Wisconsin Statewide Birding Report 3.19.09
The recent warm temps and south winds have brought the expected movements of waterfowl, cranes, blackbirds and early migrants. In addition, many winter "visitors" to Wisconsin are beginning to move north again. This past weekend there was a large sandhill crane migration into southern Wisconsin. In addition, many birders reported a strong eagle flight including a number of migrant golden eagles that spent the winter in the upper Midwest. Song sparrows are now back on territory in southern Wisconsin along with killdeer, robins, red-winged blackbirds, grackles and the other permanent residents. Geese are moving through in large numbers including some greater white-fronted geese, cackling geese and Ross' geese mixed in with the Canada geese. American woodcock are now on territory in southern Wisconsin, which should continue through April. They have been herd peenting in various locations. Great lakes birders are reporting some lingering winter gulls including a slaty-backed gull in Sheboygan as well as some red-throated loons and a harlequin duck. This next week should bring an inflow of puddle ducks including our first blue-winged teal as fields begin to thaw and some lakes begin to open up. Horned grebes, double-crested cormorants, American white pelicans, Wilson's snipe, eastern phoebe, tree swallow, fox sparrow, and some other early migrants will all begin to show up with continued warm fronts.
