Wisconsin Statewide Birding Report 8.9.13
Shorebird migration is in full swing. With the above-average rainfall in the spring and early summer there are a number of flooded fields or portions of crop fields providing quality shorebird stopover habitat. Common migrants include yellowlegs, least sandpipers, pectoral sandpipers and solitary sandpipers. Birders have reported a few more uncommon species like buff-breasted sandpiper, Wilson’s phalarope, and stilt sandpiper. Most waterfowl are now done molting and flying around to feeding areas. There are still a few young broods around from later nesting attempts. Birding seems to be best in and around wetlands with many water birds out and about including some egrets and herons that have moved in for the summer. Swallows, flycatchers and waxwings are also taking advantage of the high insect populations emerging from these water bodies. Birders in the north are reporting mixed flocks of foraging and early migrating landbirds, including warblers, flycatchers, vireos, grosbeaks, and others. Focus on shrubby wetlands, fruiting trees, and sunlit woodland edges. - Andy Paulios, wildlife biologist, Fitchburg and Ryan Brady, wildlife research scientist, Ashland
