Wisconsin Statewide Birding Report 8.22.13Bird migration is now in full swing, most notably including large numbers of land birds this week. Warblers such as blackpoll, Wilson’s, Cape May, Tennessee and others have begun their push into the northern part of the state from breeding areas in the boreal forests of Canada. Southern Wisconsin also saw its first wave of warbler migrants, including chestnut-sided, Tennessee, black-and-white, and N. water thrush. Expect warbler numbers and diversity to build with each passing cold front over the next few weeks. Birders should focus in woodlots along lakeshores, stream corridors, city parks, and other local hotspots. Many flycatchers are on the move now as well, including the highly sought olive-sided and yellow-bellied, while large numbers of cedar waxwings also have been reported. Common nighthawk migration is underway as hundreds are being seen almost daily as far south as Sheboygan. Keep an eye to the sky in evenings for flocks of these unique birds winging their way to South America. Another evening ritual to enjoy this time of year is the communal roosting behavior of chimney swifts at select chimneys in our urban areas. Swallows have largely vacated the north but are congregating at wetlands in the south. These wetlands are also hosting concentrations of duck broods, rails, egrets, herons, and other water birds. Shorebird abundance and diversity is outstanding right now at suitable habitats and viewing locations [hyperlink "viewing locations" to
https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=210938529045015584872.0004e18e3115850023110&msa=0], including rarities such as American avocet, buff-breasted sandpiper, and ruddy turnstone. Closer to home, backyard birders are reporting high numbers of baltimore orioles and ruby-throated Hummingbirds at their feeders this past week although adult males of both species have mostly vacated the state now. Another adult male Rufous hummingbird was found in Wood County. As always, help us track bird populations and their migration patterns by reporting your sightings to
www.ebird.org/wi. - Ryan Brady, Bureau of Wildlife Management research scientist, Ashland
