Statewide Birding Report
Warm temperatures have accelerated bird migration across the state. Robins, meadowlarks, grackles, blackbirds, killdeer and other early migrants are now present statewide. Waterfowl migration is in full swing with many birders reporting the main push of geese already passing through southern WI. Red-shouldered hawks, winter wrens, hermit thrush, fox sparrow, kinglets, phoebes and other early woodland migrants are pushing through southern and central Wisconsin. Rare birds seen include a barrow's goldeneye and black scoter in Ashland, a displaying lek of spruce grouse in Vilas County, harlequin ducks at Harrington Beach State Park and Sheboygan, and a Harris' sparrow in Racine. The main eagle push probably went through on south winds last week including golden eagles reported at various locations. Many birders are seeking out the young, wet shrubby habitat to watch the nuptial dance of the American woodcock. Some birders are still reporting short-eared owls at large grassland areas. Birders are encouraged to monitor those birds for nesting and report their sightings to ebird (
www.ebird.org/wi) so that we can better track bird populations across the state.
