Wisconsin Statewide Birding Report 9.6.12 This week and next will mark the peak weeks for fall warbler migration. Recent cold fronts and expected northwest winds should bring large pushes of long-distance migrants including warblers, thrushes, tanagers, grosbeaks, vireos and hummingbirds through the state. Fall migrant raptors are beginning to move. Most observations have been of sharp-shinned and broad-winged hawks. There have also been a couple of Mississippi kite records. Shorebird migration is past peak, but there are still good numbers of birds in appropriate habitat. American golden and black-bellied plovers are showing up in the state and birders are still reporting buff-breasted sandpipers in dry mudflats or sod farms. The past two weeks have brought a large in-flux of red crossbills and red-breasted nuthatches. Both of these species are attracted to coniferous trees with cones. Birders in the north should check jack pine and red pine stands for crossbills as well as spruce swamps. Birders in the south should check ornamental plantings in neighborhoods, golf courses, cemeteries and public parks. With the warm year, birders are beginning to see more Carolina wrens across the state. Check eBird for the latest locations and check local wooded parks or neighborhoods for this southern songster. As always, please report bird sightings to Wisconsin eBird
www.ebird.org/WI help better track migratory bird populations.
