Statewide Birding Report 7.13.11
Many chicks are fledging of all kinds right now. Common loons had poor nesting success early due to black flies but re-nest attempts are now hatching with a number of broods being reported this week. This week a number of late mallard nests were hatching with small chicks in tow. A first state-record Neotropic cormorant is lingering at the Horicon Marsh International Education Center. Check with center staff for updates. ?Fall" migration is underway with adult shorebirds now starting to appear on mudflats as they head to wintering locations in the southern US, central and south America. This is a good time of year to check for rare birds along Lake Michigan. This past weekend an immature little gull was found in Sheboygan. Over the next week many species of birds will get harder to see as they molt in preparation for migration. Bird feeders will probably be less busy as there are lots of natural food sources sustaining birds this time of year.
