Statewide Birding Report
Winter birds continue to dominate the birding scene, highlighted by many snowy owls, rough-legged hawks, American tree sparrows, increasing numbers of horned larks in the south, common redpolls, and more. Spring migration is not far off, however, as cranes, geese, and a few other species are typically on the move by the end of the month. Moreover, breeding activity among resident species already signals the change of seasons. Turkeys displaying, chickadees singing their see-dee songs, increasing singing activity among cardinals and dark-eyed juncos, pairs of common ravens and pileated woodpeckers, displaying common goldeneye ducks, and dueting barred owls, to name a few. In addition to bald eagles, great horned owls, and red-tailed hawks - all notoriously early nesters - breeding was also confirmed recently for Eurasian collared-dove in Dunn County and red crossbills in Douglas and Bayfield counties. This week's rare bird list was highlighted by a Clark's nutcracker photographed in Oneida County, the first documented in Wisconsin in nearly a half-century. Also of note was a boreal owl found dead in Bayfield County, and a northern mockingbird so far surviving a Wisconsin winter in Washington County. Last but not least, this year's Great Backyard Bird Count is here! Running from February 16-19, this fun and easy event provides scientists a snapshot of late winter bird populations worldwide. And it's not even limited to your backyard! Go birding anywhere you want for at least 15 minutes and report the birds you can identify. Learn more here http://gbbc.birdcount.org/get-started/ Good birding! - Ryan Brady, conservation biologist, Ashland
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Upcoming featured events at Wisconsin recreational properties
Saturday, February 17, 2018
- Horicon Marsh Visitor and Education Center - Winter Wild Women Workshop; Eagle Adventure
- Capital Springs State Recreation Area - Capital Springs Winter Fun Day
- Lakeshore State Park - Let's Play in the Snow!
- Richard Bong State Recreation Area - Winter in the Wild
- Kinnickinnic State Park - Winter Geocaching
- Governor Knowles State Forest - Candlelight Ski
- Merrick State Park - Winterfest and Candlelight Snowshoe/Hike
- Willow River State Park - Willow River Candlelight Ski, Hike and Snowshoe
- Governor Thompson State Park - Candlelight Ski and Hike
- Wyalusing State Park - Candlelight hike and astronomy viewing
Sunday, February 18, 2018
- Newport State Park - Tree Identification in Winter
For all events search the DNR website for "Get Outdoors."
Find a park, forest trail or recreation property
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Upcoming State Natural Area Workday
Feb. 17, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Chiwaukee Prairie Workday: Restore Chiwaukee Prairie! Help Chiwaukee Prairie Preservation Fund volunteers during our monthly workdays on the third Saturday and enjoy the beauty of this rich prairie in the process. Remove invasive brush threatening the prairie. Bring a bag lunch to eat afterwards. No skills needed you will be trained onsite. Click for more information.
Feb 21, 9 a.m.-noon Blue River Sand Barrens: Join the new volunteer effort to care for Blue River Sand Barrens State Natural Area! We are teaming up with The Friends of the Lower Wisconsin Riverway (FLOW) to care for this site. Blue River Sands is known for its dry prairie (including cactus) and globally rare oak barrens. DNR crews have been working to clear brush and conduct burns. Volunteers will continue this effort by cutting and burning (if there is snow) brush with DNR crews. This will benefit turtles and understory plants. No skills needed you will be trained onsite.
Feb 24, 9 a.m.-noon, Sugar River Wetlands Workday: Cutting and burning brush: Cure cabin fever! We are partnering with the Upper Sugar River Watershed Association to restore the Sugar River Wetlands State Natural Area during our series of "fourth Saturdays" winter volunteer work days. Volunteers will be cutting and burning invasive species like buckthorn, honeysuckle and more to promote the growth of native plant species. It promises to be rewarding, fun, and a great way to experience the outdoors during the winter. Refreshments including hot chocolate and coffee will be available to fuel you through the morning. No skills needed you will be trained onsite.
Feb. 25 noon-2 p.m. York Prairie: Get rid of brush at York Prairie State Natural Area near New Glarus. York Prairie is a remnant grassland in an agricultural landscape and provides important habitat for a variety of rare plants and animals, including some recognized as endangered in Wisconsin. We will be cutting, piling and burning brush in an ongoing effort to restore this special site. No skills needed you will be trained onsite.
Check the State Natural Areas Volunteer Program page of the DNR website for details. - Jared Urban, conservation biologist, Dane. - Jared Urban, conservation biologist, Dane