Wisconsin Statewide Birding Report 7.25.13
In the bird world summer is winding down as birds shift to feeding young, molting new feathers, and in some cases migrating south. Shorebird migration is in full swing as adult birds from the boreal forest and arctic tundra utilize stopover habitat here in flooded fields, along sandy lakeshores, and at public properties featuring managed wetlands and mudflats. The most consistent reports are coming out of flooded fields in the Dane, Rock, Jefferson county areas, though various locations statewide have hosted good finds such as Hudsonian godwit near Green Bay, American avocets in both Kewaunee and Racine, and early buff-breasted sandpiper at the Ashton K Ponds in Dane County. Horicon Marsh is always a good place to visit this time of year as well. Check with local staff there for current birding hotspots. Land-bird migration will soon get underway, commencing in earnest in early to mid-August. Mixed flocks of warblers, vireos, grosbeaks, and other species have been reported in the north. Listen carefully for call notes of birds, especially chickadees, and look closely for other species as they often associate together this time of year. Rare birds noted this past week include white ibis in Brown County, loggerhead shrikes at Buena Vista, Horicon Marsh, and Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, and laughing and little gulls at Sheboygan’s North Point. Find out more about summer birding opportunities at dnr.wi.gov/topic/outdoorrecreation/activities/birding.html and help us track bird populations by reporting your observations from field or feeder at ebird.org/wi.- Ryan Brady, Bureau of Wildlife Management research scientist, Ashland
