there is an invasion of NORTHERN HAWK OWLS on the way this winter, and hopefully we will get several birds in the state including some that will stay around consistently. It also pays to watch for BOREAL OWLS as there is an invasion going on now in northern Minnesota and at least one bird banded thus far in Wisconsin. Often times these birds will stake out birdfeeders for the mice and small birds that come to the birdfeeders. So you might get lucky enough to have a BOREAL OWL to hang around your place consistently.
A LITTLE GULL was found today at the wastewater treatment facility at South Port Park in Kenosha. It was seen with the Bonaparte's Gulls. It was a winter adult.
The TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRES continue to be seen now at Devil's Lake State Park in Sauk County. The best place to look for the birds is along the south bluffs that run along between the Balanced Rock Trail and the Devil's Doorway Trail. Also late last week two TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRES were seen along the entrance front road to Willow River State Park, in St. Croix County. These birds were on the north side of the entrance road near the entrance facility.
A ROSS'S GOOSE has been seen for the last couple of days at Goose Pond in Columbia County.
Today a BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE was seen on the break wall in Milwaukee. It was seen by scoping from the ferry parking lot, which is just south of the Milwaukee Coast Guard Station. There was also a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL seen here as well.
A LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen on the western side of Madison (Dane County) late last week. It was present in one of its usual hangouts, at the soccer field which is located just east of the intersection of Mineral Point Road and Gammon Road.
A WESTERN GREBE was seen late last week in Portage County, on Lake DuBay. Tthat birds was best viewed from Highway E on the west side of the dam.
All three SCOTERS continue to be seen from various access points along Lake Michigan. Milwaukee in particular has a nice spot to see when all three are species present. This spot is located north of Bradford Beach by the old Gun Club property. Also good spots to look for SCOTERS include Harrington Beach State Park in Ozaukee County, and the bluffs north and south of Cleveland in Manitowoc County. There have also been a few reports of SCOTERS in Racine Harbor and off of Wind Point in Racine County.
A female HARLEQUIN DUCK has been seen on several occasions at Harrington Beach State Park (Ozaukee County) at Clear Rocky Point.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*04 November 2004
*WIST0411.04
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Northern Hawk Owl
Boreal Owl
Harlequin Duck
Brandt
Parasitic Jaeger
All three (3) Scoters
Red-throated Loon
Townsend's Solitaire
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Thursday,
November 4, 2004.
A NORTHERN HAWK OWL is being seen just west of Ashland in Bayfield County. The bird is present at the intersection of Highway 2 and Highway 13. This is just west of Ashland. The HAWK OWL is foraging in the low woodlands in this area and occasionally is perched high up. More often than not it is seen in the low shrubby areas.
A BOREAL OWL was banded at Stevens Point by a Saw-whet Owl bander.
Both of the above-mentioned owls have been seen in northern Minnesota in excellent numbers, so there is a good possibility that there may be a big invasion of at least these two species of northern owl -- which is pretty exciting. It is nice to get these beautiful and unusual victors from the north. With BOREAL OWLS being notoriously hard to find, you may want to watch closely around your feeding stations. Sometimes these birds will stake out a birdfeeder to feed on the birds or mice that are attracted to the seeds. Occasionally you get a BOREAL OWL that gets into a regular pattern where it can be seen with some consistency. NORTHERN HAWK OWLS are much easier to see once they are on territory. Obviously they sit up very high and in past years we have had birds stay on territory for the whole winter. So they are a little more cooperative. Hopefully one or more of these unusual owls will be available for many to enjoy.
A HARLEQUIN DUCK was seen last weekend at North Point in Sheboygan. I am not sure if this bird is still present or not, but this is a good traditional location to look for HARLEQUIN DUCKS. There are many ducks moving along the lakefront now and this area should be checked. Also the area north of the old Gun Club property in Milwaukee has been very good for HARLEQUIN DUCKS in the past. So anywhere from Bradford Beach up north to the Shorewood Nature Preserve are good traditional spots to check for HARLEQUIN DUCKS. Clear Rocky Point at Harrington Beach State Park (Ozaukee County) is another good spot to look for HARLEQUIN DUCKS.
A SABINE GULL was seen on November 2 at Big Bay Park in Whitefish Bay.
All three SCOTERS should be looked for at all of these same locations, including Point Beach State Forest (Manitowoc County), where all three SCOTERS have been reported on several occasions recently. There were also two BRANDTS that flew by at Point Beach earlier in the week. So there are very exciting birds moving along the lake shore now.
There have been several reports of RED-THROATED LOONS from Point Beach. These birds should be checked for at the bluffs north and south of Cleveland in Manitowoc County.
PARASITIC JAEGERS have been reported on two occasions in the past week. One bird was seen earlier in the week at Harrington Beach State Park. Last weekend one PARASITIC JAEGER was seen from Wind Point in Racine County. So now is a good time to watch the lakefront for Jaegers. Occasionally in fall Jaegers will appear on large inland bodies of water as well. So you may want to check these locations near your home if you have any good open water. Also Pacific Loons should be searched for now, in November and December. Oftentimes the large inland bodies of water are more reliable for Pacific Loons.
The TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRES are still being seen at Devil's Lake State Park in Sauk County. Check along the bluffs that run along between the Balanced Rock Trail and the Devil's Doorway Trail. Several birds have been seen there, usually three or four birds. Listen carefully for the distinctive call note the Solitaire makes. The call note has a very metallic quality, almost like a squeaky gate. The call notes will alert you to the presence of these birds; they have been quite cooperative and many people have had an opportunity to take photos of these birds. So hopefully a couple of these birds will remain throughout the winter.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*21 October 2004
*WIST0410.21
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Townsend's Solitaire
All three (3) Scoters
Red-throated Loon
Laughing Gull
Eared Grebe
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Thursday,
October 21, 2004.
A number of TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE reports have been called in from around the state. Two birds were temporary migrants that were seen. One bird was seen at Picnic Point in Madison (Dane County) and a second bird was seen briefly near Ashland, (Ashland County). However, one observer hiked to the top of the bluff at Devil's Lake State Park (Sauk County) yesterday and he reported seeing four (4) TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRES. So perhaps it will be a good winter for these birds to remain here. In past years there been have one, if not as many as three (3) or four (4) SOLITAIRES present all winter long. I will try to find out more about what specific trails he took.
All three (3) SCOTERS are being reported now for along the Lake Michigan shoreline in small numbers. The bulk of the SCOTERS usually come in November or if not into early December, especially with the milder fall we have had prior to the this past colder week. One good access point where all three (3) SCOTERS are observed is the Fischer Creek Overlook, which is on Highway LS just north of Cleveland (Manitowoc County). All three (3) SCOTERS were also seen off of Point Beach State Park in Manitowoc County. A RED-THROATED LOON was also seen from Point Beach State Park. The bluff at Fischer Creek is another good place to look for RED-THROATED LOONS. Although they are more common in spring than in fall, they should still be looked for this time of year. You may also want to check Harrington Beach State Park (Ozaukee County) for SCOTERS as well as RED-THROATED LOONS, and Vermond Park in Mequon is another good overlook to check for all three (3) SCOTERS and RED-THROATED LOONS.
In Sheboygan a second-year LAUGHING GULL was seen earlier in the week and an adult GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL has been quite easy to find in the Harbor on most days. An EARED GREBE was seen along the lake front earlier in the week at Hika Park in Cleveland. This bird apparently moved on.
A few sparrows are still being reported. A NELSON'S SHARP-TAILED SPARROW is still being seen at Nine Springs Sewer Treatment Plant on the south side of Madison. It was seen on the 18th. There is a HARRIS'S SPARROW that has been wintering at the Pheasant Branch Conservancy in Middleton (Dane County). There have been scattered reports of HARRIS'S SPARROWS from aroumnd the state. These birds are fairly easy to find in the northwestern corner of the state in fall, but are more difficult elsewhere in the the state.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*09 October 2004
*WIST0410.09
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow
Fall birding suggestions
Update on WSO Field Trip on Sunday, October 10
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Saturday,
October 9, 2004.
The WSO Field Trip will be on Sunday October 10, 2004, this is the final
field trip for 2004, is going to Harrington Beach State Park, in Ozaukee
County. The group is meeting between 8:00 and 8:30 am at the lower beach
parking area of Harrington Beach State Park. The group will bird the picnic
area looking for passerines and then will often check the lake front as well
as keeping a look out for hawk watching. It is a possibility if the winds
are right. So a very enjoyable field trip with a nice mix of birds in the
woods, hawk watching and frequently checking the lake front for Scoters and
other migrants. WSO Field Trips are open to the public, you don't have to
be a member to attend and there is no charge for WSO field trips. However,
this in a state park and you must have to an annual pass to get into the park or
need to purchase a daily permit to get into the park.
Elsewhere around the state it has been very quiet for any unusual birds.
NELSON'S SHARP-TAILED SPARROWS are being reported in pretty good numbers.
At Nine Springs Sewer Treatment Plant on the south side of Madison: Check
the grassy area toward the back area of Nine Springs, where as many as five
or six NELSON'S SHARP-TAILED SPARROWS have been reported in the last couple
weeks. Another good spot to check for NELSON'S SHARP-TAILED SPARROWS is the Milwaukee Coast Guard Impoundment and the grassy Harbor Island behind the
Summerfest grounds. These are both traditional spots to look for these
beautiful sparrows. There have been scattering of reports of HARRIS'S
SPARROW now along Lake Michigan, but more commonly in the northwestern part
of the state. Water birds to check for this time of year include Scoters
(which should be showing up soon now along the lake front), also
Red-throated Loons are not nearly as common in fall as they are in spring,
We may look along the lake front for these birds now as well. With almost
any easterly winds, it might pay to scan the Lake Michigan shoreline for
unusual pelagic type birds such as the Kittiwakes or Jaegers. They may be
blown ashore with these easterly winds.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*09 September 2004
*WIST0409.09
-BIRDS MENTIONED-
Piping Plover
Whimbrel
Birding suggestions for this time of year.
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Thursday,
September 9, 2004.
A PIPING PLOVER was found on the beach between Manitowoc and Two Rivers
(Manitowoc County) on Labor Day. But reports show this bird was a one-day
wonder and it could not be found the next day. The PIPING PLOVER was seen
on a stretch of beach along Highway 42 between Manitowoc and Two Rivers. It
was observed just north of a Citgo gas station where there is a sewer outfluence lake and
apparently there is a small number of shorebirds there, including one RED KNOT and one
PIPING PLOVER.
In Milwaukee two WHIMBRELS have been reported this week. One bird was seen
on the grassy hillside by the South Shore Yacht Club and more recently a
bird was seen yesterday at dusk at the Coast Guard Impoundment. The Coast
Guard Impoundment should be watched now, for it has good habitat. Right now
there is a good number of Rails, both adults and immature birds. If you
check the grassy area just before the blue trailer, there are nice views of
both the SORA and VIRGINIA RAIL. There is always the possibility of other
unusual Rails at the Coast Guard Impoundment. At least five (5) species of
Rail have been observed here in the last couple years. In addition COMMON
MOORHENS also nested this year, so there are a few COMMON MOORHENS walking around in this area.
There is some good shorebird habitat at several locations around the state.
As mentioned earlier, the beach between Manitowoc and Two Rivers will
occasionally pull in an unusual bird. Also the Big Eau Pleine Reservoir in
Marathon County. The nearby Mead Wildlife area has good habitat right now.
Check by County Highway O for the best location for a good number and
variety of birds. Also in Racine county along Britton Road south of Highway
20 is a very good shorebird pond now with a good number of birds and
excellent habitat. Rainbow Flowage in Oneida County is low again this
summer and apparently is good shorebird habitat as well.
There are still scattered reports of BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS at a number
of sod farms around the state. They will continue to be seen until the
middle to later part of September. It is also a very good time to look for
AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVERS at some of these same locations, some of the sod
farms and grassier locations around the state. NELSON'S SHARP-TAILED
SPARROW should be showing up any day now. Usually by about the 13, 14th of
September the first sightings are reported. Also very traditional spots
include the Nine Springs Sewage Treatment Plant on the south side of
Madison. Several birds were seen here last year. Also in Milwaukee there
are a couple good spots including the grassy Harbor Island behind Summerfest
grounds and some of the weedier edges of the Coast Guard Impoundment.
JAEGERS should be watched for now in September, especially on east winds
along the Lake Michigan shore line and also Wisconsin Point in Superior;
these are excellent spots to look for JAEGERS. The WSO Field Trip to
Superior is not for another two weeks, but birders that do check the
Superior Harbor and Wisconsin Point are often rewarded with JAEGERS even on
the first week of September. There are probably a few birds there right
now. It is also a good time to check the lake front, both Lake Superior
and Lake Michigan, for SABINE'S GULLS, which are often found in September.
These birds are sometimes found, too, on large inland bodies of water.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*23 August 2004
*WIST0408.23
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Black-necked Stilt
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Red-necked Phalarope
Spruce Grouse
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Monday,
August 23, 2004.
Most of the late summer reports now are now of shorebirds. There have been
some good ones lately. There is some good habitat at different areas around
the state. The WSO Hotspot trip yesterday to Dodge County Ponds north of
Beaver Dam was quite productive. There are some good birds still being
seen. There is a family group of five (5) BLACK-NECKED STILTS. These
birds are usually being seen on a pond on Highway 33; this pond is located
south of Ireland Road. Yesterday the birds were present a little bit south-
east of Ireland Road on Highway 33. On Saturday they were about 8/10 of a
mile southeast of Ireland Road on Highway 33; this is a little bit farther
south than they were yesterday. There is also a very good shorebird pond on
Yew Lane, located between Breezy Point Road and Ireland Road. Yesterday
there were four (4) RED-NECKED PHALAROPES and over 20 STILT SANDPIPERS and BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS seen there. This same pond on Saturday produced 2
AMERICAN AVOCETS. Another good pond not too far from this one is at
the intersection of Breezy Point Road and Highway W; some AMERICAN
GOLDEN-PLOVERS were seen there yesterday along with RED-NECKED PHALAROPES.
Also a LOGGGERHEAD SHRIKE was seen perched in the corn stalks. This is
probably a transient bird and I wouldn't expect to find it again.
BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER reports are coming in now from around the state.
Check the sod farms. South of Windlake (Racine County) is one good location
where two (2) birds were seen yesterday. The Windlake sod farms can be
reached by taking Highway S to Windlake and then taking Burmeister Road to
the east. Two birds were present yesterday on Burmeister Road east of a
large two-tone gray building. Also BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS were from a
couple of other locations in the state. The Van Ess sod farms east of Green
Bay (Brown County) are good. Check the intersection of Van Ess Road and
Luxemburg Road. There were a couple of birds seen here earlier in the weekend.
Also a couple BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS were seen at the Necedah Wildlife
area (Juneau County) on the Sprague/Mather Flowage. The birds were present
way in back and a scope was needed.
There were also some of the released WHOOPING CRANES being seen in this area. Which is always a fun treat to observe.
And finally a more northern location for BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER is the
Rainbow Flowage, in Oneida County, south of Woodruff. That area is drawn
down again and is very productive for shorebirds.
One observer on Friday had twenty (20) BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS here and
also two (2) MARBLED GODWITS. There are also many other shorebirds including
BAIRD'S and STILT SANDPIPERS. On Sunday at least ten (10) of the
BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS were still present there as well. It is a very
good spot to check. The best location is where Oxbow Road deadends on the
lake. You can park in the parking area here and then walk west of the beach
until you reach the huge sandbar and mudflats. To reach this location take
Highway 70 and then go south on Highway O. Take this to the deadend road,
which is Oxbow Road. Follow it to the end of the road and check the habitat
from here in a very good location for shorebirds. There are still some
pretty good traditional spots. This Rainbow Flowage has been productive in
past years as well as the water levels dropped.
Finally a couple of SPRUCE GROUSE were seen over the weekend on Firel Lane
Road north of Conover (Vilas County). This is east of Highway 45.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*12 August 2004
*WIST0408.12
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Rufous Hummingbird
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Whimbrel
Avocet
Willet
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Thursday,
August 12, 2004.
A male RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD is visiting a feeder in Bayfield County, near the
town of Grand View. The bird is coming to a feeder at the home of Sandy and
Terry Brown. The Browns welcome visitors to view the bird. They ask that
all birders call first; their home phone number is 715-763-3233.
Directions to their home are to go about 5 miles east of Grand View. To
get there, take Hwy 63 to Dybedal Road, which is about 1.5 miles east of the
town of Grand View. Turn east on Dybedal and follow it for about 2.5 miles
to a T. Turn right and follow about 1.2 miles to a fork in the road. Take
the left fork (the right fork is Koski Road). Go only a few hundred yards
and the house will be on the left. Their house number is 26740 E. Altamont
Rd. If you get to Old Grade Road, you've gone too far. If you have a DeLorme Atlas, ignore the road names for this area, which are outdated and do not match the on-site street signs. This adult male RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD has been present throughout this last week.
In South Milwaukee in Milwaukee County two EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVES are
visiting a feeder. The feeder is at the corner of 4th Avenue and Montana;
on the southwest corner the birds have been seen here as well. There has
been some recent sightings not too distant from there at the Intersection of
5th Ave. and Marshall Road. This is not too far from where the birds are
frequenting.
And yesterday in Racine at Meyers Beach a WHIMBREL was observed on the beach.
The Milwaukee Coast Guard Impoundment has had some shorebirds lately.
Including some pretty interesting birds like a few AMERICAN ADVOCETS were
present earlier in the week. And WILLETS have been seen on a couple of
occasions. The best viewing for the Coast Guard Impoundment is through the
fence at the blue building. There also is limited access to the south
side of the Impoundment from the parking lot for the new ferry.
But again if you are going to check this area be sure to stay out of the
way of any ferry traffic or parking or anything. If you are spending any
time in this area you may be asked to move. So you are better off
looking through the fence at the south end of the Impoundment, as people
tradionally have done.
I have not received any recent reports of the A & W ponds shorebird
situation. I am not sure what the water level are like up there.
Hopefully someone will have an update after this weekend, as far as what
ponds are the best.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*27 June 2004
*WIST0406.27
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Tricolored Heron
Black-necked Stilt
Little Gull
Chuck-will's-widow
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Sunday,
June 27, 2004.
A TRICOLORED HERON was discovered this morning at Horicon Marsh. The bird
was seen in the federal part of the refuge along Highway 49. It was on the
north side of the road, about 100 yards east of the pump house. In the
same location a BLACK-NECKED STILT and a RED-NECKED GREBE were also seen.
Both Northern Mockingbirds that were found in Milwaukee and Washington
Counties in the past week were not reported over the weekend. The
Milwauke bird left after it was seen those two days in a row.
Two LITTLE GULLS were found yesterday. These birds are being seen in the
town of Cleveland, in Manitowoc County. The birds are present just off shore
at Hika Park. Both birds were in first basic plumage, but nice photos HAVE
been taken of these two LITTLE GULLS.
Also a CHUCK-WILL'S-WIDOW were missed by several people for the better part
of the week and was presumed to be gone, but at least one bird was heard on Friday, June 25. These CHUCK-WILL'S WIDOWS are being found in Vernon
County. One bird was heard on the north ridge behind the red barn on
Dodson Road. They call between 9:15 and 9:25. The couple who found it
parked on Davidson Road the then walked along Dodson Road.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*22 June 2004
*WIST0406.22
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Northern Mockingbird
Birding suggestions for this slow time of year
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Tuesday,
June 22, 2004.
It has been very slow with returning reports obviously with birds in a
summer pattern and migration coming to a halt. It has been very quiet the
last couple of weeks.
NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRDS have been reported at two locations in southeastern
Wisconsin. One bird has been present the last two mornings in the City of
Milwaukee. It is actually down in the Menomonee Valley. The bird was
present at the Embers Street bridge where it crosses the Menomonee River, and
this is located just a little bit north of Potawatomi Bingo and the meat-
packing plant. Apparently this bird seems quite territorial with singing,
so maybe it will stay around for the season. Another NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD
was seen last week on June 16, on the boundary between Dodge and Washington
County. The bird was found on the south side of county Highway O, where
Highway O goes from Dodge County east into Washington County. This is
located just west of where Highways 83 and 167 intersect. This is about 3
miles south of Hartford. This is near the house with fire number W451.
This house is also for sale which makes it easier to find. I am not sure if
the bird is still being seen. There was just that one report of it.
Horicon Marsh has very high water right now. Probably as a result of this
the Black-necked Stilts have not been reported. They have possibly moved on
after the water levls became too high. Also the large White Pelican
population has failed at nesting in Horicon Marsh this year with the high
water and the birds seem to have moved.on. Possibly up to Green Bay where
the nesting is going quite well again this year. The Shorebird southbound
migration should be starting probably the next week or so. Often times by
the 25th of June and definitely by the 1st of July there are usually
southbound shorebird migrants moving through. It should be very interesting
this year with the very high water levels and many flooded fields. There
will probably be an abunance of shorebird habitat and hopefully there will be
birds to match this habitat.
NB: The phone number update for Mark Korducki is 262-784-2712 (new home phone),but THE HOTLINE NUMBER HAS NOT CHANGED.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*6 June 2004
*WIST0406.06
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Mississippi Kite
Chuck-will's-widow
Black-necked Stilt
White-eyed Vireo
Bell's Vireo
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron
Dickcissel
Yellow-throated Warbler
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Sunday,
June 6, 2004.
A MISSISSIPPI KITE was seen yesterday in Milwaukee County. The bird was seen
along Burleigh St. in the city of Wauwatosa just west of the Menonomee River.
It was flying over the parkway. It was not seen after its initial sighting.
It was probably just a transient bird. MISSISSIPPI KITES tend to be a late
migrating bird and many past records have come from the early part of June.
Remember last year, though, there was one bird that was seen several times
in Door County in late June and early July, so it's a good bird to watch for
at this time of year. Migration is definitely tapering off, but there are a
few late migrants trickling in yet and a few possilbe transients that might
be located yet. So it is good to pay attention to what good birds are
around.
CHUCK-WILL'S-WIDOWS are still being heard most nights after dark and again
before dawn, around 9:15 to 9:30 has been a real good time to hear the
birds. The two CHUCK-WILL'S-WIDOWS are being heard in Vernon County. They
are calling from a south facing hillside opposite of Dodson Hollow Road, which is almost
exactly one mile southeast of Highway 162. Specific directions are: to
follow Highway 162, and drive to Dodson Hollow Road and drive along this for one mile, you will pass an intersection with Davidson Lane on the right, and go pass the next house on the right and stop between that house and the next farmhouse on the left.
The birds are calling from the opposite hillside. Dodson Hollow Road
terminates on Highway 162 about 1.3 miles northeast of Chaseburg; this is between
Chaseburg and Coon Valley, which is about 4 miles southwest of Highway 14.
Do use caution though as there is a large hole on the side of the road.
Someone has marked it with a stake. A few people hav driven into it and had
their front tire fall into this hole, which cause damage to the lower part
of the car. Two nice birds to go to listen to at least.
BLACK-NECKED STILTS are still being seen at Horicon Marsh. One observer
this weekend reported several birds. They were seen along the north side of
Highway 49. This is part of Highway 49 that cuts through the federal part
of the marsh. The birds were present a good deal way east of the pump
house, so the eastern part of the viewing area. There is a good
possibility that these birds may try to nest here. There was a nesting
record from about 3 or 4 years ago in the same location. This is very good
habitat for them.
Both WHITE-EYED and BELL'S VIREOS are being seen at a few locations around
the state. One interesting report of a WHITE-EYED VIREO came in from the
Wausau area up in Marathon County. The WHITE-EYED VIREO was seen along the
Mountain Base State Trails just east of Wausau. The bird is just off the
trail along a dead end road. You go east of Wausau on Highway 29, get off
at the Highway Q exit (also the Ringle exit), go north of Highway Q for
about half a mile until you can see where the state trail (it is actually
an old section of railroad line) crosses the highway. You will turn on a
dead end road to the east. This road runs parallel to the state trail. Go
about 3/4 to 1 mile down the road to where you see a stand of Aspens
growing along the south side of the road. The bird was right next to the road
on the western end of the Aspen stand. Tthis bird was found yesterday and
seen again in the evening.
WHITE-EYED VIREOS are also being seen in the southern part of the state at
Yellowstone Lake State Park. The birds were seen the other day in the
picnic area on the northeast side of the lake.
BELL'S VIREOS are also being seen at Governor Dodge State Park. The
Stephens Falls area is a good place to find them. There is also a report of
BELL'S VIREOS in Walworth County . They were seen on the north side of
Turtle Lake Road, just west of County Highway P. The address of the home is
W7921, and the BELL'S VIREOS are are seen just a little west of here. There
also were DICKCISSELS near by in a newly developed park, the Turtle Valley
Wildlife Area. This is located on the east side of County Highway O, about
1 mile south of County Highway A. This area is just north of the town of
Delavan.
The YELLOW-THROATED WARBLERS are being seen and heard at Wyalusing State
Park (Grant County). One bird is nesting by the Point Lookout area.
As I mentioned many of these birds are nesting species so please refrain
from using tapes as you don't want to disturb the nesting habitats for the
birds or harass them in any way. Fortunately the YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER'S
nest is very high up in the tree and can't easily be disturbed.
YELLOW-THROATED WARBLERS were also found near the Homestead campground in Wyalusing State Park as well. The birds were not as easily seen at this
location. They were heard there the first hour or two in the morning..
A YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON was found in southwestern Jefferson County along Danielson Road on June 3. This is in the town of Sumner. There were
PROTHONATARY WARBLERS seen here at the foot of Silver Maple Swamp and also
two ACADIAN FLYCATCHERS. This is an interesting location to check in
Jefferson County.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*28 May 2004
*WIST0405.28
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Chuck-will's-widow
Hudsonian Godwit
Worm-eating Warbler
Yellow-throated Warbler
Yellow-breasted Chat
White-eyed Vireo
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Friday,
May 28, 2004.
CHUCK-WILL'S-WIDOWS have been heard the last two nights in Vernon County.
There was one, possibly two birds heard tonight. They are calling from a
south-facing hillside opposite of Dodson Hollow Road, which is almost
exactly one mile southeast of Highway 162. Dodson Hollow Road terminates
on Highway 162 about 1.3 miles northeast of Chaseburg. This is between
Chaseburg and Coon Valley, which is about 4 miles southwest of Highway 14.
Dodson Hollow Road runs approximately east-west and runs through the valley
to meet KK on the ridge top. Specific directions are: follow Highway 162,
drive to Dodson Hollow Road drive along this for one mile, you will pass an
intersection with Davidson Lane on the right, and go pass the next house on
the right and stop between that house and the next farmhouse on the left.
The birds were calling from the opposite hillside. There is a
WHIP-POOR-WILL calling in the same area. One observer was there tonight
and had two birds. The second bird could proabably be heard better from
Davidson Lane. Two nice birds to go looking for.
There is a very good shorebird pond right now in Brown County along Highway
29 at Lily Lake. This is one I reported on a previously update. This
location had a Ruff that was seen briefly last wekend, but unfortunately it
moved on. It also had HUDSONIAN GODWITS a couple times this week including
one bird earlier today. Also during the week RED-NECKED PHALAROPES and RED
KNOTS were both seen there. So it has been a very productive spot to check.
Unfortunately at Horicon Marsh that shorebird habitat along Highway 49 has
had water water come up a significant amount and now is very flooded from
the heavy rain and most of the shorebird habitat is gone. There was a
report of three RED-NECKED GREBES earlier in the week on the north side of
Highway 49. Also the two BLACK-NECKED STILTS were seen earlier in the week
near the pump house. I am not sure if these birds have moved on or not. A
pair of BLACK-NECKED STILTS nested here a few years back. With these two
birds hanging around here now for better than a week it is possible that
they might try to nest. To the best of my knowledge there has just been
that one report of them this week.
The WORM-EATING WARBLERS have been seen with good regularity at Baxter's
Hollow in Sauk County. Check the area right before the first bridge,
as you drive up the road into the valley. Also at the same general
location a little bit further up the road is a KENTUCKY WARBLER that has
been seen and heard. In this area there has also been a good number of
other warblers, including some migrants and also some breeding birds like
MOURNING WARBLER. This is a very interesting spot. This is also a very
good spot to check for LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH.
The YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER continues to be seen and heard at Wyalusing
State Park (Grant County). Probably the best location is the tall pines
near the Passenger Pigeon monument. Also in Wyalusing State Park the
typical birds are being seen there, including PROTHONOTARY WARBLERS down at
the boat landing, KENTUCKY WARBLERS along Valley Road and also near he
Passenger Pigon monument, and good numbers of CERULEAN WARBLERS.
The YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT was reported from the traditional haunt at the
Brooklyn Wildlife Area south of Madison. Also two WHITE-EYED VIREOS are
being seen at Yellowstone Lake State Park (Lafayette County). This is
southwest of Madison. One bird is being seen very near the parking lot.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*19 May 2004
*WIST0405.19
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Yellow-crowned Night-heron
Worm-eating Warbler
Black-necked Stilt
Red-necked Phalarope
Eurasian Collared-Dove
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Wednesday,
May 19, 2004.
An adult YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON was found yesterday at the Arena boat landing in Iowa County. At the Arena boat landing the location is fairly close to the river on the left-hand side of the road as you are leaving the river. The YELLOW-CROWNED HIGHT-HERON was found just across the road from the sign that says narrow bridge and just before that sign is one that shows the symbol
for a winding road. The bird was present yesterday afternoon, just at the
edge of the woods along the road here.
At least one and somethimes two WORM-EATING WARBLERS are being seen at
Baxter's Hollow in Sauk County. Check the area near the first bridge,
where the stream comes to the first bridge. There is a very local
WORM-EATING WARBLER that has been seen by several people. Actually a pair
that was seen there. This is also a good spot at this location for
Louisiana Waterthrush, Kentucky Warbler, Connecticut Warbler and a possible
Yellow-throated Warbler, which have all been seen there as well.. This not
only is a good location for migrant warblers, but also for nesting warblers
for a nice mix of northern and southern species. So it is a very neat part
of the state.
BLACK-NECKED STILTS were seen at the Nine Springs Sewage
Treatment plan. There were two birds present there until at least Sunday
night. Also another three BLACK-NECKED STILTS were found at Horicon Marsh.
These birds were still present Monday morning. I have not heard a report
the last day or two. These birds were present on the north side of Highway
49, where Highway 49 cuts through the federal part of the marsh. They were
seen toward the far east end of the road along the one-mile stretch where
Highway 49 runs through the marsh. There is excellent shorebird habitat on
the north side of the road. At the west end of the stretch of road on
Sunday there were eight WHIMBRELS present, along with some HUDSONBIAN
GODWITS and RED-NECKED PHALAROPES. As of Monday the GODWITS and PHALAROPES were still present. The Horicon has excellent shorebird habitat. This
whole north area along Highway 49 is excellent right now and should be
watched regularly for the next couple of weeks as there should be a very
good number of shorebirds moving through in the next couple of weeks. This
area should be watched for shorebirds to be reported as above, as well
as the possibility of something very rare showing up there.
The EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE, two to three birds, are being seen in the town
of Arlington in Columbia County. The birds are being seen in Fireman's Park
right in the center of town. At least one pair of birds was seen nesting
in one of the grain elevators at the edge of the park. Also EURASIAN
COLLARED-DOVES were reported to me from Wauwatosa in Milwaukee County. This bird was seen in a back yard near 85th and Bluemound. No specific address
was given, but do watch and listen for EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVES if you are in
this area.
I have not had any reports of the White-winged Dove in Milwaukee since last
Saturday. I am assuming that this bird has moved on as it hasn't been
reported by anyone since then. Also no report of the Mockingbird has
come from this location. The last report was on Saturday. I guess that
both of these birds were present just west of the Pieces of Eight
Restaurant, at the far east end of Michigan Stret, in Milwaukee, straight
east of downtown.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*15 May 2004
*WIST0405.15
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Black-necked Stilt
White-winged Dove
Northern Mockingbird
Eared Grebe
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Saturday,
May 15, 2004.
Two BLACK-NECKED STILTS were located in Madison at the Nine Springs Sewage
Treatment plant on Friday. These birds were still seen this morning. This
morning they were back on the third pond. You can reach Nine Springs by
taking the Southtown exit south from the Beltline Highway (Highway 12/18),
which is on Madison's south side. Go south about a quarter of a mile to the
Nine Springs sewage treatment facility. This facility is a good place for
shorebirds. There also were HUDSONIAN GODWITS last night. I just received
a call from some birders who located two other BLACK-NECKED STILTS this
evening. These birds were found at Goose Pond in Columbia County. I am not
positive, but it is possible that these are the same birds that were seen at
Nine Springs and that they relocated to Goose Pond. If you are looking in
this area you might want to check Goose Pond first. The two BLACK-NECKED
STILTS were present as of 6:00 pm tonight and they were seen on the east
side of the road by the smaller pond, not the main Goose Pond. They were
back in the emergent vegetation on the far east side of the smaller pond.
Also today at Horicon Marsh an EARED GREBE was found. It was seen on the
south side of Highway 49 near the area of the historical marker.
Also today the WHITE-WINGED DOVE was still seen in Milwaukee. This bird has
been present since Tuesday evening. It is coming to an area where seed is
scattered on the ground. It has been very regular all week. The WHITE-WINGED DOVE is being seen by the Pieces of Eight Restaurant. This can
be reached by taking I-794 past downtown Milwaukee and taking the lakefront
or harbor exit. As you come off the ramp you will take a left and then the
first possible right turn that you can make onto east Michigan St. Turn
right on east Michigan St. You will drive past a road that turns to the
right; don't turn right, continue going straight. Shortly after passing
this road look on the right side for some spruce trees and a good deal of
seed scattered on the ground. This area is right before a chain link fence,
and if you continued straight you would run right into a parking lot.for
Pieces of Eight and the Milwaukee Sailing Center. Don't continue here, stop
before that. The WHITE-WINGED DOVE has been feeding on the ground here
throughout the week. If you can't find the bird in the feeding area, you
might want to walk the bike path to the south and check the Maple trees
along the fence row, here where the WHITE-WINGED DOVE is often perched.
Also in the same area a NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD has been present since early in
the week. It was still being seen today. The MOCKINGBIRD has often been
found on the grassy hill that is on the north side of the road. The feeding area where the WHITE-WINGED DOVE frequents is on the south side of Michigan Street.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*2 May 2004
*WIST0405.02
- BIRDS MENTIONED
Loggerhead Shrike
Northern Mockingbird
Marbled Godwit
American Advocet
Summer Tananger
Worm-eating Warbler
Yellow-throated Warbler
White-eyed Vireo
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Sunday, May 2, 2004.
In spite of the unseasonably cold weather it has been a good influx of
migrants into the state, including some unusual birds. A LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE
has been at Myers Park in Racine since it was first discovered on Friday.
It was still present today. Also today a NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD was seen
there as well. Myers Park is located in Racine at 11th and Pershing; this
is on the lake front. I believe this is the park that is just south of the Racine harbor.
A group of MARBLED GODWITS was found over the weekend at the Highway 29 Pond in Brown County. This is the pond by Lily Lake. The birds were only
present for part of the day and then they moved on. This is the same pond
where a Ruff was present last May and spent quite a bit of time at the pond.
It is a very good shore bird pond in spring.
Also today six (6) AMERICAN ADVOCETS were present in Horicon Marsh. These
birds were seen on the south side of Highway 49, west of the pump house.
They are doing a drawdown in Horicon and there could be some excellent
shore bird habitat along Highway 49 during the month of May.
In Whitnall Park in Milwaukee County, a SUMMER TANAGER and a WORM-EATING WARBLER were seen again today. These birds were seen on Friday as well. To see the SUMMER TANAGER and WORM-EATING WARBLER take an old maintained trail that you can walk west of the main park road. This is north of the main
pavillion. There is a bridge just south of College on the main park road.
The trail parallels the stream for about half a mile. Walk the first
quarter or third of a mile and look for the male SUMMER TANAGER and the
WORM-EATING WARBLER along here.
A YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER was seen on private land in Waukesha County today. A very exciting bird. Hopefully some of the territorial ones, the ones a
Wyalusing will return soon.
WHITE-EYED VIREOS were reported at Yellowstone Lake in Lafayette County.
This is a historical spot where often times these birds are found throughout
the summer, so these are birds that are on territory. There were two birds
last Thursday at Yellowstone State Park, as you turn off Highway F to go
to the park office. Before the office there is a wildlife area parking lot.
One of the Vireos was singing down that trail right before you hit the open
water on the levee. Driving to the park office there is a gravel parking
lot; another WHITE-EYED VIREO was singing in the Honeysuckle thicket right
by the parking lot.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*9 April 2004
*WIST0404.09
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Red-throated Loon
Red-neckedGrebe
Harlequin Duck
-Brief sightings of:
Logger-head Shrike
King Eider
Swainson's Hawk
Townsend's Solitaire
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Friday,
April 9, 2004.
A pair of HARLEQUIN DUCKS continue to be seen in Racine. These birds
are present just off of Wind Point or just south of Wind Point at Shoop Park.
RED-THROATED LOONS were reported this last week along the Lake Michigan
shore line. The birds were seen at Harrington Beach State Park in Ozaukee
County. RED-THROATED LOONS were also seen at both Kingfisher Farms and
Fischer Creek, located in Manitowoc County. These are along Highway LS,
just north of the town of Cleveland. Both spots are very good, reliable
spots to check for RED-THROATED LOONS. Also at Kingfisher Farms
last weekend one observer had a brief look at a female KING EIDER. But
unfortunately this bird moved along and couldn't be relocated.
Other brief sightings of unusual birds last week which unfortunately are
typical of this time of spring include: SWAINSON'S HAWK was seen in
southern Barron County, a TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE was seen at Portage near
Stevens Point, and finally a LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE was reported in Green County,
Unfortunately this bird, like the one found in Columbia County during the
WSO field trip, was not relocated after the initial discovery.
SPRUCE GROUSE continue to be seen near Conover along Firelane Road. That
location is about 1 or 1.1 mile east of Old Highway 45. Observers caution that
this road is getting very treacherous now that the snow is melting. You
are better off parking and walking back in there as this road gets very soft
and people have been getting stuck even with 4-wheel-drive vehicles. A
birder at Nicolet National Forest earlier in the week also located GRAY
JAYS, BOREAL CHICKADEES, EVENING GROSBEAK, COMMON REDPOLLS along Forest Road in Forest County, north of Hiles.
There have been several reports in the past week of RED-NECKED GREBES
showing up in the state. These birds are present at Shawano Lake and along
Lake Michigan at various vantage points. At least two birds were seen at
Rush Lake, where this species nest in pretty good numbers every year. Areas
you might want to check now include Lake Maria in Green Lake County, which
is a reliable spot for RED-NECKED GREBES. Also Grassy Lake in Columbia
County will host at least one breeding pair.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*29 March 2004
*WIST0403.29
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Loggerhead Shrike
Spruce Grouse
Red-throated Loon
Spotted Towhee
Greater White-fronted Geese
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Monday,
March 29, 2004.
A LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE was discovered this weekend at a WSO field trip to the
Arlington Ponds area. The LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE was found in Columbia County,
along Haugen Road, between King and Hampton Roads. Be careful as there is
also Northern Shrike in the same general area, so be certain of the field
marks when identifying it. In fact, late March and early April is an
overlap time when there are still possibilities of finding over-wintering
Northern Shrikes in the state; any migrant LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES may be
showing up now, so there is the possibility of both of them being seen in
the state. So be careful with identification. The trip also found about
600 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE at a pond on Haugen Road just south of King Road. Another large flock of GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE was seen at a pond on County Highway C, east of the Mud Lake Wildlife Area. So there was a very good number of WHITE-FRONTED GEESE still present in Columbia County
last weekend.
SPRUCE GROUSE are being seen again along Firelane Road just north of
Conover. The spot where the birds were seen is along Firelane Road 1.1
miles east of old 45. The observer recommended that if you are going to
check for the birds now, you want to get there right at dawn as this area
gets quite a bit of snowmobile traffic which will force the birds to seek
cover. Another word of advice: with the spring thaw this road often becomes
quite treacherous and impassable. One pair of birders got stuck here a
couple springs ago even with a 4-wheel-drive vehicle. So you may want to
park and walk in. If it looks at all wet or impassable, you will want
avoid driving on it and getting stuck out in the middle of nowhere.
The first RED-THROATED LOON of the season was reported yesterday. It was
seen off of the rocky point of Harrington Beach State Park. This is early
for migration. Usually mid-April is peak time to find RED-THROATED LOONS.
Now would be a good time to check. One of the best locations typically is
the Fisher Creek area in Manitowoc County just north of the town of
Cleveland. This is the best spot to look for the birds. A few Scoters have
been reported along this stretch of Lake Michigan over the weekend as well.
The SPOTTED TOWHEE continues to be seen in Muskego County Park, which is in
Waukesha County. Muskego County Park is located at the intersection of
Janesville Road and Woods Road. The SPOTTED TOWHEE is being seen in the
brushy area just west of picnic area #5. This bird has been seen since
November, and when you can find it, it is still frequenting the same area.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*5 March 2004
*WIST0403.05
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Greater White-fronted Goose
Ross's Goose
Harlequin Duck
Other Spring Migrants
Update of WSO Field Trip on Sunday, March 7 to the lakefront
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Friday,
March 5, 2004.
A pair of HARLEQUIN DUCKS are still being seen in Racine. These birds
are being seen just east of Shoop Park, which is the park located just south of
the Wind Point lighthouse. One of the birds is a beautiful adult male HARLEQUIN.
However, along the lakefront the BARROW'S GOLDENEYE was not found yesterday
in Milwaukee at Doctor's Park. But there was a SURF SCOTER present there.
The BARROW'S GOLDENEYE was seen at Doctor's Park in Milwaukee last weekend.
Continue to look for it, as it might still be in the area.
Good numbers of migrant geese have come into the state in the past week.
There have been reports of GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE
and scattered reports of ROSS'S GOOSE, along with the more expected Snow
Geese and Canada Geese. Most of the geese have been bouncing around quite a
bit. There hasn't been any one particular area where they have hung around
for any length of time. Some good spots to check are south of Beaver Dam.
Look along Highway J and also at the intersection of Highway J and Meadow
Road. This is a good place to check for mixed flocks of geese. Also in
Columbia County check Mud Lake. In Dane County check the ponds at
intersection of Shoemaker Road. Also the Highway Z pond in Dane County.
On the southeast side of Madison you might want to check Lower Mud Lake.
This area is very good for geese and ducks. It tends to open up earlier
than other bodies of water around here. Also Swan Pond, which is located
south of the Beltline Highway along Fish Hatchery Road, had a good number of
geese earlier in the week, including a couple ROSS'S GEESE. And a final
place you might want to check in Rock County is Lima Marsh. Both GREATER
WHITE-FRONTED and ROSS'S GEESE were seen yesterday. The best point to view
Lima Marsh is along Bower's Lake Road east of Highway KK.
The next WSO field trip is this Sunday, March 7 to the Milwaukee Lakefront.
the group is meeting between 8:00 and 8:30 am at the South Shore Yacht Club.
The group will travel north from here birding various locations. Depending
on the condition they may go as far north as Sheboygan. Bring a bag lunch
if you plan on staying for the duration of the trip. To reach the South
Shore Yacht Club take I-94 east over the Harbor Bridge, and at the south of
the bridge take the Port of Milwaukee exit. That exit terminates at Car
Ferry Drive. There is a stop sign here and turn left on Car Ferry Drive.
Continue east to the intersection with Lincoln Memorial Drive. Turn south
(right) onto Lincoln Memorial Drive. At the top of the hill the road curves
left and become Russell Avenue; after 1 block you come to a stop light at
Superior St. Turn left on Superior and go 3 blocks to Iron St. Turn
left (east) on Iron St.and go two blocks to the south of the hill. The
group will be meeting at the south end of the yacht club. As with all WSO
field trips they are open to the public and you don't have to be a member to
attend and there is no charge for attending them.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*27 February 2004
*WIST0402.27
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Greater White-fronted Goose
Ross's Goose
Harlequin Duck
Barrow's Goldeneye
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Northern Saw-whet Owl
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Friday, February 27, 2004.
With the warmer spring weather of the last couple days there has been a push
of migrant geese into the state, including some GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE
and at least one ROSS'S GOOSE. The location for the GREATER WHITE-FRONTED
GEESE is in the Beaver Dam area (Dodge County). Look along Highway J where
the Beaver Dam River crosses the highway. Further down along Highway J at
the intersection with Meadow Road is a large concentration of geese which
contain one ROSS'S GOOSE. Another location where GREATER WHITE-FRONTED
GEESE were seen is at Lower Mud Lake in McFarland (Dane County). This is on
the southeast side of Madison. That is a very good traditonal spot to find
early waterfowl as the lake tends to open up earlier then the surrounding
areas that are very good for early duck and geese migrants.
Two HARLEQUIN DUCKS have already been seen in Racine this week. These birds
have been present off of Shoop Park. This is the park located just south of
the Wind Point lighthouse. The two HARLEQUIN DUCKS have been seen there
throughout much of the week. Also an adult male BARROW'S GOLDENEYE was seen
by a few people throughout the week at Doctor's Park (Milwaukee County).
The best location seemed to be on the south end of Doctor's Park near the
point that extens out into the lake. There was also an adult ICELAND GULL
seen at this location as well.
EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVES are being seen in the city of Durand, which is up in
the northwest part of the state, in Dunn County. The COLLARED-DOVES are
being seen on the corner of Third Avenue E and Washington Street. At
Durand take Highway 10 into town and turn southeast onto Third Avenue E.
The house will be on the left in two blocks. The house number is 706. It
is a white house with brown trim. There are at least three EURASIAN
COLLARED-DOVES being seen under the trees at this house. The EURASIAN
COLLERED-DOVES are also still being seen in the town of Arlington in Columbia
County. This is just north of Goose Pond. Three to four EURASIAN
COLLARED-DOVES are being seen in the area of town near Fireman's Park.
Also the past wek decent numbers of NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWLS have been found at Devil's Lake State Park in Sauk County. These birds have been quite
vocal around dusk. Some people have actually been able to see the birds as
well. It is a good time now for NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWLS to pass through. As
they pass through, they are quite vocal in the evenings.
Good spruce or conifer areas around the state right now may produce some
migrant SAW-WHET OWLS.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*13 February 2004
*WIST0402.13
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Gyrfalcon
Northern Hawk Owl
Snowy Owl
Greater Prairie-Chicken
Gray Partridge
Varied Thrush
Spotted Towhee
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Friday,
Friday 13, 2004.
The GYRFALCON previously reported from the Duluth/Superior area is being
seen with a little more regularity. The most consistent location to find
the GYRFALCON is/are the grain elevators located just west of the highbride
from Superior to Duluth. It is occasionally seen east of here at the Peavey
grain elevator, but this is the less likely place to spot it. It seems
that late afternoon has been about the most consistent time of day to find
the GYRAFALCON.
The NORTHERN HAWK OWL continues to be seen in Burnett
County, at the intersection of Cnty Hwy B and H, about 4 miles south of Hwy 70.
Again be sure to look at the location where Cnty Hwy B runs west from Hwy H.
At this junction Swiss Chalet Road runs to the east where B goes west. At
this intersection and east along Swiss Chalet Rd is where the owl can be
found. It was seen again on Monday afternoon. It is very reliable at this location.
sometimes it is gone for part of the day, but you should make return trips
to the area to help in finding it. It has been a pretty consistent bird.
SNOWY OWLS are occassionaly reported at the Superior airport,the Richard
Bong Airport. Other SNOWY OWLS are in the Green Bay area and also in
Sheboygan. They have been a lot more inconsistent. They are not staying
in any one location.
A recent trip to the Buena Vista Grasslands south of Stevens Point produced
good numbers of GREATER PRAIRIE-CHICKENS. These birds were seen along CNTY HWY W, west of I-39. Driving these roads and looking at the feeding areas
such as cornfields can produce good-size flocks of GREATER PRAIRIE-CHICKENS
at this time of year.
Of the VARIED THRUSHES in the state: The bird in Denmark has not been
reported for a couple of weeks. Also the bird in Iola (Waupaca County) has
been very inconsistent. For an update on the Iola Bird you can call Wally and
Pat Zimmerman to get directions and for permission to see the bird. Their
telephone number is area code 715-445-2593. However the VARIED THRUSH in
Iron Belt (Iron county) is more consistent, being seen with some regularity.
For permission to see the bird in Iron Belt, call Lance and his phone number
is area code 715-561-3979.
GRAY PARTRIDGE continue to be seen in the Green Bay area. South of Green
Bay the birds are being seen in Denmark. A real consistent location has
been the intersection of Glenmore Road and Creek View Road. This is the
northeast corner of Glenmore and Creek View; it has been a very good spot.
Last weekend there was a good-sized flock just west of Denmark, along the
south end of HWY 96, where it is a 1/4 mile west of HWY NN. This is one
spot where birds were seen. HWY 96 at this point is also the same as Shirley
Road. Also in the Hoffa Park area west of Green Bay, GRAY PARTRIDGE have
been seen along Redwood Dr. The best location has been along Redwood
Dr.about 1 mile west of the junction with Maple Road. Also a small flock
of GRAY PARTRIDGE were seen in Ozaukee County last weekend. They have been
there for a couple of years now. The birds seen in Ozaukee County were
along 6 Mile Road about midway between HWY A and HWY D.
The SPOTTED TOWHEE is still being seen in Muskego County Park (Waukesha
County). It has been seen very consistently near picnic area #5. The
person who spotted the birds has been spreading seed out there every day for
it. The SPOTTED TOWHEE comes into the seed pretty consistently. It is on
the west side of the parking lot by picnic area #5. It is much more
consistent now with the snow cover and with the seed on the ground.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*31 January 2004
*WIST0401.31
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Information: WSO Field Trip next Saturday, Feb. 7 to view Eagles at Prairie du Sac
Snowy Owl
Gyrfalcon
Northern Hawk Owl
Gray Partridge
Varied Thrush
Spotted Towhee
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Saturday,
January 31, 2004.
The next WSO field trip is being held on Saturday, February 7. The group is
meeting between 9:00 and 9:30 am at the Eagle Observation area in Prairie du
Sac. This area is located along Highway 78, just south of the Highway 60
bridge. Bring a bag lunch to eat in the car. We will be looking for eagles
in the area and checking some of the surrounding areas. As with all of the
WSO field trips you don't have to be a WSO member to attend and there is no
charge for these trips.
Birding reports in the last week have been very slow. Many of the birds
mentioned in the last report are still present.
The immature SNOWY OWL continues to be seen at the Bong Airport in Superior,
that is, the Richard Bong Airport. There are also reports of a SNOWY OWL at
the Sheboygan harbor along Lake Michigan.
The GYRFALCON has not been reported recently. GYRFALCONS in the
Duluth/Superior area tend to wander around quite a bit in winter, so it is
probably still present. The places to check for it in Superior include the
Peavey grain elevator. This is located east of the high bridge that runs from Superior into
Duluth. It is on Connor's Point Road. The more recent reports of the
GYRFALCON though were from the Harvest States elevator. This is west of
the high bridge that runs between Duluth and Superior and west of the Peavey
grain elevator. It is a gray morph GYRFALCON, very light on the underside.
The NORTHERN HAWK OWL is still being seen in Burnett County. It is being
seen about 4 miles south of Hwy 70, roughly between Spooner and Siren. It is
being seen at the intersection of Cnty Hwy H and B.
Be sure to look at the location where Cnty Hwy B goes west from Hwy H. At
this intersection Swiss Chalet Rd runs east and west. If you don't find the
bird at the intersection, check east along Swiss Chalet Rd.
The VARIED THRUSH is still being seen quite regularly in Denmark, which is
located in Brown County, east of Green Bay. To reach this location take the
Denmark exit off of I-43. Go to the stop sign on Cnty Road R; it is about 2
blocks east of I-43. Take a right on "R" and go for about 1½ miles until
you reach Maribel Road; it will be on your left. Take a left on Maribel
Road then and immediately turn right on Cedar Lane. Go about 1
block on Cedar Lane. The house number is 5942 and it is a green house on
the right hand side of the road. The feeders are in back of the house and
the THRUSH is coming to the feeder by the big wheel. It also sits in the tree
directly behind the feeder. The people don't mind visitors, but remember it
is private property and please treat it as such. You can view the bird next
to the house from the driveway and please don't go around to the back of the
house. Another VARIED THRUSH is still coming to a feeder in the town of
Iola in Waupaca County. For this bird, for directions and permission to see
the bird call Wally and Pat Zimmerman . Their
telephone number is area code 715-445-2593.
GRAY PARTRIDGE continues to be seen in the Green Bay area due to the recent
heavy snow cover. Birds are being seen east of Green Bay near De Pere. The
most recent report of the birds in De Pere was at the intersection of
Glenmore Rd and Creekview Rd. Another group of PARTRIDGES was being seen at
the southwest corner of Shirley Road where it intersects with Glenmore Road
and also at the northwest corner, Shirley and Blakes Roads.
Hofa Park is west of Green Bay. It is located south of Hwy 29 and west of
Hwy 55. Multiple flocks have been seen there recently. One flock is along
Redwood Drive, about a mile west of the junction with Maple Road. A second
flock is located about a mile south of Hofa Park along Maple Road at the
junction with Cedar Road. And the
third flock was along Lawn Road, about ½ mile from the junction with Redwood
Drive. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to find
GRAY PARTRIDGE. They are easier to find now with the heavy snow cover.
There were also good numbers of SNOW BUNTINGS, HORNED LARKS and a few
LAPLAND LONGSPURS in the area.
Further reports of the SPOTTED TOWHEE have been few and far between.
Probably because most people have seen the bird already, but it is probably
still present. At least last weekend it still was. In Muskego County Park
(Waukesha County), look by picnic area #5. The bird is usually present
just west side of the parking lot by the brushy area that runs
along a creek bottom. There is also some seed scattered on the ground that
the TOWHEE occasionally comes to.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*22 January 2004
*WIST0401.22
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Snowy Owl
Gyrfalcon
Northern Hawk Owl
Gray Partridge
Varied Thrush
Spotted Towhee
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Thursday,
January 22, 2004.
After a virtual absence for most of the winter, a few SNOWY OWLS were
reported in the past week. One immature bird is being seen at the Superior
airport, that is, the Richard Bong Airport. Another SNOWY OWL is reported
from Sheboygan. It was seen in the harbor area and out on the break wall as
well.
A GYRFALCON is being seen by at least one person last weekend in Superior.
Several other people missed it, so it can be a hard bird to find. The bird
was initially reported at the Peavey grain elevator. The Peavey grain
elevator is located east of the high bridge that runs from Superior into
Duluth. It is on Connor's Point Road. That bird however was seen last
Sunday at the Harvest States elevator. This is west of the Peavey elevator
and west of the high bridge. It is a gray morph bird, very light on the
underside and it was pretty gray on the back. It is between Duluth and
Superior hunting pigeons at the grain elevators. It can be quite hard to
find. Be aware of that while you are searching for this bird.
The NORTHERN HAWK OWL continues to be seen in Burnett County. It is being
seen at the intersection of Cnty Hwy H and B, about 4 miles south of Hwy 70.
Be sure to look at the location where Cnty Hwy B goes west from Hwy H. Cnty
Hwy H & B run together for a while; this location is where B turns to the
west. It is the southern intersection of these two highways. If you can't
find the bird at the corner, you can check east of here along Swiss Chalet
Road, which goes east from Highway H. This bird has been quite reliable and
photographed by many people.
There are a few different VARIED THRUSHES now in the state. One bird is
being seen in Denmark, which is just a little east of Green Bay. This bird
can be seen from the road; you don't need to call the people ahead of time
to make arrangements to see the bird. It can be seen from their driveway.
To see this bird take the Denmark exit off of I-43. You come to a stop sign
at Cnty Road R; it is about 2 blocks from I-43. Take a right on "R" and go
about 1½ miles until you reach Maribel Road; it will be on your left. Take
Maribel Road left then and immediately turn right on Cedar Lane. Go about 1
block on Cedar Lane. The house number is 5942 and it is a green house on
the right side of the road. The feeders are in back of the house and the
THRUSH is coming to the feeder by the big wheel. It also sits in the tree
directly behind the feeder. The people don't mind folks coming to see the
bird. Remember it is private property and please treat it as such. You can
view the bird next to the house on the driveway and please don't go around
to the back of the house. The other VARIED THRUSH is still coming to a
feeder in the town of Iola in Waupaca County. For this bird, call Wally and
Pat Zimmerman to get directions and for permission to see the bird. Their
telephone number is area code 715-445-2593.
A new location for GRAY PARTRIDGE was called in this week. These birds were
being seen east of De Pere. One group of PARTRIDGES were being seen at the
northwest corner of Shirley and Blakes Roads. And the other birds were seen on
the southwest corner of Shirley Road where it intersects with Glenmore Road.
There were also flocks seen west of Green Bay, in the Hofa Park area. Hofa
Park is located south of Hwy 29 and west of Hwy 55. Multiple flocks were
seen last weekend. One flock is along Redwood Drive, about a mile west of
the junction with Maple Road. A second flock is located about a mile south
of Hofa Park along Maple Road at the junction with Cedar Road. And the
third flock was along Lawn Road, about ½ mile from the junction with Redwood
Drive. Probably early morning or late afternoon is the best time to find
GRAY PARTRIDGE. The birds are easier to find now with the new snow cover.
There were also good numbers of SNOW BUNTINGS, HORNED LARKS and a few
LAPLAND LONGSPURS in the area as well.
The SPOTTED TOWHEE is still being seen in Muskego County Park (Waukesha
County). It is being seen by picnic area #5. The bird is usually present
just west side of the parking lot. There is a brushy thicket that runs
along a creek bottom. Occasionally it comes to the seed that is being
scattered on the ground for the TOWHEE. This bird has been quite reliable
in the last few weeks.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*17 January 2004
*WIST0401.17
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Gyrfalcon
Northern Hawk Owl
Gray Partridge
Hoary Redpoll
Varied Thrush
Spotted Towhee
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Saturday,
January 17, 2004.
A GYRFALCON is being seen in the Duluth-Superior harbor. It is a gray morph GYRFALCON. It is being seen often at the PV grain elevators in Superior. To reach the PV elevators, take Hwy 53 & Hwy 2 into Superior. About a mile before the entrance to Hwy 535 (the High Bridge into Duluth), look for the PV sign on top of the elevator, take the small road over across the railroad tracks to Connor Pt. Road. Take a right on Connor Pt. Road will lead to the PV elevators. The GYRFALCON was first reported last weekend. It was seen on a couple occasions, at noon and 3:00 in the afternoon. This has been a very traditional, reliable spot when GYRFALCONS show up in winter. It is one area they frequent; they feed on the pigeons that are attracted to the grain elevator.
The NORTHERN HAWK OWL continues to be seen in Burnett County. It is being seen at the intersection of Cnty Hwy H and B, about 4 miles south of Hwy 70. Be sure to look at the location where Hwy B goes west from Hwy H. Cnty Hwy H & B run together for a while; this location is where B turns to the west. It is the southern most part of where H & B are together. This is the sport where the HAWK OWL is most often found. You will find the bird right on the corner; look east along Swiss Chalet Road, which goes east from Hwy H. The HAWK OWL is often seen east of this intersection along Swiss Chalet Road. There is also a large flock of Common Redpolls in the area. There were HOARY REDPOLLS in there about a week ago, but these birds were not seen the last couple times that people checked. There are often reports of NORTHERN SHRIKES in the area and just south of here as well.
There are a couple reports now of VARIED THRUSHES around the state. One new report came in this week of a bird that was seen in Denmark, which is just a little east of Green Bay. This bird can be seen from the road. Take the Denmark exit off of I-43. You come to a stop sign at Cnty Road R; this is about 2 blocks from I-43. Take a right on “R” and go about 1-½ miles until you reach Maribel Road, on your left. Take Maribel Road and immediately turn to the right and take Cedar Lane . Go about 1 block on Cedar Lane. The house number is 5942 and it is a green house on the right side of the road. The feeders are in back of the house and the THRUSH is coming to the feeder by the big wheel. It also sits in the tree directly behind the feeder. The people don’t mind folks coming to see the bird. Remember it is private property and please treat it as such. You can view the bird next to the house on the driveway and please don’t go around to the back of the house. There are two other VARIED THRUSHES. One is coming to a feeder in the town of Iola in Waupaca County. For this bird, call Wally and Pat Zimmerman to get directions and permission to see the bird. Their telephone number is area code 715 -445-2593. I haven’t received a recent report of the other VARIED THRUSH. It was sporadic the first week of the year and seen several times. If you want an update on this bird contact Lance, his phone number is area code 715-561-3979. This bird was seen in Iron Belt, WI. in northern Iron County.
GRAY PARTRIDGE were seen on several occasions this week at the Hofa Park area, which is just near Green Bay. One viewer had three different flocks of GRAY PARTRIDGE. One flock is along Redwood Drive, about a mile west of the junction with Maple Road. The second flock is located about a mile south of Hofa Park along Maple Road at the junction with Cedar Road. The third flock was south along Lawn Road, about ½ mile from the junction with Redwood Drive. Probably early morning or late afternoon is the best time to find GRAY PARTRIDGE. With the new snow cover in the area it is much easier to find the birds. There were also good numbers of SNOW BUNTINGS, HORNED LARKS and a few LAPLAND LONGSPURS in the area as well. But no Snowy Owls have been reported for this location. This has been typically a good spot to find Snowy Owls. It has been a very quiet winter for Snowy Owls.
The SPOTTED TOWHEE is still being seen in Muskego County Park, (Waukesha County). Check picnic area #5. The bird is usually present just west side of the parking lot. There is a brushy thicket that runs along a creek bottom. You can see the SPOTTED TOWHEE is this area. There is also some seed on the ground and the TOWHEE can occasionally be seen coming into the feed on the ground.
There is a good feeder in Marionette County. It is about 6 or 7 miles north of Wausaukee, along Hwy 141. This feeding station is located just west of 141, on Bell Crossing Road. There are good numbers of Pine Grosbeaks, Evening Grosbeaks, and a couple HOARY REDPOLLS in with Common Redpolls. For the feeding stations, look on Bell Crossing Road at the intersection of Bell Crossing Road with old Route 38
In the Sauk City area, in Sauk County just below the dam, there are quite good numbers of BALD EAGLES. These are typically there in winter. This has also been a good spot for gulls. ICELAND, THAYER’S AND GLAUCOUS GULLS were all seen here in the past week, including several individuals. Some basic one-years birds, plus at least one adult GLAUCOUS and one adult THAYER’S. So this is a very nice location now and a good spot to find some inland gulls.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*8 January 2004
*WIST0401.08
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Northern Hawk Owl
Hoary Redpoll
Varied Thrush
Northern Mockingbird
Spotted Towhee
Mew Gull
Barrow's Golden Eye
Harlequin Duck
Update on WSO Field Trip on Saturday, January 10
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Thursday,
January 8, 2004.
The first WSO field trip 2004 is going to be held this Saturday, January
10, at the Milwaukee lake front. The group will meet between 8:00 and 8:30
am at the south end of the South Shore Yacht Club parking area. The leaders
advice is to dress warmly and bring along your energy foods. Typically this
field trip continues through the lunch hour and beyond. Stay as long as you
want. WSO field trips are open to the public, there is no charge and you
don't have to be a WSO member.
A NORTHERN HAWK OWL was found this week and is still being seen. Several
people saw it today. The bird is being found in Burnett County, at the
intersection of Cnty Hwy H and B, about 4 miles south of Hwy 70. Be sure to
look at the location where Hwy B goes west from Hwy H. The HAWK OWL is
often perched on the power lines. If you don't find him, look along the
first 200-1000 feet of Swiss Valley Road, which goes east from H. There
is an Oak Woods where the HAWK OWL occasionally frequents. Occasionally the
bird disappears by flying northwest, perches in some conifers and is very
hard to find. If you are patient you might see it hunting along the
roadside. While you are looking for the HAWK OWL, there is a large flock
of Common Redpolls in a weedy field. About 150 birds were seen there today.
There were at least two HOARY REDPOLLS in the flock of Common Redpolls. So
this is a very nice spot to check right now.
There are two VARIED THRUSHES coming to feeders in the state. One is a
very reliable bird coming to a feeder in the town of Iola in Waupaca
County. Call Wally and Pat Zimmerman to get directions and permission to
see the bird. Their telephone number is area code 715-445-2593.
The other VARIED THRUSH being reported today is being seen in Iron Belt,
WI., Iron County. This bird has been very sporadic, only been seen a couple
times this week. Contact Lance to get permission to see it. His phone
number is area code 715-561-3979. Lance mentioned that there are good
numbers of Evening Grosbeaks, as well as Pine Grosbeaks coming to his
feeder.
Another good feeder to check is one in Menominee County for winter finches.
This is a classic location to check for winter finches. It is along Hwy 55,
5.6 miles north of where Hwy 55 splits from Hwy. 47. It is a blue house on
the west side of the road. It is a very good feeding station with lots of
Evening Grosbeaks and a few Pine Grosbeaks. There have also been a few
HOARY REDPOLLS seen here as well. The people that live here are very
cordial to birders, but again let's not do any trespassing or disrupt the
birds or birders in any way. There is a road on the south side of the
house, this is a good spot to park and watch the birds. This last weekend
the road was a sheet of ice and one person slid into the ditch, so be
careful. Also Hwy 55 is a busy highway and the shoulders are not good to
pull over on. Be careful and safe while watching feeders at this location.
Another good feeder has been reported in Marinette County. It is about 6 or
7 miles north of Wausaukee, along Hwy 141. This feeding station is located
just west of 141, on Bell Crossing Road. And look on Bell Crossing Road at
the intersection of Bell Crossing Road with old Route 38. There is a number
of feeders at this location and a very hospital person runs the feeders.
Quite a number of birders watch them. Last weekend there were good numbers
of Pine Grosbeaks, Evening Grosbeaks, and a couple HOARY REDPOLLS in with
Common Redpolls.
Up in the northeast part of the state, 9 miles south of Florence, is a good
location for Bohemian Waxwings. Look at the junction of Cnty Hwy N, U and
C. These all come together. There is an area south of this point with
Shiny Buckthorn berries and there was a large flock of Bohemian Waxwings
seen here last weekend. So this is a nice spot to check in the northeastern
part of the state.
The NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD was seen through the weekend and the early part of
the week. It was seen about 5 miles north of Montello, in Marquette County.
It was seen at the intersection of Hwy 22 and Cnty Hwy J. It has been
feeding on red cedar berries at this location. It is best to check it from
the car as this bird is rather skittish.
The SPOTTED TOWHEE is still being seen after the snowfall, in Muskego
County Park. This park is located in southeastern Waukesha County, at the
intersection of Janesville Road and Woods Road. In Muskego County Park
check picnic area #5. Look on the west side of the parking lot. There is a
brushy thicket and a little creek that runs through the park. The SPOTTED
TOWHEE is generally seen in this brushy area. People have scattered seed on
the ground west of the parking lot and the TOWHEE comes to the seed. It
was very reliable through the weekend, but after the snow it has been more
difficult to find.
The MEW GULL was being seen at the South Metro Pier in Oak Creek, Milwaukee
County. The South Metro Pier is located along 5th Avenue, just north of
Puetz Road. One viewer noted that a good spot to check for the MEW GULL is
the bluff from the end of Menominee Street. The South Metro Pier is close
to the South Milwaukee Harbor and can be seen from Menominee Street. You
can spot the MEW GULL from there if it is present.
The adult male BARROW'S GOLDEN EYE was still seen last weekend at Doctors
Park in northern Milwaukee County, south of Brown Deer Road. There were
also two HARLEQUIN DUCKS seen on Saturday as well. There has been an
ICELAND GULL reported in this location several times.
Two HARLEQUIN DUCKS, perhaps the same birds, were seen in Milwaukee on
Sunday, just north of Bradford Beach and just south of the filtration plant,
on the soccer field there. So this is a good spot to check for HARLEQUIN
DUCKS. Also there is a very large raft of Scaups and Goldeneye to search
through as well.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*2 January 2004
*WIST0401.02
-BIRDS MENTIONED
Northern Mockingbird
Varied Thrush
Spotted Towhee
Cinnamon Teal
Mew Gull
Barrow's Golden Eye
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Friday,
January 2, 2004. Happy New Year Everybody!
A NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD was found today in Marquette County, north of
Monticello. It was seen at the intersection of Hwy 22 and Hwy J. That is
about 5 miles north of Montello. The MOCKINGBIRD was feeding on some red
cedar berries at this intersection.
The VARIED THRUSH is still coming to a feeder in the town of Iola in Waupaca
County. For permission to see the bird and for directions call Wally and
Pat Zimmerman. Their area code is 715 and their number is 445-2593.
The SPOTTED TOWHEE is still being seen regularly at Muskego County Park in
Waukesha
County. The easiest way to reach Muskego County Park is to take I-43 and
exit on Racine Avenue. Go south of Racine Avenue to Janesville Road. Turn
right on Janesville Road and go about a mile to Muskego County Park, it will
be on the right, which is be at the intersection of Janesville Road and
Woods Road. Turn into the park. He is being seen very regularly near
picnic area number 5. On the west side of the parking lot for area number 5
is a small shelter building. Just north and west of this spot is a small
thicket with a small creek that runs through it. The TOWHEE is being seen
very consistently in the thicket. You may want to listen for it's call
note, which is very similar to the Eastern Towhee. Kind of a chewy call
note. There is a little bit of seed spread on the ground near that building
so that there are Tree Sparrows feeding on these seeds and probably the
Towhee in turn. It has been seen quite regularly this week both in the
morning as well as late afternoon On the west side of the parking lot or
sometimes further north it kind of roams because the thicket and creek bed
moves north, so the Towhee moves north as well. .
The MEW GULL is still being seen very regularly at the South Metro Pier
in Oak Creek, Milwaukee County. It is usually present on the beach with the
Ring-billed Gulls or just off shore with a flock of Ring-billed Gulls that
loaf this area. The South Metro Pier is located along 5th Avenue, just
north of Puetz Road
in the city of Oak Creek. You can reach this location by taking Ryan Road
to where it ends at the lake. Turn left on 32, then make an immediate right
back on Ryan Road. Go for a short distance to 5th Avenue. Take a left on
5th Avenue. After passing Puetz Road look on the right and you will see a
sign for the South Metro Pier fishing area. There is a small parking area
here where you can park and walk up down the steep stairs to the lake front
where you can scope the birds. Usually mid-day has been a very good time,
noon to 2:00 o'clock, to see the MEW GULL right on the beach. Although some
people have seen him in the early morning as well.
Also yesterday in Milwaukee very good number of migrant gulls were at
McKinley Marina, including GLAUCOUS, THAYER'S, ICELAND, and GREAT
BLACK-BACKED along with LESSER BLACK-BACKED. It was a good gull day
yesterday.
The CINNAMON TEAL is still being seen at Villa Louis in Grant County in
Prairie, the city of Prairie du Chien. As mentioned in earlier updates,
there are questions about the origin of this bird. It appeared that the
toe on one foot has been cut. This may be a captive bird that has either
escaped or been released. It is a beautiful male CINNAMON TEAL. But again
there is some question about the origin of this bird. Keep that in mind
before you head out there. The CINNAMON TEAL is feeding on the open water
with the Mallards at the pond of the Villa Louis. It is a very tame
approachable bird. Been photographed by people.
Also the adult male BARROW'S GOLDEN EYE was seen yesterday in Milwaukee.
This bird is seen off of Doctor's Park, located on the north side of
Milwaukee County, about 1/2 miles south of Brown Deer Road. This is also a
good area to check for Scoters from time to time.
All three species of SCOTERS continue to be seen in and around Harrington
Beach State Park. Check the area at the south end of the park. Maybe you
will find some Scoters at the park itself.
