Wisconsin Statewide Birding Report 7.20.12Shorebird migration has picked up as adult shorebirds are now returning to wetlands to re-fuel for their migrations to the coastal U.S. and central and south America. Birders are reporting good numbers of yellowlegs, least sandpipers, solitary sandpipers and other common migrants where there is available habitat. Madison birders found a red-necked phalarope Thursday. Birders can see the latest shorebird reports including habitat conditions at DNR and partner-managed wetlands at: (
http://ebird.org/content/wi/news/managed-mud-fall-2012-guide-to-finding-shorebirds-on-wi-wildlife-areas)
Many nesting warblers, hummingbirds, orioles and other long-distant migrants are now entering a 2-3 week molting period. This makes them tough to find as they quit singing and generally lay low to avoid predators. Backyard birdwatchers may want to provide a source of water with the extreme heat in order to attract birds.
Larger wetland complexes with a variety of water levels and exposed mud are good places to bird watch over the next two weeks. Many waterbird and waterfowl broods are now evident as they forage in these wetlands. In addition, birders should expect to see large numbers of non-breeding egrets and herons at Horicon Marsh and other large wetland areas.
