By Mark Korducki
April was dry and very mild. The month began with temperatures in the 70s in the southern part of the state. At the end of the month, several southern locations reached the lower 80s before a cold front moved in. These conditions produced an early leaf-out and a wave of spring migrants that were at least a few days ahead of schedule.
Photo by Tom Prestby
This Burrowing Owl was seen briefly in Brown County, but in an area closed to public access. It is the first Burrowing Owl reported in Wisconsin since 1992.
The month also produced a number of rarities. The highlight was a Burrowing Owl seen briefly in Brown County. Unfortunately, this bird was located in an area that is closed to public access. A few individuals were able to enjoy it during its brief stay. This is the first Burrowing Owl reported in Wisconsin since 1992.
Much more obliging was the Pacific Loon found on a Waukesha County lake. At the end of month this bird was continuing to be seen more than two weeks after its initial discovery; it has been enjoyed by scores of birders and was a lifer for many of them.
In neighboring Milwaukee, a Yellow-crowned Night Heron has taken up residence in a park and has been enjoyed by many. Little Blue Herons were seen in Kenosha and Milwaukee counties.
It was a great month for Cinnamon Teal and a few of them stayed for extended periods of time. Many were able to see and enjoy this handsome duck. Individuals were reported in Dane, Dodge, Jefferson, Sauk and Sheboygan counties. A group of 10 Black-bellied Whistling Ducks were briefly seen in Ozaukee. Eurasian Wigeons were found in Bayfield and Columbia County and a hybrid male was found in Dodge. The male Harlequin Duck in Sheboygan has molted into its beautiful alternate plumage.
Photo by Jay C. Watson
This Ruff was seen along the Auto Loop in a Dodge County portion of the Horicon Marsh that has excellent shorebird habitat.
A Ruff was seen in the Dodge County portion of the Horicon Marsh. This area has excellent shorebird habitat and should be watched closely this spring. A flock of 18 Marbled Godwits was a nice find in Racine County. An early group of American Avocets were seen on a Washington County lake early in the month.
Eared Grebes were reported from Burnett, Columbia and Dane counties. An impressive group of Red-necked Grebes were found staging at Virmond Park in Ozaukee. As many as 60 birds were seen there.
Smith's Longspurs were found in Dane County as they typically are every spring but about three weeks earlier than normal.
A Yellow-throated Warbler was seen at a feeder in Walworth County for at least the third year in a row. Others were found in Rock and Milwaukee counties. A Prothonotary Warbler was also a surprise feeder bird in La Crosse County. An early Louisiana Waterthrush was found well north of normal in Door County. White-eyed Vireos were found in Dane and Milwaukee counties, as were Worm-eating Warblers.
Spring migration is well underway. Get out there and enjoy it.
In addition to compiling this monthly report, Mark coordinates Wisconsin’s 92 Breeding Bird Survey routes.
