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1999 WSO Hotline Reports

*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*30 December 1999
*WIST9912.30

- Birds Mentioned
Varied Thrush
Snowy Owl
Great Gray Owl
Barrow's Goldeneye
Short-eared Owl
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Thursday, December 30, 1999. A GREAT GRAY OWL was seen today at dusk in Bayfield County just west of the city of Cornucopia. Check along the highway in the area of Lost Creeks #1,2 & 3.
There is a VARIED THRUSH coming to a feeder in Waukesha County. For directions and permission to see the bird call Judy at 262-968-3242. Remember to be courteous and call after 8am and before 9pm.
Two BARROW'S GOLDENEYES are being seen at Virmond park in Ozaukee County. An adult female was present with the adult male on the Milwaukee Christmas count.
A SNOWY OWL was seen last week in Waukesha County along Calhoun Road just south of Capitol Drive. No recent reports on this bird.
SHORT-EARED OWLS are being seen in a few locations. Birds are being seen at the Bong Recreation area in Kenosha County. Also, Short-ears have been reported at the Buena Vista Marsh south of Steven's Point.....check along Swamp Road.
Some winter finches are being seen in the Nicolet National Forest. Check the feeders along Hwy 55. EVENING GROSBEAKS and REDPOLLS were seen in this area in the past week. A few WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were also seen.
At Old A Bog south of Three Lakes BOREAL CHICADEES and GRAY JAYS are being seen. So far no reports of Black-backed Woodpeckers or Spruce Grouse. Also check along the Scott-Shelp Lake area on Forest Road 2183.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*17 December 1999
*WIST9912.17

- Birds Mentioned
Varied Thrush
Eared Grebe
Snowy Owls
Bohemian Waxwing
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Friday, December 17, 1999. There is a VARIED THRUSH coming to a feeder in Waukesha County. For directions and permission to see the bird call Judy at 262-968-3242. Remember to be courteous and call after 8am and before 9pm.
BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS have been reported from central Wisconsin. A few birds are being seen in Wausau at the Westwood Center. To reach this location take Hwy 51/I-39 through Wausau. Take exit 193 (Bridge St.). At the stop sign go left and go 1 block up the hill and turn right into the Westwood Center. The birds have been seen on the berry trees at the entrance and further down the drive. At least 8 Bohemians were seen this week mixed in with CEDAR WAXWINGS. This is a very good location this time of year but once the berries are depleted the birds will move on. BOHEMIANS were also reported from the west side of Stevens Point along Hwy 10. The birds were present in the fruit/berry trees at the Bank One building.
The SNOWY OWL in Kenosha County is still being seen. This bird was first reported early in the week. The bird is being seen at the junction of Hwy 50 and Hwy 31. The Snowy was last seen flying toward the airport which might be the spot where this bird is "hanging" out. No recent reports on the Snowys that were seen in Kewanee and Sheboygan. There was a report of a Snowy on the north side of Milwaukee but this bird was injured by a car and is at a rehabilitator at this time.
Another EARED GREBE has been reported, this time from Oconto. The bird was seen from the lakefront in Oconto near the fishing pier at the end of Hwy Y. The bird was reported Thursday.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*11 December 1999
*WIST9912.11

- Birds Mentioned
Yellow-throated Warbler
Eared Grebe
Snowy Owls
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Saturday, December 11, 1999. The PURPLE SANDPIPER that was being in Milwaukee has not been reported since Tuesday. Purple Sandpipers have been seen in good numbers in Michigan this year so it pays to keep checking good habitat for these birds. Rocky jetties and algae-covered shorelines are good places to check. Sheboygan has very good habitat right now and has been a consistent producer of these birds over the years.
A YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER is back where one bird spent the winter two years ago. The bird is being seen north of La Crosse at the home of Leif and Carol Marking. To get permission to see the bird call 608-781-0323. The bird has been coming to their feeder for the last couple of weeks. The bird usually comes about 7:30 am and then is not seen for an hour or two. Once we get some snow fall the bird may visit the feeder more often.
An EARED GREBE was present last weekend in Ephraim in Door County. The bird was seen in the Ephraim harbor. There have been no recent updates on this bird. If anyone has a more recent sighting please call the hotline. Eared Grebes have been hard to find in the state this year.
SNOWY OWLS were seen last weekend. One bird was present in the Kewanee harbor. Another was seen in Sheboygan harbor around the far east breakwall. Good traditional locations for these birds include some of the farms south of Green Bay, the Buena Vista Grasslands south of Stevens Point and areas around Abbotsford.
A few good Gulls have been seen recently in Milwaukee off the Shorewood Nature Preserve just south of Capitol Drive. Two LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS, a three year bird and an adult. Also, a THAYER'S GULL was seen at this location.
A THAYER'S GULL has been quite regular at the Port Washington harbor.
The PACIFIC LOON that has been in Madison for the past three weeks may have moved on. There have been no recent reports of this bird.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*03 December 1999
*WIST9912.03

- Birds Mentioned
Yellow-throated Warbler
Pacific Loon
Barrow's Goldeneye
Scoters
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Friday, December 3, 1999. A YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER is back were one bird spent the winter two years ago. The bird is being seen north of La Crosse at the home of Leif and Carol Marking. To get permission to see the bird call 608-781-0323. The bird has been coming to their feeder for the last couple of weeks. The bird usually comes about 7:30 am and then is not seen for an hour or two. Once we get some snow fall the bird may visit the feeder more often.
A few SNOWY OWL reports have come in this week. One bird is being seen on the south side of Stevens Point along Rainbow Drive near Business 51. Another Snowy was seen yesterday at the Kewanee Harbor.
The PACIFIC LOON is still being seen on the western side of Lake Mendota in Madison. The bird has been seen from Spring Harbor beach, the end of Capitol Ave. and Marshall Park. The bird has been present for about a week and a half. On 12/1 a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen from the end of Capitol Avenue.
The adult male BARROW'S GOLDENEYE is still being seen at Virmond Park in Ozaukee County. A male Barrow's Goldeneye has been seen at this location each fall since 1994. To reach Virmond Park take Mequon Road east from I-43. Follow the road as it bends sharply to the south. Go about another quarter mile and watch for the signs to Virmond Park. Last Sunday at Virmond all three SCOTER species were seen. All three Scoter species were also seen just south of Kohler-Andrea State Park.
The Harlequin Duck that was being seen at Harrington Beach State Park has apparently moved on.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*26 November 1999
*WIST9911.26

- Birds Mentioned
Pacific Loon
Barrow's Goldeneye
Thayer's Gull
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Friday, November 26, 1999. The PACIFIC LOON is still being seen on the western side of Lake Mendota in Madison. The bird has been seen from Spring Harbor beach, the end of Capitol Ave. and Marshall Park. The bird has been present for about a week and a half.
The adult male BARROW'S GOLDENEYE is still being seen at Virmond Park in Ozaukee County. A male Barrow's Goldeneye has been seen at this location each fall since 1994. Also this week a RED-NECKED GREBE and a RED-THROATED LOON were seen. To reach Virmond Park take Mequon Road east from I-43. Follow the road as it bends sharply to the south. Go about another quarter mile and watch for the signs to Virmond Park.
In northern Wisconsin a hunter reported hearing numerous PINE GROSBEAKS near Tomahawk this week. There have not been many new reports of REDPOLLS. It may take a push of winter weather before we see an increase in the winter finches.
The Purple Sandpiper is no longer being seen at Harrington Beach State Park. Also the Red Phalarope that was in Milwaukee for so long seem to have moved on.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*19 November 1999
*WIST9911.19

- Birds Mentioned
Purple Sandpiper
Pacific Loon
Red Phalarope
Harlequin Duck
Barrow's Goldeneye
Eider Species
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Friday, November 19, 1999. A PURPLE SANDPIPER was found yesterday and was seen again today at Harrington Beach State Park. The bird has been seen at the rocky point in the center of the park. The female HARLEQUIN also continues to be seen at this location. An EIDER species was seen here and a RED-THROATED LOON. The PACIFIC LOON is still being seen on the western side of Lake Mendota in Madison. The bird has been seen from Spring Harbor beach, the end of Capitol Ave. and Marshall Park. A male BARROW'S GOLDENEYE has been seen at Virmond Park in Ozaukee County since Thursday. A male Barrow's Goldeneye has been seen at this location each fall since 1994. Also, a RED-NECKED GREBE was seen at the south end of the park. One RED PHALAROPE is still being seen north of Bradford Beach in Milwaukee. To reach this location take the 794 by-pass toward the lake and go north on Lincoln Memorial Drive. Go north for about 2-1/2 miles and the beach will be on the right. The bird has been seen at different spots along the shore from the rocky point north to the old Gun Club property. Another female HARLEQUIN has been reported at Doctors Park on the north end of Milwaukee County. Further north there have been reports of a few PINE GROSBEAKS. Also, there have been reports of EVENING GROSBEAKS, and a few CROSSBILLS and REDPOLLS.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*11 November 1999
*WIST9911.11

- Birds Mentioned
Pacific Loon
Black-backed Woodpecker
Red Phalarope
Harlequin Duck
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Monday, November 15, 1999. The male Selasphorus Hummingbird That was being seen in Crawford County has not been seen since last week thursday. The Harris Sparrow that was seen at the Humane Society was not seen over the weekend. A PACIFIC LOON was found yesterday on the western side of Lake Mendota in Madison. The bird has been seen for the last two days from Spring Harbor beach on Lake Mendota. The last few years there have been more Pacific Loons seen on large inland lakes than on Lake Michigan. A BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER was seen this weekend in Forest County. The bird was seen on Forest Road 2183 near the Scott-Shelp Lake area. BOREAL CHICKADEE'S, GRAY JAY'S and SPRUCE GROUSE were seen south of Three Lakes at the "Old A" bog. If you plan to look for these birds remember that the gun deer season starts this weekend and this area is heavily hunted. It would be best to stay out of these woods while the hunting season is on. There also was a report of a female BARROW'S GOLDENEYE on Saturday at Virmond Park in Ozaukee County. A male Barrow's Goldeneye has been seen at this location each fall since 1994. One RED PHALAROPE is still being seen north of Bradford Beach in Milwaukee. To reach this location take the 794 by-pass towards the lake and go north on Lincoln Memorial Drive. Go north for about 2-1/2 miles and the beach will be on the right. The bird has been seen at different spots along the shore from the rocky point north to the old Gun Club property. A HARLEQUIN DUCK is being seen at Harrington Beach State Park. The bird was seen just north of the rocky point that juts into the lake. SCOTERS are being seen in the Cleveland area and at Virmond Park in southern Ozaukee County.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*11 November 1999
*WIST9911.11

- Birds Mentioned
Red Phalarope
Harlequin Duck
Common Crane
Selasphorus Hummingbird
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Thursday, November11, 1999. An immature male Selasphorus Hummingbird, probably a RUFOUS, is being seen in Crawford County in western Wisconsin. The Selasporus includes the Rufous and Allens but these cannot be safely distinguished in the field, so for now we'll call it a ROFOUS. The bird is being seen in the town of Eastman in Crawford County. From the town of Eastman take Hwy 27 north for one-and-a-half miles. The road to turn on is called "Wallridge." This is in the Gazeteer but, unfortunately, the sign for the road is down. The is a sign for Zabell (sp?) equipment near/at Wallridge road. You will turn left or west on Wallridge for two miles. There will be a farm on the south side of the road called "Oakridge farm." The fire number is 59591. The bird is coming to a feeder which is on the north side of the house. You can park in the driveway. The lady who lives there is happy to have people come and look at the bird. It has been coming to the feeder about every 20 to 25 minutes. The SPOTTED TOWHEE at Picnic Point in Madison has not been seen for a week. One RED PHALAROPE is still being seen north of Bradford Beach in Milwaukee. To reach this location take the 794 by-pass towards the lake and go north on Lincoln Memorial Drive. Go north for about 2-1/2 miles and the beach will be on the right. The bird has been seen at different spots along the shore from the rocky point north to the old Gun Club property. Another HARLEQUIN DUCK is being seen at Harrington Beach State Park. The bird was seen just north of the rocky point that juts into the lake. A few days ago all three SCOTER species were seen in this area. SCOTERS are being seen in the Cleveland area and at Virmond Park in southern Ozaukee County. A COMMON CRANE is being seen in Indiana at the Jasper-Pulaski Wildlife area. For more information call the Indiana hotline at 317-259-0911.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*06 November 1999
*WIST9911.06

- Birds Mentioned
Spotted Towhee
Red Phalarope
Harlequin Duck
Short-eared Owl
Scoter species
Common Crane
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Saturday, November 6, 1999. This is a second update. An immature male Selasphorus Hummingbird, probably a RUFOUS, is being seen in Crawford County in western Wisconsin. The Selasporus includes the Rufous and Allens but these cannot be safely distinguished in the field, so for now we'll call it a RUFOUS. The bird is being seen in the town of Eastman in Crawford County. From the town of Eastman take Hwy 27 north for one-and-a-half miles. The road to turn on is called "Wallridge." This is in the Gazeteer but, unfortunately, the sign for the road is down. The is a sign for Zabell (sp?) equipment near/at Wallridge road. You will turn left or west on Wallridge for two miles. There will be a farm on the south side of the road called "Oakridge farm." The fire number is 59591. The bird is coming to a feeder which is on the north side of the house. You can park in the driveway. The lady who lives there is happy to have people come and look at the bird. It has been coming to the feeder about every 20 to 25 minutes. A SPOTTED TOWHEE is being seen in Madison. The bird is present at the UW arboretum near Picnic Point. To reach this location park in the Picnic Point parking lot which is located along University Bay Drive. This area is just north of the Eagle Heights Gardens. Picnic Point is on the south end of Lake Mendota, just north of the UW campus. Park in the lot and walk up the paved road just north of the parking lot. Follow the road to the second bend left. Here you will go up and over a hill. There is a bushy area near a dirt pile and a pile of logs. This is where the SPOTTED TOWHEE is being seen. Apparently this bird has been here for a few days. One RED PHALAROPE is still being seen north of Bradford Beach in Milwaukee. To reach this location take the 794 by-pass towards the lake and go north on Lincoln Memorial Drive. Go north for about 2-1/2 miles and the beach will be on the right. The bird has been seen at different spots along the shore from the rocky point north to the old Gun Club property. A HARLEQUIN DUCK was seen here on Thursday. Another HARLEQUIN DUCK is being seen at Harrington Beach State Park. The bird was seen just north of the rocky point that juts into the lake. A few days ago all three SCOTER species were seen in this area. SCOTERS are being seen in the Cleveland area and at Virmond Park in southern Ozaukee County. A COMMON CRANE is being seen in Indiana at the Jasper-Pulaski Wildlife area. For more information call the Indiana hotline at 317-259-0911. Up to four SHORT-EARED OWLS are being seen at the Milwaukee Coast Guard Impoundment. The best time to look for these birds is just before dusk when they become active and start hunting.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*01 November 1999
*WIST9911.01

- Birds Mentioned
Red Phalarope
Harlequin Duck
Red-throated Loon
Northern Shrikes
Common Redpoll
Hoary Redpoll
Short-eared Owl
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Monday, November 2, 1999. The BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING DUCK in Trempealeau County could not be found over the weekend. On Saturday the bird was searched for by boat and could not be found. The bird had been seen only sporadically in the past week. One RED PHALAROPE is still being seen north of Bradford Beach in Milwaukee. To reach this location take the 794 by-pass towards the lake and go north on Lincoln Memorial Drive. Go north for about 2-1/2 miles and the beach will be on the right. The bird has been seen at different spots along the shore from the rocky point north to the old Gun Club property. A female SUMMER TANAGER is still being seen at Bluegill Bay County Park in Marathon County. The bird has been calling recently and has been easy to locate. A female HARLEQUIN DUCK was seen yesterday at Harrington Beach State Park. The bird was seen just north of the rocky point that juts into the lake. A RED-THROATED LOON was also seen at this location. Up to four SHORT-EARED OWLS are being seen at the Milwaukee Coast Guard Impoundment. The best time to look for these birds is just before dusk when they become active and start hunting. There have been a few interesting reports of some winter Finches. One observer spotted a WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL at Virmond Park in Southern Ozaukee County. Over the weekend another observer had a small flock of COMMON REDPOLLS and one HOARY REDPOLL in Algoma. Apparently this is a record early date for the Hoary Redpoll. It seems like good numbers of Redpolls and Northern Shrikes are moving through the state right now. Hopefully this will be a good winter for both of these species.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*28 October 1999
*WIST9910.28

- Birds Mentioned
Red Phalarope
Black-bellied Whistling Duck
Scoters
Red-throated Loon
Northern Shrikes
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Thursday, October 28, 1999. The last report of the BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING DUCK in Trempealeau County was from Monday morning. The bird is being seen on Lake Marinucka in Galesville. To reach this location take Hwy 53 north of I-90 into the town of Galesville. Once in Galesville turn west (left) onto Ridge Avenue. Take Ridge to the west and turn right onto north 4th Street. Go seven tenths of a mile on 4th street. At this point the road bends to the left and then sharply to the right. At this point is a sheltered bay where the bird was last seen. Check in the bay and along the tree line. The Two RED PHALAROPES are still being seen north of Bradford Beach in Milwaukee. To reach this location take the 794 by-pass towards the lake and go north on Lincoln Memorial Drive. Go north for about three miles and the beach will be on the right. The birds are being seen at the far north end of the beach around the rocky point and along the shore line. A female SUMMER TANAGER was seen at Bluegill Bay County Park in Marathon County. This bird could not be relocated. It does pay to look for unusual passerines at this time of year. A couple of RED-THROATED LOONS have been seen this week at Harrington Beach State Park in Ozaukee County. A pair of BLACK SCOTERS were also seen at this location. COMMON REDPOLLS are being seen in fairly good numbers in south-eastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. These birds were pretty scarce last year, hopefully there will be more around this year. I have also received several reports of NORTHERN SHRIKES in central and south-eastern Wisconsin in the past week. No birds are hanging around but Shrikes are starting to move through the state right now.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*24 October 1999
*WIST9910.24

- Birds Mentioned
Red Phalarope
Black-bellied Whistling Duck
Scoters
Northern Goshawk
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Sunday, October 24, 1999. Only one BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING DUCK remains in Trempealeau County. The bird is being seen on Lake Marinucka in Galesville. To reach this location take Hwy 53 north of I-90 into the town of Galesville. Once in Galesville turn west (left) onto Ridge Avenue. Take Ridge to the west and turn right onto north 4th Street. Go approximately 1/2 mile and there is a bay on the right side of the road. Check this area and a little further north where the road makes a small bend. The bird has been seen on the far side of the lake in the area of some Birch trees. The bird can be found feeding at the edge of the water or resting on a snag or fallen logs in the water. The Two RED PHALAROPES that were being seen at Doctors Park have apparently moved south. The birds were seen today just north of Bradford beach in Milwaukee feeding along the rocky shoreline. Yesterday, all three SCOTER species were seen from the property of Concordia College in Mequon. There was also some good hawk movement including a few GOSHAWKS. This is a good time of the year to be checking for Goshawks. The best days have winds that are westerly or north-westerly.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*22 October 1999
*WIST9910.22

- Birds Mentioned
Red Phalarope
Black-bellied Whistling Duck
Brandt
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Tuesday, October 19, 1999. Ten BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING DUCKS are being seen at a lake in Trempealeau County. The birds are being seen on Lake Marinucka in Galesville. Apparently these birds have been present for a couple weeks. There are two adult birds and eight immature birds. To reach this location take Hwy 53 north of I-90 into the town of Galesville. Once in Galesville turn west (left) onto Ridge Avenue. Take Ridge to the west and turn right onto north 4th Street. Go approximately 1/2 mile and there is a bay on the right side of the road. Check this area and a little further north where the road makes a small bend. The birds tend to favor the branches of trees over the water and the fallen logs in the water. Trempealeau Wildlife Refuge had good numbers of ducks today, including four WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, which are very unusual this far from Lake Michigan. South of Goose Island, near La Crosse, good numbers of AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS and TUNDRA SWANS are being seen. This is about 1/2 mile south of Goose Island. Two RED PHALAROPES are being seen at Doctors Park in Milwaukee. To get to Doctors Park take Brown Deer Road east from I-43. Follow Brown Deer Road and follow the bend to the south. Continue south for about a half mile and the entrance for the park will be on the left. Follow the path to the beach. Then walk the beach to the south end of the park. The birds have been seen feeding on and around a large algae mat that has washed ashore. Just south of Doctors Park one observer reported a BRANDT with about thirty CANADA GEESE. The birds was seen along the lake at about 7600 north.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*20 October 1999
*WIST9910.20

- Birds Mentioned
Red Phalarope
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Wednesday, October 20, 1999. Not one but Two RED PHALAROPES were seen today just south of the Schlitz Audubon Center in Doctors Park. To reach Doctors Parks take Brown Deer Road east of I-43. Instead of going straight to the Audubon Center, follow the road that bends right. Follow this road for about a half mile and the park will be on the left. Once in the park walk down to the beach. The birds were present on the south end of the beach feeding around an algae mat that has washed ashore. Hopefully these birds will stick around for the weekend so that more people will have a chance to see them.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*19 October 1999
*WIST9910.19

- Birds Mentioned
Red Phalarope
Red-throated Loon
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Tuesday, October 19, 1999. A RED PHALAROPE was seen today at the Schlitz Audubon Center in northern Milwaukee County. The bird was seen for most of the day. To reach the Center take Brown Deer Road east from I-43. Drive towards the lake and follow the signs into the Audubon Center. The Center is open from 8:30am to 4:30 pm weekdays. There is an entrance fee for non-members. To find the bird you can ask for directions at the visitors center or just follow the path to the lake and check the shoreline. A RED-THROATED LOON was seen at Virmond Park in southern Ozaukee County. The bird was seen from the south end of the park. This is the first report I've heard of for RTL in the fall.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*14 October 1999
*WIST9910.14


Highlights from last week
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Thursday, October 14, 1999. A few very interesting birds were seen last week, unfortunately, none stayed around very long. In Milwaukee County there was a report of a GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE coming to a feeder. This bird was observed in the evening and the greater part of the next day before it moved on. Also in Milwaukee, a PARASITIC JAEGER was seen flying in the inner harbor just north of the Coast Guard impoundment. There were strong easterly winds on this day which may have blown the bird in from the lake. This may have been the same Jaeger that was seen earlier in the day off Bradford Beach by a different observer. Watch for those Jaegers on days with easterly winds. Finally, at the AW ponds there was a fly-over by an immature SWAINSON'S HAWK. There are some good areas to bird right now in the Green Bay area. The Ken Eures nature trail in the Atkinson Marsh has good shorebird habitat with westerly winds. Last week both MARBLED and HUDSONIAN GODWITS were seen. Recently a Red Knot was seen along with a good number and variety of other shorebirds. Fall is a good time to be watching for LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS. These birds usually migrate later than Short-billed. Another good location for shorebirds is the Big Eau Pleine Flowage north of Stevens Point. The water lever is down right now and there is excellent habitat for shorebirds. SCOTERS are being seen in a few locations right now. A few birds were seen south of Cleveland and also in Door County.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*06 October 1999
*WIST9910.07

- Birds Mentioned
Great Gray Owl
Sharp-tailed Sparrow
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Wednesday, October 7, 1999. This has been a very slow week for reports on the hotline. A GREAT GRAY OWL has been seen very infrequently in far northern Wisconsin. The bird has been seen about two miles east of Port Wing along Hwy 13. The WSO field trip last weekend was not able to find this bird but this may be worth a check if you are in the area. NELSON'S SHARP-TAILED SPARROWS were reported last at the south-east corner of the Milwaukee Coast Guard Impoundment. A wood chip pile here is attracting a good variety of sparrows. There are some good areas to bird right now in the Green Bay area. The Ken Eures nature trail in the Atkinson Marsh has good shorebird habitat with westerly winds. Last week both MARBLED and HUDSONIAN GODWITS were seen. Recently a Red Knot was seen along with a good number and variety of other shorebirds. Also in Green Bay at the mouth of the Fox River there is a good gathering of BONAPARTE'S GULLS and TERNS. Last fall A LITTLE GULL and a BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE were seen at this location. With the large concentration of gulls a Jaeger might even be drawn in from out on the lake. A large algae mat has washed up on the beach at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee. This is a good area in the fall for shore birds and RED KNOTS have been seen at this location. Hopefully this spot will attract some more unusual birds.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*27 September 1999
*WIST9909.27

- Birds Mentioned
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Sharp-tailed Sparrow
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Monday, September 27, 1999. Wisconsin Point in Superior is very good right now. The WSO field trip did quite well this past weekend. Some interesting birds that were seen include POMARINE and PARASITIC JAEGER. HARRIS SPARROWS are also easy to find at the Point this time of year. A couple of WESTERN GREBE'S were seen on Friday before the field trip began. There was also a good assortment of lingering passerines and shorebirds in the area. East of Superior, in the town of Port Wing, an adult MEW and ICELAND GULL were seen in the Port Wing Harbor. In Madison the LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL is back for the 5th or 6th year in a row. The bird is being seen, generally, on the west side of Madison or in Middleton. Good locations to look for the bird include Tiedeman's and Stricker's Ponds in the town of Middleton and at a soccer field just north of the Beltline Hwy. To get to the soccer field exit the Beltline (Hwy12-14) at the Gammon Road exit. Take Gammon Rd north thru the Odana intersection and take the next right (Gammon Place) to the soccer field. Continue north on Gammon Road from Gammon Place into the town of Middleton until you reach Fortune Drive. Take a left on Fortune and follow the back roads to Tiedeman's and Stricker's Ponds. This bird has been quite regular in the fall and early winter. NELSON'S SHARP-TAILED SPARROWS have not been reported in the last few days but this is the peak time of year for these birds. In Milwaukee check Harbor Island behind the Summerfest grounds and the south side of the Milwaukee Coast Guard impoundment. Occasionally Sharp-tails have been found on the north side of the impoundment.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*22 September 1999
*WIST9909.22

- Birds Mentioned
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Sharp-tailed Sparrow
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Wednesday, September 22, 1999. In Madison the LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL is back for the 5th or 6th year in a row. The bird is being seen, generally, on the west side of Madison or in Middleton. Good locations to look for the bird include Tiedeman's and Stricker's Ponds in the town of Middleton and at a soccer field just north of the Beltline Hwy. To get to the soccer field exit the Beltline (Hwy12-14) at the Gammon Road exit. Take Gammon Rd north thru the Odana intersection and take the next right (Gammon Place) to the soccer field. Continue north on Gammon Road from Gammon Place into the town of Middleton until you reach Fortune Drive. Take a left on Fortune and follow the back roads to Tiedeman's and Stricker's Ponds. This bird has been quite regular in the fall and early winter. SHARP-TAILED SPARROWS have not been reported in the last few days but this is the peak time of year for these birds. In Milwaukee check Harbor Island behind the Summerfest grounds and the south side of the Milwaukee Coast Guard impoundment. Occasionally Sharp-tails have been found on the north side of the impoundment. BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS have been reported this week from the Racine County sod farms. These birds have been present on the south side of Burmeister Road east of Hwy S. Check the area just before Burmeister Rd meets up with Britain (sp?) Rd. A few AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVERS have also been seen here. In the last update from the Rainbow Road sod farms east of Steven's Point there were reports of AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVERS but no BUFF-BREASTED. Hawk movement in the Midwest has been quite impressive recently. Hawk Ridge in Duluth reported almost 40,000 Broadwinged hawks in a single day. In southern Michigan there was a report of 500,000 Broadwings.....an amazing number. Numbers like these have not been seen in Wisconsin but this is a good time to be looking for Hawk movement along Lake Michigan. The best times to look are days with westerly winds especially after a cold front.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*15 September 1999
*WIST9909.15

- Birds Mentioned
Piping Plover
Snowy Egret
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Sharp-tailed Sparrow
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Wednesday, September 15, 1999. A PIPING PLOVER is still being seen on the beach between Manitowoc and Two Rivers. The bird was seen just north of the last pull-off on the right hand side of the road towards Two Rivers.....just south of the Lighthouse Inn. There was a sign on the road for Paragon Electric near where the bird was spotted. SNOWY EGRETS are being seen in the Green Bay area right now. Good places to check include the Barkhausen Preserve, the west end of the Ken Euers Nature Trail. Also, just south of the Atkinson Marsh check the "tank ponds." When the winds are out of the west the Ken Eures Trail and the Harbor Lights Rd area have good habitat for shorebirds. SHARP-TAILED SPARROWS have been reported at the Coast Guard Impoundment and Harbor Island in Milwaukee. Buff-breasted Sandpipers have also been reported from the Rainbow Road Sod farms on the east side of Stevens Point. This area is located north of Hwy 10. The ponds in Dodge County are just about dried up. One of the few remaining areas of standing water is on the west side of Hwy 151 .2 (two tenths) of a mile north of Oakwood Road.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*09 September 1999
*WIST9909.09

- Birds Mentioned
Piping Plover
Western Tanager
Snowy Egret
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Thursday, September 9, 1999. A PIPING PLOVER was seen on Monday and Tuesday this week on the beach between Manitowoc and Two Rivers. The bird was seen just north of the last pull-off on the right hand side of the road towards Two Rivers.....just south of the Lighthouse Inn. There was a sign on the road for Paragon Electric near where the bird was spotted. A WESTERN TANAGER was seen briefly at a park near Appleton on Sunday. This bird flew away and could not be relocated. Fall can be a good time to get out and look for migrating passerines. Western vagrants are sometimes seen as well. SNOWY EGRETS are being seen in the Green Bay area right now. Good places to check include the Barkhausen Preserve, the west end of the Ken Euers Nature Trail. Also, just south of the Atkinson Marsh check the "tank ponds." When the winds are out of the west the Ken Eures Trail and the Harbor Lights Rd area have good habitat for shorebirds. Other good shorebird habitat includes the AW ponds north of Beaver Dam. The best pond right now may be the one found by taking Breezy Point Rd east of Hwy151 and turning south on Juniper. Last week an American Avocet was seen here and Red Phalaropes were seen the week before. BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS have been seen from Breezy Point Rd just west of Hwy 151. Buff-breasted Sandpipers have also been reported from the Rainbow Road Sod farms on the east side of Stevens Point. This area is located north of Hwy 10.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*02 September 1999
*WIST9909.02
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Thursday, September 2, 1999. An AMERICAN AVOCET has been reported near Breezy Point Rd. Take Breezy Point east of Hwy 151 to Juniper Rd. Take Juniper south of Breezy Point. The are two ponds in this area. The Avocet has been seen in the larger of the two ponds. This is the area where the RED-NECKED PHALAROPES were seen. If you take Breezy Point Rd west of Hwy 151 there is also good shorebird habitat. Also check Hwy W just north of Hwy A. As always, avoid the farm house on Hwy A. He does not like birders nears his house and NEVER trespass on his property. There have been no reports of the Black-necked Stilts in the last few days. These birds may have moved on. Earlier this week, at the Manitowoc Impoundment, a couple of WHIMBRELS were seen for a few days. The birds may have moved on though. A RED KNOT was also reported in Manitowoc. The Milwaukee Impoundment has only fair habitat right now but may be worth checking. Another place to check right now is at Bradford beach in Milwaukee. The algae mats wash up this time of year and often attract shorebirds and gulls. In November this is one of the best place in the state to look for Red Phalaropes. AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS are been seen in good numbers over Horicon Marsh. Up to 100 birds have been seen flying over the marsh. Any area of the marsh should be checked at this time for these birds.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*27 August 1999
*WIST9908.27

- Birds Mentioned
Red-necked Phalarope
Buff-breasted Sandpipers
Black-necked Stilt
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Friday, August 27, 1999. The Blue Grosbeak that was in La Crosse has not been seen for a few days. This bird may have moved on. The BLACK-NECKED STILTS are still being seen north-east of Beaver Dam. The best location so far is on the east side of Hwy W just north of Hwy A. Be cautious around the first farmhouse on the right just north of A. This farmer is NOT tolerant of birders so avoid the area near the house and respect his landowners rights at all times. The "AW" ponds area has been good for shore birds all week. On Sunday the WSO fieldtrip recorded 20 species of shorebirds. A number of RED-NECKED PHALAROPES have been reported near Breezy Point Rd. Take Breezy Point east of Hwy 151 to Juniper Rd. Take Juniper south of Breezy Point. The are two ponds in this area where the Phaloropes have been seen. In Green Bay there is good shorebird habitat which can be seen from the end of Harbor Lights Road. The viewing is most productive when the winds are from the west or south-west. These winds lower the water a bit and expose more mud flat for the birds. Also check the Ken Eures Nature Trail in the Atkinson Marsh just north of Green Bay. BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS have been reported at the sod farms south of Wind Lake in northern Racine County. Check along Hwy S and Burmeister Road. BUFF-BREASTED are also being reported at the Rainbow road sod farms east of Steven's Point. Check along Rainbow road just north of Hwy10 on the far east side of Steven's Point.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*18 August 1999
*WIST9908.18

- Birds Mentioned
Blue Grosbeak
Buff-breasted Sandpipers
Black-necked Stilt
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Wednesday, August 18, 1999. An immature male BLUE GROSBEAK is being seen in north-east La Crosse County.This bird has been here for over a week now and the property owners have given their permission to put the bird on the hotline. The bird is being seen along Hwy A. If coming from the east, take Hwy 162 north of I-90 for about 10 miles to Hwy A. Go west on A for 3.1 miles. The residence is on the south side of Hwy A. The name on the mailbox is "Aaesen" and there is a Cardinal on the mailbox. From the west go 4 miles east of Hwy C. The bird is being seen most frequently on the Aaesen's property or just to the east in the pasture. The best time to find the bird is from about 6:15 to about 9:AM. The bird is often conspicuous during this time. The BLACK-NECKED STILTS have been seen on and off for the past week.The birds are being seen at the AW ponds north-east of Beaver Dam. The best location so far is on the east side of Hwy W just north of Hwy A. Be cautious around the first farmhouse on the right just north of A. This farmer is NOT tolerant of birders so avoid the area near the house and respect his landowners rights at all times. BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS have been reported at the sod farms south of Wind Lake in northern Racine County. Check along Hwy S and Burmeister Road. BUFF-BREASTED are also being reported at the Rainbow road sod farms east of Steven's Point. Check along Rainbow road just north of Hwy10 on the far east side of Steven's Point.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*14 August 1999
*WIST9908.14

- Birds Mentioned
Little Blue Herons
Pomarine Jaeger
Buff-breasted Sandpipers
Henslow's Sparrows
Black-necked Stilt
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Saturday, August 14, 1999. The immature LITTLE BLUE HERON is still being seen in N.W. Winnebago County at the Deltox marsh area. Take Hwy 110 west from the town of Zittau. Go west on 110 for 1.7 miles to Schmitt Rd. Turn right on Schmitt Rd and follow the dirt road east to a small parking area. From the parking area there is a dike that runs to the east. The Little Blue was seen north of the dike in the northeast corner of the pond. This bird was seen from quite a distance so a scope is recommended. There have no updates on the birds seen at the Stonecroft property in Ozaukee County. Last weekend there was an immature LITTLE BLUE HERON was seen at Horicon along the Old Marsh Road. This area is open only on weekends and only to foot or bike travel. Other good locations to check for Little Blues at this time are the Tank ponds around Green Bay, the Atkinson Marsh or the Bay Beach Wildlife Sactuary. The BLACK-NECKED STILTS have been seen on and off for the past week.The birds are being seen at the AW ponds nort-east of Beaver Dam. The best location so far is on the east side of Hwy W just north of Hwy A. Be cautious around the first farmhouse on the right just north of A. This farmer is NOT tolerant of birders so avoid the area near the house and respect his landowners rights at all times. STAY ON THE ROAD. BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS have been reported at the sod farms south of Wind Lake in northern Racine County. Take Hwy S south from Wind Lake. Check along Hwy S north of Burmeister Rd. Two birds were seen this week on the west side of "S" just past Burmeister. Another good place to check is at the intersection of Burmeister and Britton Rds just east of Hwy S. Also check these areas for AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVERS. Todat at Horicon an observer reported a possible POMARINE JAEGER. This bird was seen from the Main Dike Rd. Jaegers sometimes stick around for a day or two so it may be worth keeping an eye out for this bird. HENSLOW'S SPARROWS were seen on friday at the Jersey Flats prairie restoration project. This is located in the northern Kettle Moraine area.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*05 August 1999
*WIST9908.05

- Birds Mentioned
Little Blue Herons
Yellow-crowned Night Heron
Buff-breasted Sandpipers
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Thursday, August 5, 1999. The influx of LITTLE BLUE HERONS into northern Illinois has apparently spilled over into Wisconsin. Yesterday an immature Little Blue was found in N.W. Winnebago County at the Deltox (sp?) marsh area. Take Hwy 110 west from the town of Zittau. Go west on 110 for 1.7 miles to Schmitt Rd. Turn right on Schmitt Rd and follow the dirt road east to a small parking area. From the parking area there is a dike that runs to the east. The Little Blue was seen north of the dike in the north-east corner of the pond. This bird was seen from quite a distance so a scope is recommended. Today in Ozaukee County, just south of Port Washington, two immature Little Blues were seen at the Stonecroft Pond property. This is located about 2 miles south of Port Washington, just west of Hwy C. From Hwy C you can see a large sign that marks the west turn to the Stonecroft property. There is a pond on the north side of the entrance road where the two Herons were seen perched in a tree today. There is another spot to check just south of the Stonecroft pond along Hwy C. There is a waterfowl restoration project at the end of High Bluff Rd. There are a few ponds there that might be a good spot to check for the Herons if they're not seen at Stonecroft. This is a good time to check marsh areas around the state such as the marshes around Green Bay or the Horicon Marsh. Even places along the Mississippi River may be good places to check for Little Blue Herons. The Yellow-crowned Night Heron has not been seen at the Milwaukee Coast Guard impoundment for about a week now. However, an immature Yellow-crowned has been seen on a few occasions this week. Be careful when trying to ID this bird because there are many Black-crowned Night Herons present. BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS have been repoted at the sod farms south of Wind Lake in northern Racine County. Take Hwy S south from Wind Lake. Check along Hwy S north of Burmeister Rd. Two birds were seen this week on the west side of "S" just past Burmeister. Another good place to check is at the intersection of Burmeister and Britton Rds just east of Hwy S. There is some good shorebird habitat at Crex Meadows in Burnett County. The water is drawn down here and has exposed large areas of mud flats. Also a pond at Horicon Marsh has some good habitat. Two AMERICAN AVOCETS were seen here this past weekend. The pond is located at the junction of TW and Main Dike Rd. The pond is in the northwest corner of the intersection. The AW ponds in Dodge County have too much water right now. Check the area along Hwy W near the junction of Hwy W and Hwy A. There are a few good ponds here with lower water and good habitat. Also check Breezy Point Rd between Hwy W and Hwy 151. This area tends to dry up more quickly than some of the other ponds.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*27 July 1999
*WIST9907.27

- Birds Mentioned
Black-necked Stilt
Yellow-crowned Night Heron
Laughing Gull
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Tuesday, July 27, 1999. The BLACK-NECKED STILTS are still being seen at Horicon Marsh. The most recent reports place the birds at the dike that is WEST of the dike with the pumphouse. Look down the east side of this dike to a small area of open water. Persons with access to the marsh for research have seen five young. This is the first documented nesting of this bird in Wisconsin. The best time to look for the birds is early in the day or late. An adult YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERON is being seen at the Milwaukee Coast Guard impoundment. This bird has been seen on the north side of the impoundment in the mud where the gulls hang out. There is work going on during the day at the impoundment so best viewing is in the evening. Reports have come in that the AW ponds have too much water right now to be very good shorebird habitat. But this should improve later in the summer as the water goes down. There is a good pond on Hwy W noirth of Breezy Point Rd. The pond is along Hwy W where the road makes a 90 degree bend. There is also a good pond on Oakwood Road 1/2 mile east of Hwy 151. This is a good time of the year to be checking along lake Michigan. The LAUGHING GULL is still being seen occaisionally in Sheboygan. Check from North Point south towards the beach. This is also a good time of the year to be checking the sod farms for BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS. The best location in the state is still the sod farms south of Wind Lake in Racine County. Two TENNESSE WARBLERS have been reported this week. The southward movement of passerines is under way. This is also a good time of the year to be on the look out for HERONS and IBISES. These birds do tend to wander after breeding. The BROWN PELICAN that was reported on the Indiana hotline is still being seen.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*July 16, 1999
*WIST907.16

-Birds Mentioned
Black-necked Stilt
Northern Mockingbird
Franklin's Gull
Western Sandpiper
King Rail
Long-billed dowitcher
Red-necked Grebes
Cattle Egrets
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Friday, July 16, 1999. The BLACK-NECKED STILTS are still present at Horicon Marsh and have been confirmed to have successfully nested. People who have access to the interior of the marsh saw the birds were seen with 5 young birds over the last weekend. This is the first known nesting attempt for this species in Wisconsin. They have been easier to see lately. The best location to look for the BLACK-NECKED STILT is along Hwy 49 through the main part of Horicon Marsh - the Federal area. Look on the south side of Hwy 49. There is a dike with a new pump house building. Continue west of here on Hwy 49 to the second dike, one with a clump of willow trees right by Hwy 49. Look on the east side of this dike and follow the dike way back, as far as you can see. There is a small area of open water with some cattails that extend into the open water, like a little peninsula. The stilts are often seen feeding in this area. During the middle of the day the waves can make viewing difficult. Look either in the morning (6:15 - 9 am) or in the evening for the BLACK-NECKED STILT when the light is a little better Two NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRDS have been reported this past week. One bird is being seen in Door County. This bird is present about 3 miles north of the town of Jacksonport on the west side of Hwy A. The bird was seen and heard last weekend. The second Mockingbird was heard calling during the Greater Milwaukee Open Golf Tournament by several different birders through out the weekend. There haven't been any specifics on the location, but bird the Brown Deer Golf Course, the area where the announcers are present, probably near the main club house where a very vocal mockingbird could be heard during the TV broadcast. An interesting way to get a bird for the county. FRANKIN'S GULLS have been regular at the Milwaukee Coast Guard Impoundment. There have been 2 second summer birds and an adult bird there on occasion. Also today at the MCGI among the shorebirds were 2-3 WESTERN SANDPIPERS and a KING RAIL has been seen occasionally walking on the mudflats. The best viewing is by walking on the rocky wall on the north end of the impoundment and viewing the little bit of mud along the edge of the reeds in the area where the ducks and geese are loafing. There has been a decent variety of shorebirds here in the last week. Also the Franklin's gulls are being seen here quite regularly. Very good shorebird habitat is present at the AW Ponds just north of Beaver Dam in Dodge Co. The AW ponds are located just west of Hwy 151. Take Hwy W just north of Hwy A and there is some very good shorebird habitat along Hwy W. One word of caution when viewing this area. As you take Hwy W north of Hwy A on the right hand side of the road there is a farm house. The farmer does not appreciate birders parking anywhere near his property to view the ponds so do pay him some courtesy and avoid parking near his farm. The have been some ugly incidents here in the past and we would like to respect his wishes and park away from his house. There is good habitat along Hwy W and also good habitat that is drying up quickly along Breezy Point Road. Take Breezy Point Road east of Hwy W back toward Hwy 151. Hopefully the thunderstorms tonight will hit this areas as it is drying up quickly. Interesting birds seen in this area include LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER and STILT SANDPIPER. At Lake Mariah in Green Lake County, 8 RED-NECKED GREBES were seen today. Also at Horicon Marsh on the south side of Hwy 49 a few CATTLE EGRETS have been seen today as well.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*July 9, 1999
*WIST907.09

-Birds Mentioned
Northern Mockingbird
Laughing Gull
Franklin's Gull
Black-necked Stilt
Loggerhead Shrike
American White Pelican
Willet
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Friday, July 9, 1999. A NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD was found in Waukesha County earlier this week. It was being seen just north of the city of Big Bend. The Mockingbird was present along Edgewood Avenue about a half mile west of Hwy 164. The bird was present in a yard on the north side of Edgewood Ave. The number on the house is S86 W23570. The bird was in the yard west of the driveway feeding on some Mulberries. LAUGHING GULLS were being reported from several locations along Lake Michigan. One bird was reported at the tip of Seagull Bar in Marinette along with a FRANKLIN'S GULL earlier in the week. Also, LAUGHING GULLS have been reported at the Manitowoc Impoundment and just north of here on the rocky jetties Also, another LAUGHING GULL is being seen in Sheboygan anywhere from North Point south to the beach which is located just north of the harbor. And an adult LAUGHING GULL was seen a couple of times this week at the Milwaukee Coast Guard Impoundment. Also, along the lakefront, at least three FRANKLIN'S GULL were present today at the Milwaukee Coast Guard Impoundment, one adult bird and two second summer birds. One FRANKLIN'S GULL was seen at Seagull Bar as already mentioned. LITTLE GULLS have also been reported at the Manitowoc Impoundment. And at least one LITTLE GULL was present at North Point in Sheboygan earlier in the week At least one of the BLACK-NECKED STILTS was seen in Horicon Marsh last weekend. The birds have been difficult to find. The bird was seen when it flew up briefly when something disturbed the waterfowl causing them all to fly up. The best location to look for the BLACK-NECKED STILT is along Hwy 49 through the main part of Horicon Marsh - the Federal area. Look on the south side of Hwy 49. There is a dike with a new pump house building. Continue west of here on Hwy 49 to the second dike, one with a clump of willow trees right by Hwy 49. Look on the east side of this dike, if you follow the water along the edge of the dike, it looks like creek. Check the back corner of this area, check the shoreline and grassy areas where the BLACK-NECKED STILT are sometimes found. During the middle of the day the waves can make viewing difficult. Look either in the morning or in the evening for the BLACK-NECKED STILT when the light is a little better. Be prepared for a long wait because there is a fair amount of habitat that is not visible. {Transcriber's note: I had the bird at 6:30 am on Saturday July 10). Another pair of LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES was reported. Two birds were feeding a young bird that had already fledged. This location is in St. Croix County about 6-7 miles east of Hudson. The LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES are located at the corner of LaVarge and McKugcheon; this is about 2 miles east of County Road A. Other LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES feeding fledged young include the pair in Dunn County. There are being seen in the Zion Cemetery along Hwy I north of the town of Sand Creek. Also, there is the pair in Ozaukee County, north of Port Washington. Check on 6 Mile Road one half mile north of Dixie Road. Shorebirds reports continue to trickle in from around the state. Good shorebird habitat can be found at Crex Meadows in Burnett County, where the water is drawn down and there is excellent habitat. Check from North Dike Road or East Refuge Road. Also, at Horicon Marsh the water level has been quite low along the Main Dike a good location to check for shorebirds, also AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS being seen from here. Milwaukee Coast Guard Impoundment has had a few shorebirds all week including a WILLET seen briefly earlier in the week. No recent reports from the Madison area, Columbia ponds or Breezy Point area near Beaver Dam. One bird to watch out for if you are birding along Lake Michigan or any of the larger in land lakes is a Brown Pelican. At least one bird was reported on both the Michigan and Indiana hotlines. So there is at least one Brown Pelican that has been pretty active moving around the south end of Lake Michigan and it would be nice if the bird would wonder further north into Wisconsin.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*July 1, 1999
*WIST907.01

-Birds Mentioned
Black-necked Stilt
Prairie Warbler
Laughing Gull
Loggerhead Shrike
Eared Grebe
Boreal Chickadee
Gray Jay
Olive-sided Flycatcher
Lesser Yellowlegs
Least Sandpiper
Short-Billed Dowitcher
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Thursday, July 1, 1999. The BLACK-NECKED STILTS are still being seen in Horicon Marsh with some difficulty. The best location to look for the BLACK-NECKED STILT is along Hwy 49 through the main part of Horicon Marsh - the Federal area. Look on the south side of Hwy 49. There is a dike with a new pump house building. Continue west of here on Hwy 49 to the second dike, one with a clump of willow trees right by Hwy 49. Look on the east side of this dike, if you follow the water along the edge of the dike, it looks like creek. Check the back corner of this area, check the shoreline and grassy areas where the BLACK-NECKED STILT are sometimes found. During the middle of the day the waves can make viewing difficult. People who did find the birds last Saturday were there about 6:30 pm. So look either in the morning or in the evening for the BLACK-NECKED STILT when the light is a little better. Be prepared for a long wait because there is a fair amount of habitat that is not visible. The birds were last seen Saturday evening. There is a pair and maybe nesting, and so are there, just difficult to find. A PRAIRIE WARBLER was found up in Florence County earlier in the week at the Spread Eagle Barrens. To reach this location go to Florence County which is on Page 91 of your WI Gazateer. Take old Hwy 69 off of Hwy 2/141 near the town of Spread Eagle. Turn southwest from old Hwy 69 on to Lake Anna Road. Near the end of Lake Anna Road (South of Lake Anna) turn south onto a gravel road which is flanked by yellow State Natural Area signs into Spread Eagle Barrens State Natural Area. Take this gravel road for 0.5 miles from Lake Anna Road and listen for the PRAIRIE WARBLER in typical PRAIRIE WARBLER habitat. This is a very unusual northern location for a PRAIRIE WARBLER. LAUGHING GULLS were being reported from the Manitowoc Impoundment. There are 2 birds that have been quite regular in the later afternoon to early evening. Also, another LAUGHING GULL is being seen in Sheboygan. This bird is present anywhere from North Point south to the beach which is located just north of the harbor. Also, the FRANKLIN'S GULL is still being seen in Sheboygan at North Point and there is at least 1 FRANKLIN'S GULL being seen at the Milwaukee Coast Guard Impoundment. Three LITTLE GULLS have also been reported at the Manitowoc Impoundment. Often times the LITTLE GULL are being reported later on in the afternoon and early evening also with the Manitowoc LAUGHING GULL. If they are not present in the impoundment, which they often aren't during the day you may want to check the rocky breakwall located along Hyw 42 just north of the Manitowoc Impoundment itself. LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES are being reported from a couple of locations around the state. These are birds that have successfully nested and now have fledged young. One location is in extreme northeastern Dunn County. These birds are being seen along Hwy I. Check the Zion Cemetery were the birds nested. Again this is in Dunn County on Hwy I north of the town of Sand Creek. Apparently the shrikes have fledged 2 young. The other location for a pair of LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE is in Ozaukee County, north of Port Washington. Check on Dixie Road one half mile north of 6 Mile Road. The LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE nested on the west side of the road across from the ruins of the old farm house - the brick remnants of the chimney still standing there. The west side of the road is where the birds nested and have been seen feeding; young birds have also been sighted in this area as well. A pair of EARED GEBES have been reported in Dunn County last week. Check the Hwy B pond, also know as Wilson Pond. This pond is located between Hwy B (as in Boy)and Hwy E (as in Everything) just south of I-94, east of the city of Menomonee. Again a pair of EARED GREBES seen there last week. No recent reports of the Black-backed Woodpecker which was reported last week from the Scott =F1 Shelp Lake area. The Black-backed Woodpecker was seen from the boardwalk that goes out to Shelp Lake. This trail goes north from Forest Road 2183 at the western end of Forest County. In addition to the Black-backed Woodpecker, Boreal Chickadees, Gray Jays and Olive-sided flycatcher were seen at this location. Finally, shorebirds have started their southward migration already. The first migrant shorebirds were reported last week Friday at the Milwaukee Coast Guard Impoundment where both LESSER YELLOWLEGS and LEAST SANDPIPERS were seen. Shorebirds reports have also come in from Washington County as well as Dane and Columbia Counties including LESSER YELLOWLEGS, LEAST SANDPIPER and SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*25 June 1999
*WIST9906.25

- Birds Mentioned
Yellow-breasted Chat
Little Gull
Franklin's Gull
Black-necked Stilt
Black-backed Woodpecker
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Friday, June 25, 1999. A BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER was reported in the Nicolet National Forest. The bird was seen on the board walk that leads to Shelp Lake. Shelp and Scott Lake are located on either side of Forest Road 2183 at the west end of Forest County. Other birds seen at the same location include GRAY JAYS , BOREAL CHICKADEES and an OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER. Last year a Yellow-bellied Flycatcher was seen on the way to Scott Lake which is on the south side of the road. The BLACK-NECKED STILTS are still being seen at Horicon Marsh. The most recent reports place the birds at the dike that is WEST of the dike with the pumphouse. Look down the east side of this dike to a small area of open water. Some people with access to the marsh for research saw three birds last weekend and there was some evidence of nesting activity. They reported that the birds are very active and with patience you can locate them in this area. Two YELLOW-BREASTED CHATS are being seen at the Bong Recreation area in Kenosha County. The Chats can be found on the south side of Hwy BB along the red-orange trail. This trail runs through a brushy field where the birds can be found. Two FRANKLIN'S GULLS have been seen at the Milwaukee Coast Guard impoundment the last week. A Franklin's was also reported at North Point in Sheboygan. No new reports of Little Gulls this week but there were reports last week of birds at North Point in Sheboygan. Also check the Manitowoc impoundment and Two Rivers.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*20 June 1999
*WIST9906.20

- Birds Mentioned
Yellow-breasted Chat
Prairie Warbler
Little Gull
Franklin's Gull
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Sunday, June 20, 1999. The last report I neglected to mention that the BLACK-NECKED STILTS are still being seen at Horicon Marsh. The most recent reports still place the birds on the south side of Hwy 49 about half way between the historical marker and the new pumphouse. The birds have been seen near the back edge of the open water. These have been very difficult to locate so be patient and plan on spending some time looking. A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT is being seen at the Bong Recreation area in Kenosha County. The Chat can be found on the south side of Hwy BB along the red-orange trail. This trail runs through a brushy field where the Chat can be found. LITTLE GULLS are being seen in good numbers along Lake Michigan. The best locations are North Point in Sheboygan, the Manitowoc impoundment and in Two Rivers near the lighthouse. Also at Two Rivers two GREAT BLACK-BACKED and a THAYERS GULL were seen in the last few days. A FRANKLIN'S GULL has been seen at the Milwaukee Coast Guard impoundment the last week. A Franklin's was also reported at North Point in Sheboygan. The PRAIRIE WARBLER is still at Willow River State Park. The bird is along the north side of the entrance road. Good locations for summer birding include Wyalusing State Park. Yellow-throated Warblers can be found in the tall pines at the top of Long Valley Road. Also check the Turkey Hollow trail were it intersects with the picnic area. Wyalusing is also good for Kentucky, Cerulean and Prothonotary Warblers. The southern Kettle Moraine can also be good in summer. HOODED WARBLERS have been fairly easy to find. Check the Emmet Carlin(sp?) Nature Trail just off Hwy 59. The ski trails off of Hwy ZZ are also good areas to check.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*19 June 1999
*WIST9906.19

- Birds Mentioned
Yellow-breasted Chat
Prairie Warbler
Little Gull
Franklin's Gull
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Saturday, June 19, 1999. A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT is being seen at the Bong Recreation area in Kenosha County. The Chat can be found on the south side of Hwy BB along the red-orange trail. This trail runs through a brushy field where the Chat can be found. LITTLE GULLS are being seen in good numbers along Lake Michigan. The beset locations are North Point in Sheboygan , the Manitowoc impoundment and in Two Rivers near the lighthouse. A FRANKLIN'S GULL has been seen at the Milwaukee Coast Guard impoundment the last week. The PRAIRIE WARBLER is still at Willow River State Park. The bird is along the north side of the entrance road. Good locations for summer birding include Wyalusing State Park.Yellow Throated Warblers can be found in the tall pines at the top of Long Valley Road. Also check the Turkey Hollow trail were it intersects with the picnic area. Wyalusing is also good for Kentucky, Cerulean and Prothonotary Warblers. The southern Kettle Moraine can also be good in summer. HOODED WARBLERS have been fairly easy to find. Check the Emmet Carlin(sp?) Nature Trail just off Hwy 59. The ski trails off of Hwy ZZ are also good areas to check.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*13 June 1999
*WIST9906.13

- Birds Mentioned
Black-necked Stilt
Little Blue Heron
Little Gull
Franklin's Gull
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Sunday, June 13, 1999. The BLACK-NECKED STILT at Horicon was seen again this past tuesday. The bird was seen on the south side of Hwy 49 just west of the dike with the new pumphouse.The bird was located in some open areas near the back part of the main water. Also at Horicon an immature LITTLE BLUE HERON was seen flying towards the auto loop trail (which is still closed to vehicular traffic). LITTLE GULLS are being seen in good numbers along Lake Michigan. Five were seen yesterday at the Maitowoc impoundment and another four were seen at North Point in Sheboygan. A FRANKLIN'S GULL was also seen in Sheboygan. A FRANKLIN'S GULL has been seen at the Milwaukee Coast Guard impoundment the last few days.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*07 June 1999
*WIST9906.07

- Birds Mentioned
Black-necked Stilt
Little Blue Heron
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Monday, June 7, 1999. The adult EARED GREBE that was been last week in Washington County could not be relocated over the weekend. A BLACK-NECKED STILT has been seen again at Horicon Marsh. This may be one of the birds that was seen about 10 days ago. The bird was seen on the south side of Hwy 49 just west of the dike with the new pumphouse.The bird was located in some open areas near the back part of the main water. Also at Horicon an immature LITTLE BLUE HERON was seen flying towards the auto loop trail (which is still closed to vehicular traffic). Last Friday an adult LITTLE BLUE HERON was seen on the south side of the marsh. This bird was seen along Hwy 28. This bird has not been relocated since.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*03 June 1999
*WIST9906.03

- Birds Mentioned
Yellow Rail
Nelson's Sharp-Tailed Sparrow
Little Blue Heron
Yellow Throated Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Eared Grebe
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Thursday, June 3, 1999. An adult EARED GREBE has been present for the last few days in Washington County just west of Hwy 41. Take Hwy K west for about 1 mile from 41 to Wildlife Rd. On Wildlife Rd there are a few waterfowl ponds. The bird was seen at one of the more distant ponds in this area. An adult LITTLE BLUE HERON was seen last weekend just south of the town of Wyalusing in Grant County. The bird was seen at the end of a dead-end road just south of the town. At Crex Meadows, both YELLOW RAILS and SHARP-TAILED SPARROWS are being heard. The best location for these birds is the intersection of the North Dike road and East Refuge Rd. A PRAIRIE WARBLER is being seen for the third year in a row at Willow River State Park. Check along the north side of the entrance road. At Wyalusing State Park at least 4 YELLOW THROATED WARBLERS can be seen and heard. Two of the birds have been heard calling from the tall pines at the top of Long Valley Rd. A few more have been seen in the campground area along Turkey Hollow Trail. The Manitowoc Impoundment has had some unusual birds this week.Three Little Gulls and a Laughing Gull were seen last week. Some shorebirds including Whimbrel and Willet have been seen on and off over the past week. The numbers of Ruddy Turnstones are down this year however.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*26 May 1999
*WIST9905.26

- Birds Mentioned
Yellow-crowned Night Heron
Laughing Gull
Prairie Warbler
Snowy Egret
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Wednesday, May 26, 1999. Two YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERONS have been seen this week at Colonial Park in Racine. This can be found in "Favorite Haunts." When you enter the park, park in the gravel lot. Look for the outhouse at the corner of the lot. Follow the trail that goes past the woodchip pile. There is a pond with an island before you reach the river. This is where the Herons have been seen. The Laughing Gull that was seen at Wind Point in Racine has not been seen the last few days. However, a FRANKLIN'S GULL and a LITTLE GULL have been seen here from time to time. Recently, Little Gulls have been making a good showing along Lake Michigan. Five were seen in with the Bonaparte's at North Point in Sheboygan and three were seen in with the Bonaparte's at Two Rivers. At Two Rivers the birds were seen 200-300 yds north of the Coast Guard building. At Crex Meadows in Burnett County a WESTERN GREBE was seen at Phantom Lake. Also at Crex Meadows, both YELLOW RAILS and SHARP-TAILED SPARROWS are being heard. Check the area along the main dike rd near the pumphouse after dark and before dawn to hear these birds. Le Conte's Sparrow has also been quite easy to find here. SNOWY EGRETS are being seen at the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Bay. The best location to check is across from the picnic area. A PRAIRIE WARBLER is being seen for the third year in a row at Willow River State Park. Check along the north side of the entrance road. There is good shorebird habitat right now about 5 miles north of Green Bay at the end of Harbor Lights Road. Scope the sand bar from the parking lot at the end of the road. A good number and variety of shorebirds has been seen here recently, including a couple of Marbled Godwits. Also check the "Tank Ponds" north of Green Bay.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*24 May 1999
*WIST9905.24

- Birds Mentioned
Yellow-crowned Night Heron
Laughing Gull
Prairie Warbler
Snowy Egret
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Monday, May 24, 1999. Two YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERONS were seen today at Colonial Park in Racine. This can be found in "Favorite Haunts." Follow the trail to the river bottom. Also in Racine a LAUGHING GULL has been seen of and on for the last week at the lakefront at Wind Point. A Little Gull and an American Avocet have also been reported here. SNOWY EGRETS are being seen at the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Bay. The best location to check is across from the picnic area. A PRAIRIE WARBLER is being seen for the third year in a row at Willow River State Park. Check along the north side of the entrance road. There is good shorebird habitat right now about 5 miles north of Green Bay at the end of Harbor Lights Road. Scope the sand bar from the parking lot at the end of the road. A good number and variety of shorebirds has been seen here recently, including a couple of Marbled Godwits. In Oconto an Arctic Tern was seen over the weekend.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*19 May 1999
*WIST9905.19

- Birds Mentioned
Little Gull
Snowy Egret
Prothonatary Warbler
Kentucky Warbler
Yellow-throated Warbler
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Wednesday, May 19, 1999. At least one LITTLE GULL has been fairly regular at the Manitowoc impoundment for the last few days. Also a large flock of WHIMBRELS were seen last night. After May 20th is usually a good time to check this habitat. A few WHIMBRELS have also been seen at the Milwaukee Coast Guard Impoundment. An AMERICAN AVOCET was seen yesterday at the 9 Springs Sewage Treatment Facility. Two LEAST TERNS were also reported but have not been relocated. Take the Southtown Road exit from the beltline Hwy. Just south of the Hwy you will find 9 springs. The area to bird is on the east side of the road. Get the keys from the main office to get into the property. SNOWY EGRETS are being seen at the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Bay. The best location to check is across from the picnic area. PROTHONOTARY'S are back at the boat landing at Wyalusing State Park. Kentucky and a Yellow-throated are also being heard along Long Valley Road which goes south from the boat landing area. SUMMER TANAGERS have been reported in good numbers this year. Also, reports of WHITE-EYED VIREOS have been fairly numerous. At Governor Dodge Park both BELL'S and WHITE-EYED VIREOS were found last weekend on the hillside across from Long Valley Lake. The whole west shore of the Green Bay has good habitat right now. Birding is best with west to south-west winds. Also, a good area to check is the Seagull bar near Marinette.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*14 May 1999
*WIST9905.14

- Birds Mentioned
Snowy Egret
Little Blue Heron
Yellow-crowned Night Heron
Yellow Rail
Prothonatary Warbler
Kentucky Warbler
Yellow-throated Warbler
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Friday, May 14, 1999. A SNOWY EGRET and an adult LITTLE BLUE HERON have been reported at Perrot State Park in Trempealeau County. The birds were seen from the observation platform in the park. A report of a YELLOW-CROWNED N IGHT HERON came in today from the city of Mequon. The bird has been present for about a week at a swampy area at the intersection of Dorothy and Shoreland Roads. Take Port Washington Rd south to Dorothy and follow this road west until it intersects with Shoreland. Check in this area for the bird. There have been a good number of birds this week at the 9 Springs Sewage Treatment Facility. Take the Southtown Road exit from the beltline Hwy. Just south of the Hwy you will find 9 Springs. The area to bird is on the east side of the road. Get the keys from the main office to get into the property. YELLOW RAILS are being heard along the Main Dike Rd at Crex Meadows. The birds were heard near the pumphouse. A Sharp-tailed Sparrow was also reported in this area last week. PROTHONOTARY'S are back at the boat landing at Wyalusing State Park. Kentucky and a Yellow-throated are also being heard along Long Valley Road which goes south from the boat landing area. SUMMER TANAGERS have been reported in good numbers this year. Also, reports of WHITE-EYED VIREOS have been fairly numerous. Keep an eye open for PURPLE GALLINULE in appropriate habitat. Birds have been reported in Indiana and Illinois. This bird seems to be moving northward
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*08 May 1999
*WIST9905.08

- Birds Mentioned
 Black-necked Stilt
Tricolored Heron
Laughing Gull
King Rail
Yellow Rail
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Saturday May, 8, 1999. A BLACK-NECKED STILT was found today in Racine County. The bird was present at the Tichigan marsh in north-west Racine County. Take Hwy L west from Big Bend for about two miles to Center Drive and go south on Center Drive for about 21/2 miles until you reach Bridge Drive. Go east (or left) on Bridge and turn into the Tichigan Lake access area before the road crosses the water. Take this road to the small parking lot and park in the south end of the lot. walk the dirt road (tire tracks) for about a 1/3 of a mile until you reach the marshy area. The bird was seen in the mudflats in this area. A TRICOLORED HERON was seen at Crex Meadows in Burnette County the last two days. The bird was seen at the small pond between Phantom Lake road and the lake. About 2 niles north of the extreme south-west corner of Phantom Lake. An adult LAUGHING GULL was seen Friday and today in Sheboygan near North Point. This morning a NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD was found at Harrington Beach State Park. The bird was seen just east of the park building near the entrance to the park. Both KING and YELLOW rails have been found recently at the end of Ledge Road in Horicon marsh. There is very good shorebird habitat right now at the Nine Springs Sewage Treatment Plant in Madison. Up to 16 WILLITS have been seen as well as a MAEBLED GODWIT and a WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER. A female SUMMER TANAGER was seen at the Madison Arboretum near the Ho-Nee-Um Pond. A WHITE-EYED VIREO was seen in the same location. WHITE-EYED VIREOS have been seen frequently this year. A bird was seen at Noyes Park on Milwaukees north-west side. Another was reported on the bike trail north of Port Washington Harbor. YELLOW RAILS area being heard in the Puchyan Marsh area of Green Lake County. Take Hwy 49 just north of Green Lake to Hwy J. Go west on Hwy J for about four miles. to Puchyan Marsh Road (marked "Marsh Road" in the Gazetteer). Take Puchyan Marsh Road north from Hwy J. You will cross 1 road and the Puchyan becomes a gravel road marked 'Dead End." Park you car on this road and walk into the marsh. Walk about 100-200 yards beyond the trees and listen for the Rails. Another area for YELLOW RAILS is the Comstock Bog in Marquette County. This area has been good for Rails for the past few years.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*27 April 1999
*WIST9904.27

- Birds Mentioned
Loggerhead Shrike
Red-throated Loon
Yellow Rail
American White Pelican
Red-necked Grebe
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Tuesday, April 27, 1999. The WHITE-FACED IBIS that was seen on Hwy W north of Breezy Point Rd could not be relocated today after an extensive search. YELLOW RAILS area being heard in the Puchyan Marsh area of Green Lake County. Take Hwy 49 just north of Green Lake to Hwy J. Go west on Hwy J for about four miles. to Puchyan Marsh Road (marked "Marsh Road" in the Gazetteer). Take Puchyan Marsh Road north from Hwy J. You will cross 1 road and the Puchyan becomes a gravel road marked 'Dead End." Park you car on this road and walk into the marsh. Walk about 100-200 yards beyond the trees and listen for the Rails. Another area for YELLOW RAILS is the Comstock Bog in Marquette County. This area has been good for Rails for the past few years. AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS are being seen at Horicon again this year. A few birds were seen flying over Hwy 49. Also, a few birds were seen off the main dike road. Pelicans have also been reported at the Atkinson Marsh in Green Bay. A good viewing area is at the mouth of the Fox River. RED-NECKED GREBES are being seen at Rush Lake in good numbers. 1-2 pairs have been seen at Lake Maria in Green Lake Co. Pairs were also seen at Grassy Lake in Columbia County. Last weekend a few RED-THROATED LOONS were seen north of Cleveland. Check the Fisher Creek area and the Kingfisher farms. A LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE is still being seen sporadically in Ozaukee County. The bird has been seen along 6 mile Rd north of Dixie Rd. The bird has been seen just north of a concrete silo on the east side of Six Mile Rd. v
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*14 April 1999 (update #2)
*WIST9904.14

- Birds Mentioned
Loggerhead Shrike
Red-throated Loon
Black-legged Kittiwake
Little Gull
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Wednesday, April 14, 1999. Update #2 for this date. A LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE has been seen the last two days in Ozaukee County. The birds has been seen along 6 mile Rd north of Dixie Rd. The bird has been seen just north of a concrete silo on the east side of Six Mile Rd. An impressive number and variety of Gulls has been seen at the McKinley Marina the last couple days.Yesterday, along with about 1500 BONAPARTE'S GULLS, was a BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE in transition from 1st winter to adult plumage. Also seen was an immature LITTLE GULL and a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. The EURASION WIDGEON seen in Ozaukee County yesterday was not seen today. The Ross' Geese and the Western Grebe which were reported in Ozaukee County have not been seen the last few days. Six RED-THROATED LOONS were seen at the Kingfisher Farms along Hwy LS north of Cleveland. This is a good spot for these birds right now. Also check the Fisher Creek area and the bluffs south of Cleveland.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*14 April 1999
*WIST9904.14

- Birds Mentioned
Red-throated Loon
Black-legged Kittiwake
Little Gull
Eurasion Widgeon
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Wednesday, April 14, 1999. An impressive number and variety of Gulls has been seen at the McKinley Marina the last couple days.Yesterday, along with about 1500 BONAPARTE'S GULLS, was a BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE in transition from 1st winter to adult plumage. Also seen was an immature LITTLE GULL and a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. A EURASION WIDGEON was seen in Ozaukee County yesterday. The bird was seen in the pond on the east side of Willow Lane. This is just south of Willow Road and north of Port Washington. The Ross' Geese and the Western Grebe which were reported in Ozaukee County have not been seen the last few days. Six RED-THROATED LOONS were seen at the Kingfisher Farms along Hwy LS north of Cleveland. This is a good spot for these birds right now. Also check the Fisher Creek area and the bluffs south of Cleveland.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*12 April 1999
*WIST9904.12

- Birds Mentioned
Western Grebe
Red-throated Loon
Ross' Goose
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Monday, April 12, 1999. A WESTERN GREBE was seen Saturday and Sunday off of High Bluff Rd 4 miles south of Port Washington. High Bluff Rd goes towards the lake from the intersection of Hwy C and Lake Shore Rd. Park near the end of High Bluff and take the trail that goes towards the lake. A RED-THROATETD LOON was seen last week from Fisher Creek north of Cleveland. This is a good area to look for Red-throated Loons right now. Also check Virmond Park in Ozaukee County. RTL were also seen from High Bluff Rd in Ozaukee County. Two ROSS' GEESE were seen this weekend at different locations. One was seen with a few Snow Geese at the cheese factory pond at the intersection of Hwy 57 and Jay Rd. The other bird was seen with a few Canadas and other ducks at a pond on Willow Lane just south of Willow Rd. This is just north of Port Washington.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*04 April 1999
*WIST9904.04

- Birds Mentioned
Greater White-fronted Goose
Red-throated Loon
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Sunday, April 4, 1999. A male EURASION WIDGEON was seen today at Lake Barney south of Madison. To get to Lake Barney take the beltline around Madison and get off on Hwy D (Fish Hatchery Rd.). Take Hwy D for about 5 miles to Hwy M. Turn left (east) on M for about a mile. Lake Barney is on the souoth side of the road. It is recommended that you view from the shoulder of the road because this is private property. Also, be cautious, the shoulder is very narrow in some areas. A pair of RED-NECKED GREBES were observed building a nest at Grassy Lake in Columbia county yesterday. The lake is best viewed from the parking lot. Also a ROSS' GOOSE was seen in with a large flock of Snow Geese. There was also a good variety of other waterfowl. Another Red-necked Grebe was seen at the Meade Wildlife arera in Marathon County. No further updates on this bird since. In Green Bay, a few AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS were seen along with some Double-crested Cormorants.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*01 April 1999
*WIST9904.01

- Birds Mentioned
Greater White-fronted Goose
Red-throated Loon
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Thursday, April 1, 1999. About 15 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were see today at the Schoenenberg Marsh in Columbia County. This area is very good for waterfoul and some shorebirds right now. Last week the WSO fieldtrip located one of the Ross Geese in the DM-Harvey Rd area. RED-THROATED LOONS are being seen now in small numbers. Two were seen in the middle of the week from High Buff Rd south of Port Washington. Other good locations at this time of year are Fisher Creek south of Cleveland and Virmond Park in Ozaukee County. There are no new reports of the Townsend's Solitaire that was seen last week in the Mauthe Lake area. No reports have come in recently of unusual birds but many reports of early spring migrants. Yellow Rumps, Kinglets, Brown Creepers, Hermit Thrushes and many Blackbirds are being seen. Also a few shorebirds including Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs and Pectoral Sandpipers.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*26 March 1999
*WIST9903.26

-Birds Mentioned
Townsend's Solitaire
Ross' Geese
Greater White-fronted Goose
Lesser Black-backed Gull
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Friday, March 26, 1999. A TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE was seen today in the Mauthe Lake area. The bird was seen singing from a 40ft Oak tree near the campground area. The location was the intersection of the road leading to campgrounds #200 and the road to campgrounds #300-500. From here the bird flew to the west shore of the lake. The observer suggested starting at the Kettle Moraine State Forest Headquarters and working across Hwy G to the Auburn Lake boat landing area. Two ROSS' GEESE have been reported in the Goose Pond area. One at a pond near Hwy DM and Harvey Rd. A second was seen at the intersection of Hwy DM and Hwy I. A few GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were seen in this area as well. A LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL has been seen off and on in the Port Washington Harbor. Also, a third winter LESSER BLACK-BACKED has been seen in Milwaukee at the Mckinley Marina.
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* March 17, 1999
* WIMA9903.17

BIRDS MENTIONED-
Sandhill Cranes
Bufflehead
Ring-necked Duck
Shrike (sp.)
Cooper's Hawk
Great Blue Heron
Wood Duck
Hooded Merganser
Common Merganser
Song Sparrow
American Tree Sparrow
Hermit Thrush
Barred Owl
Long-eared Owl
Wild Turkey
Pileated Woodpecker
Greater White-fronted Goose
Bald Eagle
Lesser Scaup
Ruddy Duck
Red-breasted Merganser
Ring-billed Gull
Killdeer
American Woodcock
Green-winged Teal
Lapland Longspur
Turkey Vulture
Winter Wren
Red Crossbill
Northern Harrier
Great Horned Owl

LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Portage area
Cherokee Marsh
Odana Hills Marsh
Lake Wingra
Pheasant Branch Creek
Middleton
9 Spring Sewage Plant
Maple Bluff
Token Creek
UW Campus
UW Arboretum
western Dane County
Cross Plains area
Devil's Lake State Park
Lower Mud Lake, McFarland
University Bay
Harvey's Marsh
Albany Wildlife Area
I-90/I-94 just north of Hwy 30
This is the birding hotline report of the MADISON AUDUBON SOCIETY for Wednesday, March 17th. Cranes and other seasonal migrants moved into our area in good numbers over the past weekend. But strong westerly and northern winds mid-week may slow down further appearances. We've had numerous reports of SANDHILL CRANE sightings recently. The species has been seen in Wisconsin since at least sometime in February, with possible overwintering birds in the Briggsville area. But numbers seem to have risen dramatically now, and they are showing up in many more places. Chuck Roberts heard CRANES in the Portage area mid-week. Peter Bridge saw his first CRANES at Cherokee Marsh on the Friday the 12th. Chuck Heikkinen saw CRANES near the Odana Hills Marsh on Saturday, the 13th. Kathy Miner has been hearing CRANES on the southwest side of Lake Wingra for about three weeks. Hilda McVoy watched 4 CRANES at Pheasant Branch Creek on Sunday, the 14th. And more CRANES were heard in Middleton on Tuesday, the 16th. Peter saw CRANES at the 9-Springs ponds, south of South Towne on Saturday. In the area he also saw BUFFLEHEADS and RING-NECKED DUCKS, and a SHRIKE. Bill Forrest saw a COOPER'S HAWK in Maple Bluff on Friday, the 12th. On Monday, the 15th, he found GREAT BLUE HERON tracks near his home at Token Creek, but didn't see the bird until the next day. Kathy Miner watched a COOPER'S HAWK devour a fresh kill in Muir Woods on the U.W. campus on Friday, the 12th. On the 13th, she saw WOOD DUCKS, HOODED and COMMON MERGANSERS and BUFFLEHEADS at Ho-nee-um Pond along Monroe Street in the U.W. Arboretum, and on the 14th, in the same general area, she saw SONG and AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS. I heard my first SONG SPARROW today, the 17th, in western Dane County; as did Chuck Heikkinen at the Odana Hills marsh, along with A HERMIT THRUSH; and Kay Burcar north of Cross Plains. Chuck Heikkinen birded at Devil's Lake State Park on Sunday, the 14th. His list included 2 BARRED OWLS, a LONG-EARED OWL, WILD TURKEYS, and 3 PILEATED WOODPECKERS. Peter Bridge and Libby Zimmerman birded at Lower Mud Lake on Sunday. Notable among their sightings were 3 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE and a BALD EAGLE. Peter says numbers of LESSER SCAUP and RUDDY DUCKS are up. On Monday, the 15th, in University Bay he found a pair of RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS. He saw at least 76 RING-BILLED GULLS around Madison, and heard several KILLDEER. This morning, Kay Burcar heard an AMERICAN WOODCOCK at her home north of Cross Plains. Elsewhere, she saw her first GREEN-WINGED TEAL of the season, many KILLDEER, a GREAT BLUE HERON, and heard a SONG SPARROW. Also today, Dave Fallow saw a large flock of LAPLAND LONGSPURS at Harvey's Marsh along Highway 14 south of Oregon. At the Albany Wildlife Area he saw a TURKEY VULTURE, a WINTER WREN, and 8 RED CROSSBILLS; and 2 NORTHERN HARRIERS en route. Ed Saur says for over a month there has been an active GREAT HORNED OWL nest in the median of I-90-94 just east of Madison. From Madison on hwy 30, take the ramp to Wisc. Dells. The large nest is easily visible in trees on the left just as this ramp joins 90-94. Coming from the south on the Interstate, stay in the left lane and watch for the nest just as 94 comes in from Milwaukee. Going west, from Milwaukee going west on 94, follow the signs for the Dells and watch for the nest while you are on the ramp where 90 & 94 join. The Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline, in Milwaukee, (414) 352-3857, as of Thursday, March 11th, is reporting: a Little Gull at the Port Washington harbor in Ozaukee County; also Iceland, Thayer's, Greater and Lesser Black-backed, and Glaucous Gulls, and Surf and Black Scoters at either Port Washington or along the Milwaukee shoreline; a female Black-backed Woodpecker, as well as Spruce Grouse, Gray Jay and Boreal Chickadee near Three Lakes in Oneida County; and Sharp-tailed Grouse and Golden Eagle from central Wisconsin.
* Wisconsin
* Madison
* March 11, 1999
* WIMA9903.11

BIRDS MENTIONED-
Eastern Bluebird
Wild Turkey
Rough-legged Hawk
Northern Harrier
Lapland Longspur
Cooper's Hawk
Northern Shrike
American Black Duck
Redhead
Hooded Merganser
Common Merganser

LOCATIONS MENTIONED-
Blue Mounds Township
Buena Vista Marsh
Goose Pond
Cherokee Marsh
Yahara River
Lake Wingra
This is the Birding Hotline report of the Madison Audubon Society for Thursday, March 11th. Three EASTERN BLUEBIRDS were reported by Jean Foster on Sunday, the 7th, on East Blue Valley Road in Blue Mounds Township. Also on the 7th, Chuck Heikkinen and Delia Unson traveled to Buena Vista Marsh. On the way there, they observed a flock of 70 WILD TURKEYS along Highway 51, and then at Buena Vista Marsh found 3 light-phase ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS, a male NORTHERN HARRIER, and a flock of 100 LAPLAND LONGSPURS. On the way home, they spotted a COOPER'S HAWK on Goose Pond Road not far from Goose Pond. Dave Fallow reported finding a NORTHERN SHRIKE on the 11th at Cherokee Marsh, 3 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS in the Goose Pond area, and AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS on the Yahara River near Cherokee Marsh. In addition, there was a report of REDHEADS, and both HOODED and COMMON MERGANSERS on Lake Wingra on the 10th.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*19 March 1999
*WIST9903.19

-Birds Mentioned
Spruce Grouse
Golden Eagle
Little Gull
Black-backed Woodpecker
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Friday, March 19, 1999. Two ROSS' GEESE were seen today in northern Ozaukee County. The birds were seen in a small marshy area on the west side of Hwy LL just north of Jay Rd. The LITTLE GULLS have been reprted this week at Port Washington Harbor. The birds ware seen at the small beach near the restaurant and also out on the lake north of the break wall. Up to 6 SHORT-EARED OWLS are being seen on Goose Island just south of La Crosse. A Short-eared was also reported at the Trempealeau Wildlife Refuge. One SPRUCE GROUSE was seen this week at the Old A Bog in northern Wisconsin. Check along the snowmobile trail that runs east from the bog. A BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER was also seen in the Scott-Shelp Lake area but it took a long time to find the bird. Golden Eagles are still beiong seen in the Bear Bluff area. Check along Cranberry Rd and Ball Rd which goes east from Cranberry. The next WSO fieldtrip is this Sunday 3-21 at the Milwaukee lakefront. Meet at the McKinley Marina at 8am. Take Lincoln Memorial Dr. north of 794 and follow the signs to the Marina.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*11 March 1999
*WIST9903.11

-Birds Mentioned
Spruce Grouse
Sharp-tailed Grouse
Golden Eagle
Little Gull
Black-backed Woodpecker
Scoters
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Thursday, March 11, 1999. A 1st winter LITTLE GULL has been seen the last two days at Port Washington Harbor. The bird was seen at the small beach near the restaurant and also out on the lake north of the break wall. Also seen at Port this week were several Iceland and Thayer's Gulls. Interesting Gulls are also being seen in Milwaukee this week. Thayer's, Iceland, Great Black-backed and Lesser Black-backed have been reported. Check on the ice at the Mckinley Marina and the lagoon behind the Summerfest grounds. SPRUCE GROUSE were seen at Old A Bog last week. The birds were seen feeding on Spruce buds on the snowmobile trail east of the bog. It is a good idea to look for these bird early as they disappeared when the first snowmobiles came by. The birds were seen on the north side of the snowmobile trail 200-300 yards from the road that goes through the bog. A female Black-backed Woodpecker was seen at the bog last weekend. Also check Forest Rd 2183 near the Scott-Shelp Lake area. Gray Jays and Boreal Chickadees have also been reported. A large group of SHARP-TAILED GROUSE were seen this week in the Bear Bluff area. The birds were seen on Ball Rd east of Cranberry Rd. Check along Ball Rd about 1 1/2 miles east of Cranberry Rd near some White Pines that form a canopy over the road. A few Sharp-tails were seen in a cornfield west of Cranberry Rd. An immature Golden Eagle was also seen in this area. SCOTERS are being seen in good numbers at Virmond Park in Ozaukee County. 19 Surf and 10-12 Black Scoters were reported this week.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*04 March 1999
*WIST9903.04

-Birds Mentioned
Spruce Grouse
Sharp-tailed Grouse
Golden Eagle
Harlequin Duck
Greater White-fronted Goose
Red-throated Loon
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Thursday, March 4, 1999. SPRUCE GROUSE were seen at Old A Bog last week. The birds were seen feeding on Spruce buds on the snowmobile trail east of the bog. It is a good idea to look for these bird early as they disappeared when the first snowmobiles came by. The birds were seen on the noth side of the snowmobile trail 200-300 yards from the road that goes through the bog. GOLDEN EAGLES continue to be seen in the Cranberry Rd/Bear Bluff Rd area. Take Cranberry Rd north from the Town of Mather and look to the west for the Eagles. Do not take Bear Bluff Rd unless you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle. The road is in very treacherous condition at this time of year. A large group of SHARP-TAILED GROUSE were seen last weekend in the Bear Bluff area. The birds were seen on Ball Rd east of Cranberry Rd. A few Sharp-tails were seen in a cornfield west of Cranberry Rd. A pair of HARLEQUINS was seen this week at Shorewood Nature Preserve at the Milwaukee Lake front. The Preserve is just south of Capitol Drive. A Carolina Wren was also reported on the north end of the preserve. A RED-THROATED LOON was seen a few times this week at Virmond Park in Ozaukee County. Also seen were a few Scoters and the Male Barrow's Goldeneye. GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were seen the past week in the Arlington Ponds area. Fourteen birds were seen at a pond at the intersection of Schumacher and Cuba Vally Rd. Mud Lake in McFarland has also had a few Geese recently as well as a good variety of ducks. There are a couple of good feeder locations to report. One is near Alvin on Hwy 55 one mile north of Hwy 70. As many as 100 Evening Grosbeaks were seen here last week as well as a few Pine Grosbeaks and numerous Purple Finches. Another good location is north of Keshena along Hwy 55 just over 5 miles north of where Hwy 55 and 47 split. The feeders are at a blue house on the west side of the road. Saw-wet Owls are migrating through the southern part of the state right now.A few birds were reported in Washington County last weekend. Listen for the birds on calm nights in or around tamarack bogs.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*26 February 1999
*WIST9902.26

-Birds Mentioned
Spruce Grouse
Black-backed Woodpecker
Boreal Chickadee
Northern Mockingbird
Snowy Owl
Greater White-fronted Goose
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Friday, February 26, 1999. Eight SPRUCE GROUSE were seen at Old A Bog last week. The birds were seen feeding on Spruce buds on the snowmobile trail east of the bog. It is a good idea to look for these bird early as they disappeared when the first snowmobiles came by. A BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER was seen on Forest Road 2183 between Scott and Shelp Lakes. BOREAL CKICKADEES were seen at the Old A Bog as well as the Scott-Shelp Lake area. GOLDEN EAGLES continue to be seen in the Cranberry Rd/Bear Bluff Rd area. Take Cranberry Rd north from the Town of Mather and look to the west for the Eagles. Do not take Bear Bluff Rd unless you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle. The road is in very treacherous condition at this time of year. The SNOWY OWL is still being seen at at Horicon Marsh. The bird has been seen on the south side of Hwy 49 just east of the new pumphouse building. It has been rather difficult to locate at times. The NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD is still being reported on the west side of Lake Park near the intersection of Locust and N. Lake Dr. The bird has been seen in front of the houses along Lake Dr. as well as in the park. GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE are still being seen. Some good places to look are Mud Lake in Mcfarland and south of Beaver Dam near Hwy D and Hwy 151. A few birds have been seen at Horicon Marsh and along the Beaver Dam river south of Beaver Dam. Good Gull numbers are still being reported from Kewanee and Two Rivers. Good numbers of Glaucous and Great-black Backed have been reported as well as a first year Iceland.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*19 February 1999
*WIST9902.19

-Birds Mentioned
Northern Mockingbird
Snowy Owl
Barrows' Goldeneye
Greater White-fronted Goose
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Friday, February 19, 1999. A SNOWY OWL has been seen a few times in the past week at Horicon Marsh. The bird has been seen on the south side of Hwy 49 just east of the new pumphouse building. It has been seen in this location perched out on the ice. The NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD is still being reported on the west side of Lake Park near the intersection of Locust and N. Lake Dr. The bird has been seen in front of the houses along Lake Dr. as well as in the park. Several GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were seen in the Madison area last weekend. Birds were seen at Mudlake in McFarland just south-east of Madison. Other locations include Schneider Rd between Hwy 14 and Hwy 51 just south of Madison and Hwy 151 just south of Beaver Dam. This last location has been a good spot for geese in the past few years. NORTHERN SHRIKES have been scarce this year. A few reports of Shrikes have come in recently from teh Bong Recreation area in northern Kenosha County. Very few reports of winter Finches have come in this year. One location which seems to be good is the boundary road between the Menominee and Stockbridge Indian Reservations. Gull numbers have been down as the ice has disappeared. The LESSER BLACK-BACKED was reported in Milwaukee as late as last Sunday. No recent reports from Kewanee Harbor. The BARROWS' GOLDENEYE is stil being seen at Virmond Park in Ozaukee County. A few SURF SCOTERS have also been reported.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*11 February 1999
*WIST9902.11

-Birds Mentioned
Greater White-fronted Goose
Surf Scoters
Barrows' Goldeneye
Harlequin Duck
Winter Gulls
Lapland Longspurs
Northern Mockingbird
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Thursday, February 11, 1999. Hopefully we have solved the problem with the hotline. Thank you for being patient with the static in the reports. It seems that early spring migration may already be underway. An observer in Madison saw large numbers of Canada Geese on the move. Three SNOW GEESE were seen in with the Canada Geese. The same observer saw three GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE near Hwy 16 and Harvey Rd. A huge flock of perhaps 4,000 LAPLAND LONGSPURS was seen on Hwy K just west of Hwy 51. An adult male HARLEQUIN DUCK was seen this week off the rocky point by the water filtration plant north of Bradford Beach.Two female Harlequins are still being reported near North Point in Sheboygan. Good Numbers of winter gulls are being seen in Kewanee Harbor. 10 to 15 GREAT-BLACK BACKED and GLAUCOUS GULLS have been reported. A few ICELAND and a LESSER-BLACK BACKED have been seen also. In the Milwaukee Harbor there have been reports of a LESSER-BLACK BACKED, GLAUCOUS, a first winter ICELAND and GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULLS. Check the breakwall off the Summerfest Grounds and also the mouth of the river. The BARROWS GOLDENEYE is still being seen at Virmond Park in Ozaukee County. A few Surf Scoters have also been reported here. In the past week all three SCOTER species have been reported as well. The NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD is still being seen on the west side of Lake Park. The bird has been seen most frequently near the intersection of Locust and N. Lake Drive.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*08 February 1999
*WIST9902.08

-Birds Mentioned
Surf Scoters
Barrows' Goldeneye
Harlequin Duck
Winter Gulls
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Monday, February 8, 1999. We are still experiencing static problems with the hotline. Please bear with us we will hopefully have it fixed in a week or so. An adult male HARLEQUIN DUCK was seen yesterday off the rocky point by the water filtration plant north of Bradford Beach. Good Numbers of winter gulls are being seen in Kewanee Harbor. 10 to 15 GREAT-BLACK BACKED and GLAUCOUS GULLS have been reported. A few ICELAND and a LESSER-BLACK BACKED have been seen also. In the Milwaukee Harbor there have been reports of a LESSER-BLACK BACKED, GLAUCOUS, a first winter ICELAND and GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULLS. Check the breakwall off the Summerfest Grounds and also the mouth of the river. The BARROWS GOLDENEYE is still being seen at Virmond Park in Ozaukee County. A few Surf Scoters have also been reported here. In the past week all three SCOTER species have been reported as well. The Black-legged Kittiwake that was being seen in Port Washington has not been seen since friday.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*03 February 1999
*WIST9902.03

-Birds Mentioned
Black-legged Kittiwake
Scoters
Northern Mockingbird
Barrows' Goldeneye
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Wednesday, February 3, 1999. A BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE has been seen for the last few days at Port Washington Harbor. The bird has been seen most frequently at the north end of the harbor, near the restaurant. The bird has also been seen in the pier area. The NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD is still being seen at the intersection of Locust and N. Lake Dr. in Milwaukee. This is the western border of Lake Park. The bird was seen in the front of the houses just south of Locust. The bird has also been seen on several occasions in the trees on the east side of N. Lake Dr. The BARROWS GOLDENEYE is still being seen at Virmond Park in Ozaukee County. A few Surf Scoters have also been reported here. All three SCOTER species have been reported as well.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*31 January 1999
*WIST9901.31

-Birds Mentioned
Northern Mockingbird
Carolina Wren
Varied Thrush
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Barrows' Goldeneye
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Sunday, January 31, 1999. The NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD is still being seen at the intersection of Locust and N. Lake Dr. in Milwaukee. This is the western border of Lake Park. The bird was seen in the front of the houses just south of Locust. The bird has also been seen on several occaisions in the trees on the east side of N. Lake Dr. A CAROLINA WREN is coming to a feeder in Menominee. It is very unusual to find this bird this far north at this time of year. For permission to see the bird and directions call Doug Cummings at 715-235-8361. a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL has been seen twice in the past week. The bird was seen last thursday at the mouth of the Milwaukee and KK Rivers. The birds was also seen along the river at 1434 Carferry Drive. A possible Lesser Black -backed gull was reported in Kewanee. Although the bird was not relocated there are other Gulls in the area including Great Black-backed and Glaucous. A VARIED THRUSH is coming to a feeder at the Thompson residence near Daleyville, south of Mt Horeb. For permission to see the bird call 608-967-2469 or the barn phone 608-967-2298. Please do not call after 9 PM. The BARROWS GOLDENEYE is still being seen at Virmond Park in Ozaukee County. A few Surf Scoters have also been reported here. RED CROSSBILLS and a few WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS have been reported on the boundary road between the Stockbridge and Menominee Indian Reservations. This road can be reached from Hwy 47. Very few reports of other winter finches have come in.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*25 January 1999
*WIST9901.25

-Birds Mentioned
Northern Mockingbird
Carolina Wren
Red Crossbills
Boreal Chickadees
Gray Jay
Bohemian Waxwings
Varied Thrush
Snowy Owl
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Monday, January 25, 1999. A NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD was seen Sunday at the intersection of Locust and N. Lake Dr. in Milwaukee. This is the western border of Lake Park. The bird was seen just south of this intersection feeding in some berry bushes. A CAROLINA WREN is coming to a feeder in Menominee. It is very unusual to find this bird this far north at this time of year. For permission to see the bird and directions call Doug Cummings at 715-235-8361. A SNOWY OWL is still present in Kewanee County near Gasche and Church roads. This is just north of the sighting previously reported. A BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER was reported in Menominee County on Hwy 55 just south of Hwy M. A few BOREAL CHICKADEES, GRAY JAYS and a SPRUCE GROUSE were seen recently at Old A Bog just south of Three Lakes. A VARIED THRUSH is coming to a feeder at the Thompson residence near Daleyville, south of Mt Horeb. For permission to see the bird call 608-967-2469 or the barn phone 608-967-2298. Please do not call after 9 PM. Good numbers of BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS are being reported at various locations around the state. RED CROSSBILLS and a few WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS have been reported on the boundary road between the Stockbridge and Menominee Indian Reservations. This road can be reached from Hwy 47. Very few reports of other winter finches have come in. Good numbers of Gulls are being seen at the Kewanee Harbor and at the Milwaukee Harbor where the KK and Milwaukee River meet.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*17 January 1999
*WIST9901.17

-Birds Mentioned
Varied Thrush
Bohemian Waxwing
Red Crossbills
Gray Partridge
Snowy Owl
Harlequin Duck
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Sunday, January 17, 1999. Apologies for the recent problem with static in the taped report. Hopefully the problem is fixed. SHARP-TAILED GROUSE have been seen along Bear Bluff Rd in Jackson County. Also, this is a good time of the year to be looking for Golden Eagles in this area. Be cautious on Bear Bluff road, it is not paved and can be treacherous after a heavy snow or if muddy. Harlequins are still being seen in Milwaukee. Check from the North Point parking lot north as far as the old gun club. A Harlequin was also seen from the Shorewood Nature Preserve. A female Harlequin has also been seen from North Point in Sheboygan. A VARIED THRUSH is coming to a feeder at the Thompson residence near Daley south of Mt Horeb. For permission to see the bird call 608-967-2469 or the barn phone 608-967-2298. Please do not call after 9 PM. BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS are being reported from several locations in the state. A flock of 100 was seen yesterday in Ozaukee County. The birds were seen from Hwy C, 1 mile north of Hwy Q. Waxwings have also been reported in Door County at Gills Rock, in Ephraim and across from the entrance to Peninsula State Park in Fish Creek. Reports have also come in from the Shawano area and Cecil area ( north east side of Shawano Lake). RED CROSSBILLS and a few WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS have been reported on the boundary road between the Stockbridge and Menominee Indian Reservations. This road can be reached from Hwy 47. Several locations for GRAY PARTRIDGE are on the Green Bay hotline. These locations are on page 56 in the Gazetteer. These locations can be reached by taking exit 29-MM of I-43. 1) Mayline Rd. Look in the field just before the first farm on the left off Glenmore Rd. 2) At the intersection of Cooperstown and Pleasant. 3) South side of Pine Grove Rd one mile east of Hwy T.....by the "feeder wagon." 4) Glenmore Rd south of School Rd 5) Pine Grove Rd 1/3 mile east of Hwy R. 6) South-east corner of Glenmore and Hwy 96 7) South-east corner of Old Settlers Rd and Hwy V. Snow Buntings and a few Lapland Longspurs have also been seen in this area. Two SNOWY OWLS are being seen in the area of Gasche Rd and Luxemburg Rd in western Kewanee County. There have been reports of Snowys in this area for the last four years.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*10 January 1999
*WIST9901.10

-Birds Mentioned
Sharp-tailed Grouse
Boreal Chickadee
Golden Eagle
Harlequin Duck
Snowy Owl
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Sunday, January 10, 1999. SHARP-TAILED GROUSE have been seen along Bear Bluff Rd in Jackson County. Also, this is a good time of the year to be looking for Golden Eagles in this area. BOREAL CHICKADEES and GRAY JAYS have been reported in the Scott-Shelp Lake area in Forest County along "Forest Rd 2183. The Old A Bog is also good for these species at this time of year. No recent reports of the Great Gray Owl that has been seen near Cornucopia. SHORT-EARED OWLS are still being reported at the Milwaukee Coast Guard Impoundment. Best time to look for these bird is at dusk and dawn. Short-eared Owls are also being reported from the Rat River Marsh area. Look along Shady Lane Rd just west of Center Rd. Two SNOWY OWLS are being reported near the mouth of the Fox River in Green Bay. One has been seen on the east side of the river near Duck Creek and one on the west, near Kidney Island. Adult male BARROW'S GOLDENEYE is still being seen at Virmond Park in Southern Ozaukee County. Up to 6 Harlequins are being seen in Milwaukee. Check from the North Point parking lot north as far as the old gun club. A Harlequin was also seen from the Shorewood Nature Preserve. Winter Gulls are starting to show up in good numbers. Some locations are the dam below the mouth of the Fox River in Green Bay and the Port Washington Harbor.
*Wisconsin
*Statewide
*05 January 1999
*WIST9901.05

-Birds Mentioned
Varied Thrush
Harlequin Duck
Harris Sparrow
Snowy Owl
Red Crossbills
This is the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hotline report for Tuesday, January 5, 1998. Two SNOWY OWLS are being reported near the mouth of the Fox River in Green Bay. One has been seen on the east side of the river and one on the west, near Kidney Island. RED CROSSBILLS have been reported in two locations. One spot is Grant Park in Milwaukee. Look in the area of parking lot #3. The other location off Hwy 67 in northern Kettle Moraine near the north end of Long Lake. Look in the area of the spruce plantation. The VARIED THRUSH is still being seen Near Siren in Burnett County. Here are phone numbers for the three locations where Varieds were seen in December. Call ahead for updated on the birds, permission and directions. 1) North of Manotowish Waters in Vilas County> call Gretchen and Larry 715-543-2486 2) Near the town of Loyal in Clark County>call Arlo Badgerlie(sp?) 715-255-8175 3) Near Siren in Burnett County> call Paul and Grace 715-349-2457 Paul and Grace request that you call after 8am and before 4pm. A juvenile HARRIS SPARROW is being seen in Madison at the Nine Springs sewage treatment plant. Take Southtown Rd south from the beltline to the plant. The bird has been seen around the first pond as you walk in the gate. A female Harlequin is still being seen near Northpoint in Sheboygan. No reports on the Purple Sanpipers since January 1st. Up to 6 Harlequins are being seen in Milwaukee. Check from the North Point parking lot north as far as the old gun club. A Harlequin was also seen from the Shorewood Nature Preserve.