By Mark Korducki
In sharp contrast to a cold and snowy February, March was warmer and dryer than normal. These warmer temperatures ushered in a wave of early spring migrants. Waterfowl dominated the scene, highlighted by a colorful drake Eurasian Wigeon in Kewaunee County. A showy male Harlequin Duck was found in Sheboygan. This may have been the same bird than wintered in Port Washington.
This Eurasian Wigeon was found and photographed by Brian Reinke while kayaking on the Kewaunee River.
A very early Franklin's Gull was found in La Crosse County. Later in the month another was found in Dodge County. A California Gull was seen by a few observers on Wisconsin Point in Superior.
Other earlier than expected migrants included Black-crowned Night Heron in Milwaukee and Greater Yellowlegs in Milwaukee and Dodge Counties.
A young male Rose-breasted Grosbeak that visited a feeder in Janesville likely wintered in the area.
Good numbers of winter finches lingered in Bayfield County, including both redpolls and Evening Grosbeaks. Bohemian Waxwings were also seen there.
Ryan Brady photographed this Bohemian Waxwing in Bayfield County.
The long days and increased bird song and activity will continue to improve as we transition into April. Spring migration is well underway.
In addition to compiling this monthly report, Mark coordinates Wisconsin’s 92 Breeding Bird Survey routes.
