Wisconsin Statewide Birding Report 3.30.12

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Wisconsin Statewide Birding Report  3.30.12
The recent record warm temperatures across the state and region have resulted in a large number of early records for bird migration. Colder temps this week have moderated things a bit, but overall many short-distance migrants and nesting phenology for recent arrivals is still ahead of schedule. Just this week early nest records were reported for killdeer and wild turkey, both species weeks ahead of a typical nest initiation date. With warm temps most of the ice is now gone from even the largest water bodies statewide. Because of this, we are now past peak for waterfowl migration. Tundra swans have passed through and the first Canada goose and mallard nests will likely be reported in the south this upcoming week. The large numbers of snowy owls that wintered in Wisconsin are now leaving the state for the arctic. Multiple snowy owls were reported this week from Ashland and 10 were seen in the Oconto harbor. Birders should check harbor areas this week as owls are attracted to the harbors due to the migrant waterfowl and water birds. Raptor migration is also picking up statewide. Hawk Ridge reported its first large red-tailed hawk flight this week and overall diversity should peak over the next two weeks as the first broad-winged hawks and a larger push of sharp-shinned hawks move through the state. Wisconsin?s four grouse species are now starting to display. Ruffed and spruce grouse are drumming/displaying in appropriate habitat across the north and sharp-tailed grouse and prairie-chickens are now displaying at leks. Birders should also expect woodcocks to now be displaying statewide in brushy habitats. Late March/early April is a great time for birders to check local shrub patches and woodlands for fox sparrows, sapsuckers, kinglets, purple finch, winter wrens and other short-distance migrants. Birders near larger grassland areas can also expect a good push of grassland sparrows and meadowlarks over the next week. Wetlands should also be productive with lingering ducks, grebes, and possibly egrets, bitterns and night heron arrivals. As always, please report sightings to www.ebird.org/WI to help track migrant bird populations!