Wisconsin Statewide Birding Report

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Wisconsin Statewide Birding Report

Ah, September, the month second only to May on most birders' calendars. Peak migration, birds coming, birds going. The month when every day lends promise of new birds, when every oriole you see may be the last, and you marvel at species you haven't seen since spring. This year's first week of September lived up to hype.
After common nighthawks staged what was perhaps their last good flight on September 3, northerly winds ushered in many migrants thereafter. Among them were the first flocks of northern Canada geese heading south in their classic "V" formations overhead. Birders reported some sandhill cranes taking advantage of the same winds to depart the state. Raptor migration is also underway. Early season flights are typically dominated by broad-winged and sharp-shinned hawks, American kestrels, bald eagles, ospreys, and a smattering of others.

On the ground, warbler watching was excellent at many locations statewide this week. Look for peak numbers and diversity in the week ahead. The same can be said for thrushes, especially Swainson's, our most common migrant. Oriole numbers have dropped, while hummingbird numbers are at or just past peak. Red-breasted nuthatches and purple finches are on the move, as are some pine siskins and red crossbills, especially across the north. Notable arrivals from the north include ruby-crowned kinglet, American pipit, Bonaparte's gulls and horned grebe. Also telling of the season are building numbers of palm warblers and sparrows, such as Lincoln's and white-throated. Shorebird migration is largely waning. Diversity remains good but numbers are down overall. Sanderlings, American golden-plovers, Baird's sandpiper, willets, short-billed dowitchers, and lesser yellowlegs were a few of the species found.

Rarities spotted this week include Nelson's sparrow, parasitic jaeger, and possible neotropic cormorant in Ozaukee County, red-necked phalarope in Dodge, possible red knot in Kenosha, and a yellow-crowned night-heron photographed in La Crosse. Help us track the migration and find out what others are seeing at www.ebird.org/wi. Good birding! - Ryan Brady, Bureau of Wildlife Management research scientist, Ashland



What palm warblers lack in color they make up for with personality. Look for this late-season warbler on the ground or in low shrubs as it persistently bobs its tail and gives chip notes while searching for insect prey.
Photo Credit: Ryan Brady