Wisconsin Statewide Birding Report 1.6.12
Christmas Bird Counts are winding down this week. In general the lack of snow cover and extensive open water have resulted in some near-record species and individual totals on a number of counts. In general it appears to be a winter for siskins, redpolls and crossbills with individuals of each species being reported statewide. The unusually warm weather has meant that a lot of water birds including tundra swans, geese, and a variety of ducks remain present in the southern part of the state when they are usually gone by now. Especially on Lake Mendota, Green Lake, the Mississippi River, and other fairly deep lakes in the southern part of the state. Snowy Owls continue to be reported daily with estimates of over 150 owls having passed through or are currently present in WI. Rare birds reported over the holidays include a Bohemian waxwing near Adams, Harlequin duck in Milwaukee, Barrow?s goldeneye in Sheboygan, yellow-throated warbler in Manitowoc, spotted towhee in Marathon County, Purple sandpipers in Racine/Milwaukee
