Wisconsin Statewide Birding Report: 8.28.08
Bird migration is now in full swing moving into the first week of September. Shorebirds have been found in abundance where shallow water and mudflats persist in agricultural fields and on state-managed wetlands. Birders have noted most of the common species plus rarer birds like black-necked stilts at Horicon marsh, red-necked phalaropes, red-knot and buff-breasted sandpipers. This past weekend's cold front brought the first large push of nocturnal migrant passerines. Birders reported many warblers, vireos, flycatchers, hummingbirds and orioles.
The past week has also seen a large push of common nighthawks statewide. The week of August 22 is typically the peak time for nighthawk migration. Birders should expect more migration as the week progresses. Wetlands are especially birdy this time of year, with opportunities for viewing large numbers of waterfowl, shorebirds and water birds. In addition, wet shrubby woodlands are often the best for passerines in fall migration.
As always please report sightings to Wisconsin eBird (
www.ebird.org/WI) to help track bird populations across the state.
