Statewide birding report: Many favorites and rare birds found this week
Warbler migration is nearing peak in south and central Wisconsin after a big flight into the region on May 15: 28 species were reported in Milwaukee, 26 species at Bay Beach Sanctuary in Brown, 24 in Dunn, and similarly good numbers in Dane, Marathon, and elsewhere. The Northwoods saw only a trickle of new warblers until today, May 16, when the first really good influx occurred. Baltimore orioles, ruby-throated hummingbirds, and rose-breasted grosbeaks also arrived there last weekend. Veeries, Swainson's, and gray-cheeked thrushes are on the move statewide, while feeder watchers in the south are seeing good numbers of indigo buntings and a few scarlet and summer tanagers. Southern birders are also finding the first of the late migrants like great crested and olive-sided flycatchers, and common nighthawk. A few Harris's sparrows were found among white-crowned sparrows, especially in western Wisconsin. Shorebirds are on the move too, with the best reports coming from Horicon Marsh where dunlin, both yellowlegs, semipalmated and black-bellied plovers, ruddy turnstones, sanderlings, and least, semipalmated, pectoral, and white-rumped sandpipers were found. Two whimbrels were noteworthy in Manitowoc.
Have you seen me? At least 10 western tanagers like this one have been reported in Wisconsin since May 4, many coming to backyard feeders for seed, jelly, or orange halves.Photo credit: Ryan Brady
Many rare birds were found this week. Western tanagers are showing unusually well, with at least 10 reports since May 4, including such counties as Jefferson, Washington, Brown, Chippewa, and Washburn. Also found were colorful male painted buntings in Green Lake, St. Croix, and Ashland. A black-throated gray warbler in Ozaukee was only the state's 8th and first since 2011. Other uncommon warblers found were worm-eating and prairie warblers in Milwaukee, and yellow-throated warblers in Waukesha and Jefferson. A blue grosbeak was seen at a feeder in Walworth, and several Northern mockingbirds were reported north to Bayfield. Waterbird rarities included eared grebe in Douglas, white-faced ibises in Portage, and snowy egret in Dodge. In the week ahead expect a wet weather pattern with ample north and east winds, which should yield slow migration conditions but good viewing opportunities for warblers, shorebirds, and other neotropical migrants. Find out what others are seeing and report your finds to www.ebird.org/wi. Good birding! - Ryan Brady, conservation biologist, Ashland
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WILDFIRE REPORT
A total of 51 wildfires burned in DNR Protection Areas over the past week, burning 86 acres. The majority of the fires were caused by debris burning, with several railroad and powerline fires. Four structures were threatened and all four were saved. One significant wildfire occurred in the Woodruff Area and burned approximately 40 acres before containment. Widespread rain is expected across the state into the weekend, with the exception of lower RHs and elevated fire danger in the north and especially northwest.
As starch and carbohydrate levels build up in our red and jack pine species, their moisture levels will drop significantly. Over the next week, we will be at the low point of this moisture level, and the possibility is highest for torching pines and surface fires transitioning to crown fire activity. There is also still plenty of dead grass and fallen leaves on the land that makes it easy for a wildfire to start and spread. Stay apprised of fire weather conditions by checking the DNR fire danger webpage each day after 11 a.m.: dnr.wi.gov, keyword "'fire".
Firewise Tip: Make sure your burn sites are completely out and not retaining heat before leaving the area!
Upcoming featured events at Wisconsin recreational properties
Visitors to Devil's Lake State Park on the weekend of May 18-19 will find Wisconsin's busiest state park is going to be even busier, as the park plays host to the 2019 Big Ten Women's Rowing Championships. Eight teams compete in Big Ten rowing and between crew members and staff along with team families and spectators from many areas, the park will see thousands more visitors than on a typical spring weekend. On Saturday, areas along the south shore of the park will be restricted so teams can prepare their boats, called shells, and staging areas. On Championship Sunday, the South Shore will continue to have restricted areas, and visitors of the park are encouraged to use the North Shore, Steinke Basin and Roznos Meadow parking areas. On Sunday from 6 a.m. to noon the northwest portion of the north shore will be restricted for the race starting area. Both Crex Meadows and Sandhill wildlife areas are having open houses on Saturday and on Sunday Aztalan will be holding a spring tour to highlight recent discoveries.
Click on the links below for highlighted programs this weekend or click on Get Outdoors," for a complete listing of events.
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Saturday, May 18, 2019
- Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area - Crex Meadows Spring Open House
- Harrington Beach State Park - Naturalist Hike - Wildflowers and Birds
- Hartman Creek State Park - Full Moon Walk
- Havenwoods State Forest - Adult Hikes & Workshops: Spring Migrant Bird Walksv
- Interstate State Park - Birding Hike
- Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit - Birding the Hot Spots of the Kettle Moraine State Forest
- Sandhill Wildlife Area Outdoor Skills Center - Sandhill Open House
Sunday, May 18, 2019
- Aztalan State Park - Aztalan Spring Tour to Highlight Recent Discoveries
- Devil's Lake State Park - 2019 Big Ten Rowing Championships
- Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit - Mushroom Hike
For all events search Get Outdoors
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Upcoming State Natural Area Workday
Wednesday May 22, Thursday May 23 5-8 p.m. and Saturdays May 18 and 25 9 a.m.- noon: Haskell Noyes State Natural Area Workday Help to remove garlic mustard during the peak season of this highly invasive plant. Haskell Noyes is a premier southern mesic forest. The plant community here is threatened by the invasion of garlic mustard. Haskell Noyes is located in the Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit.
Check the State Natural Areas Volunteer Program page of the DNR website for details. - Jared Urban, conservation biologist, Dane. - Jared Urban, conservation biologist, Dane
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Northern Region
Superior DNR Service Center area
Amnicon Falls State Park - At Amnicon, 2 inches of late-season snow melted quickly, filling ephemeral ponds and bringing up the river. The high water is a sight to see, and representatives from the WI Department of Tourism came to the park to do just that. The meeting was successful, with discussions on how to spotlight the features that draw visitors to Amnicon Falls and other Wisconsin state parks. Spring wildflowers are beginning to appear; early bloomers including marsh marigold, wild strawberry, wood violet, wood anemone and the ubiquitous dandelion have been spotted. The hiking trails are finally snow-free and in good springtime condition. Take some time to enjoy this special time of the year at Amnicon. Dave Lindsley, ranger
Brule River State Forest - Since the snowstorm that passed through the area last week, the river level crested at a gauge height of 2.64 feet and a flow of nearly 400cfs. It has steadily decreased with the nicer weather we have had and it is flowing at 268cfs at 2.18' as of 1 p.m. Thursday, May 16. Last week over 150,000 trees were planted In the State Forest! Planting site preparation on nearly 180 acres of previously logged landscape took place in the fall of 2018. This was accomplished with the use of a large disc trencher. The machinery turns up soil and debris in rows, providing an excellent planting/growing environment for the new seedlings. Just over two thirds of the trees planted were Red Pine, with approximately 46,000 being Jack Pine. The seedlings were three year old bare root stock, all hand planted by a crew contracted by the DNR and overseen by Forestry staff. Planters on the crew are so efficient and hard-working; a single member can plant in excess of 5,000 trees in one day. With the spring snowstorm we experienced last Wednesday into Thursday, the crew was planting in a snow covered area on Friday May 10, but soil conditions were nearly ideal with good moisture levels and warm temperatures to follow. - Mitch Pauly, visitor services associate
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Iron County - Although Toms have slowed down with their gobbling, there are still plenty of gobblers strutting; hunters should continue to find success during the fifth season. Fish have been very active on Lake Superior. Fisherman are coming off the big lake with their bags full of a variety of species. Crappies are biting on the Turtle Flambeau Flowage and bass should be hitting hard this weekend. Most resident birds are back with some migrants still passing through. The first gosling brood was seen on the Turtle Flambeau this week. Many town roads are still closed to through traffic due to wet conditions. Morels are starting to pop, mosquitos and black flies have hatched, and leaves are budding out. Spring is here—maybe I shouldn't say that! - Jenna Kosnicki, wildlife biologist, Mercer
Spooner DNR Service Center area
Crex Meadows State Wildlife - Songbird migration is finally picking up speed in the Grantsburg area! We are seeing more warblers showing up every day. We have also started seeing our first goslings out on Phantom Lake! Three families have been observed so far. Trumpeter swan young should start showing up in the next 2-3 weeks as well. American white pelicans have also been showing up in the area. Keep in mind that they do not stick around long when they migrate through, so be sure to visit soon! (Most recent sighting on Phantom Lake on Tuesday, May 14). There are a couple of bald eagle nests that are showing activity. Try driving up Phantom Lake Road and looking to your left for a LARGE pine tree- you may find the nest way up at the top! There is also a nest on the north end of Crex Meadows, near Town Hall Road. Also, be sure to drive past the osprey platform off Abel Road- there is usually an active nest up there too! Highlights this week include: red-necked grebe (Phantom Lake & Grettum Flowage), yellow warbler, pine warbler, eastern kingbird, Caspian tern, Virginia rail, Blackburnian warbler, chimney swift, golden-winged warbler, and green heron. - Lauren Finch, wildlife educator
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Flambeau River State Forest - The North and South Fork of the Flambeau are still very high. There has seen some sporadic fishing. Folks are fishing for redhorse and catfish. There have been two frosts this week though temps seem to be climbing. Bloodroot, spring beauties, marsh marigolds, and Virginia waterleaf are flowering with trilliums soon to follow, and the fiddleheads and wild leaks are up. Red maples and aspens are leafing out. The forest floor is still very wet and the road side ditches are still laden with water. Grouse are still drumming and the turkeys are strutting and gobbling and are gathering hens and the hens are nesting. Geese and ducks are nesting and some goslings have been seen. Robins, rose-breasted grosbeaks, tree swallows, red-winged blackbirds, mourning doves, yellow finches, yellow warbler, yellow shafted flicker, evening grosbeaks, phoebes, owls, woodcock, sandhill cranes, a variety of ducks and some swans, kingfishers and even three pelicans have been seen by some area residents and Forest staff. The wood frogs and spring peepers are croaking and peeping. Some red bellies have been seen sunning themselves.l The gnats and tics are out in full force. Does and cows (ungulates) are getting heavy with fawns and calves. Cows are wandering out on their own looking for a safe place to calve. Connors Lake Campground will be open Thursday noon on May 23 for Memorial Day Weekend. May 24 there will be an Open House at the Flambeau, come talk to the staff and ask all your questions, drink some coffee and enjoy a cookie. Pamphlets and information available. - Diane Stowell, forestry technician advanced and visitor services associate
Antigo DNR Service Center area
Council Grounds State Park - Signs of spring are popping up. Hepaticas are blooming and ferns are unfurling. Migrant birds are making their way through and frogs are still calling. A few campsites in our family campground are closed due to wet conditions but plenty are still available. - Sarah Gilbert, ranger
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Northeast Region
Northern Lake Michigan fisheries team report
On May 20 DNR fisheries staff along with interested stakeholders will begin the process to shape the course of future management on Lake Michigan. At this meeting, department staff will present the latest Lake Michigan survey information and stakeholders will contribute ideas and input on future fisheries management initiatives. The meeting will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. in the East Centennial Hall at Lakeshore Technical College, Cleveland. For more information see Lake Michigan Meetings.
Marinette County - Peshtigo River launches had light use this week with all 3 launches averaging 2 to 5 boat trailers. Walleye fishermen were fishing the mouth with little success, only a few walleyes were reported caught. Menominee River had moderate numbers at the launches this week with steady fishing being observed in the river. Anglers jigging and trolling were having some luck catching walleyes from the Menekaunee Bridge upstream to Marinette Marine. Only a few shore anglers were seen upstream from the Hwy. 41 bridge. The bay from Menominee River south to Peshtigo River saw steady fishing pressure all week. Walleye fishing was reported to be slow with most boats getting 0 to 2 fish. A few brown trout and northern pike were caught by walleye anglers. Anglers targeting brown trout had spotty fishing as most had no luck. - Scott Poquette, fisheries technician, Peshtigo
Oconto County - Oconto River had very little fishing pressure with a few anglers fishing walleyes in the lower section. The bay from Oconto Park II south to Pensaukee River launch had decent amounts of anglers over the weekend. However fishing for walleyes was reported to be slow with many anglers catching nothing. Boats that had luck were reporting 1 to 3 walleyes on average. Most boats were trolling crawler harnesses or crankbaits in 5 to 25 feet of water. - Scott Poquette, fisheries technician, Peshtigo
Brown County - There was very little fishing pressure on the Fox River off of Foxpoint and the fairground launches. On average there was only 5 to 7 boats using the launches. The boats that were targeting walleye had barely any luck. Most of the time they were catching sheepshead and a few white bass. People fishing from shore at Voyageur Park were catching sheepshead. The fishing pressure there has been light with only about 10 to 12 people. The metro boat launch was busy all week long. The boats that were trolling with night crawler harnesses were having the best luck. With averaging 2 to 3 walleyes being caught. The second dock was removed from the launch, and bring your boots since the water is high and is covering the beginning of the docks after the last rainfall. The Suamico boat launch has had heavy pressure all week long. On average boaters were bringing in 1 to 2 walleyes with the average size being 18 to 20 inches. The boaters that were trolling with night crawler harnesses were doing a little bit better than boats trolling with crankbaits or even just jigging. A few northern were being caught as well. Geano Beach launch had light pressure during the week, but on Saturday it had heavy usage. The walleye bite was slow with only 2 to 3 walleyes were being caught. Trolling with crankbaits was having better success than with night crawler harnesses here. - Brandon Wagester, fisheries technician, Green Bay
Door County - Weather conditions through the week were sunny with varying wind levels. Protected launches such a Chaudoir's dock and Bayshore Park had the most traffic. Angler effort was steady but slow with success rates mainly low. Anglers were focused on Walleye and Bass. Angler traffic at Potawatomi State Park was light early in the week with general weekend traffic in the park increased. Weekend angling pressure was low yet steady in numbers, however with little to no reported success. Little Sturgeon was quite popular for anglers wanting to launch into the less windy bay. Effort was steady with low reported success. Recreational boating was observed with general traffic increased over the weekend. - Rile Schultz, fisheries technician, Peshtigo
There is little fishing pressure along the Lake Michigan side of Door County the last week due to Northeast winds. The only port that had fishing pressure was Rowley's Bay. It appeared majority of the anglers went toward the Mink River. Reiboldt Creek had suckers in it early in the week, however, as the weekend came the suckers disappeared. Fishing pressure was the highest of the year on the Bayside. Anglers were found fishing from Ellison Bay all the way down to Sturgeon Bay. Shore fishing from Ephraim was producing smallmouth bass using live bait as well as jerk baits. Stone Quarry had the second highest fishing pressure this week with anglers having mixed results. The anglers trolling for walleyes had a tough week. While anglers jigging for walleyes managed to catch a few walleyes, with even a few whitefish mixed in yet. Smallmouth bass were caught out of the Stone Quarry launch as well. Although those anglers had to fish nearly all day to catch any smallmouth. Sawyer Park Launch had the highest fishing pressure of the year so far due to the Sturgeon Bay Bass Tournament. The two day total winning weight was 56.70 pounds. Anglers reported that water temps were ranged from 46 to 49 degrees in the canal. Smallmouth bass were difficult to catch for the anglers. Anglers fishing along the shore are still catching northern pike by Stone Harbor Resort. - Cody Flavionl, fisheries technician, Mishicot
Wautoma DNR Service Center area
Waushara County - It has been continued up and down weather here in Waushara County, but the temperatures are starting to rise. This weekend looks like a mess of sun and storms fitting of spring. Lake temperatures are still a little on the cool side, but slowly improving so hopefully we will have some spawning taking place in the near future. I have not heard of any fawns dropping yet, but again I wouldn't be surprised to see one or two in the coming weeks. Turkey seasons are still continuing and birds are still responsive early in the mornings or when you are close it seems. Don't give up - it only takes one bird! Green up has finally happened and buds are dropping and leaves are popping throughout the county. Early wildflowers have opened and are a pleasant sight over a pretty uniform green/brown landscape. Ticks have been a little slow to emerge this year due to the continued cold temperatures at night, but I have seen some and I wouldn't be surprised with all this water and some consistent warm temperatures to see an explosion of them soon. Be mindful to check yourself, your kids, and your pets after you have been outside - tick borne diseases are not something you want to have to deal with. Trout fishing has been quite good in spots and even though water levels are still higher than normal on the streams fishermen have been having success. These cool mornings are great to take a walk in the river or on the bank, so get out there and enjoy what Waushara County has to offer! - Ben Mott, conservation warden, Wautoma
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Southeast Region
Milwaukee DNR Service Center area
Southern Lake Michigan fisheries team report
On May 20 DNR fisheries staff along with interested stakeholders will begin the process to shape the course of future management on Lake Michigan. At this meeting, department staff will present the latest Lake Michigan survey information and stakeholders will contribute ideas and input on future fisheries management initiatives. The meeting will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. in the East Centennial Hall at Lakeshore Technical College, Cleveland. For more information see Lake Michigan Meetings.
Sheboygan County - Wednesday morning was cloudy, cool, and breezy with Michigan waters mostly calm but hitting the north pier hard. Waters within the harbor were 56 degrees and turbid. The Pigeon River was 50 degrees and clear. A few anglers fished at the south pier, with reports of trout being caught earlier in the week. Friday morning was cloudy and chilly, but warmed up and cleared up by midday. Water within the harbor was 52 degrees and turbid. The Pigeon River remained at 50 degrees and clear. A couple of boaters and a few anglers were out fishing for trout, but no catches were recorded. Mother's Day evening was sunny with some clouds and mild. Michigan waters were mostly calm, turbid, and 58 degrees. The Pigeon River was 54 degrees and clear. The few anglers that were out fished on the Pigeon River, with the majority at Maywood Park. No catches were recorded. The Sheboygan River (56 degrees) seemed to be back to resting bank height and was mostly clear. One angler was fishing the river earlier, with no one fishing at Weedens Creek. No catches were recorded. Saturday evening was cloudy and fluctuated between chilly and mild. The Sheboygan River remained at 56 degrees and mostly clear. Several anglers were fishing, with most at River Wildlife. No catches were recorded. - Tim Urbaniak, fisheries technician, Milwaukee
Ozaukee County - Friday morning was chilly and mostly sunny. Waters at the power plant outflow were 56 degrees, with a significantly large flock of seagulls providing a casting hazard. Sauk Creek was 48 degrees, mostly clear and slightly up. A couple of anglers fished at the outflow, but no catches were recorded. Saturday night was cloudy and mild, with harbor waters at 58 degrees. More boat slips in the marina were being filled. Sauk Creek (52 degrees) was clear and at resting bank height. Submergent plants are gaining color. A couple of boats were out and a few anglers fished the outflow. The anglers at the outflow, targeting carp, caught six decently sized fish. Mother's Day night was cloudy, chilly, and breezy. The outflow was clear and 56 degrees. Sauk Creek was 52 degrees and clear. Although a couple of anglers were out, no catches were recorded. - Tim Urbaniak, fisheries technician, Milwaukee
Milwaukee County - Very few anglers were out on the Milwaukee River this week. Most anglers were targeting smallmouth bass but did not have a lot of success. Water temperatures were reading at 52 degrees. No angling effort was seen on the Menomonee River. It was another quiet week at McKinley, with only a small number of boats launching on any given day. Some boats that came in reported hit-or-miss success with browns in the harbor, while others reported no hits. The pier was also rather quiet but a few anglers were out trying their luck with no success. Only a couple anglers were seen fishing the north city shoreline over the weekend but reported no success. The South Shore Ramp saw more activity than the Bender Ramp, but both were quiet this weekend. Those coming in at South Shore reported no hits. The ramps are officially put in at both locations. Fishing pressure on Oak Creek have continued to decrease. Only a handful of anglers could be seen on the creek at any given time. Those that were out were targeting the last of the steelhead but were not having much luck. Angling efforts were relatively slow on the Oak Creek Power Plant pier and no fish were reported. - Jessica Grace Jenkins, fisheries technician, Milwaukee
Racine County - Fishing efforts this past week varied depending on the time during the week. Early in the week it was windy and fairly cold. This kept all fishermen off of the lake expect for a few brave souls who tried their luck on the piers. Over the weekend, activity picked up as the weather improved. Activity on the Root River has still been very low as there is very few fish left in the river. There doesn't seem to be any steelhead remaining in the river as none have been reported in quite some time. Of the little activity that remains on the river, the majority continues to come at the Horlick Dam. Nobody seems to be fishing below the steelhead facility anymore. The few people who have fished the river over the past week haven't had any success. The river conditions don't necessarily help the cause. Water levels on the river remain very high and the water is moving very quickly. Water visibility is low as well. The water was about 52 degrees. Racine Harbors and Piers fishing activity early in the week were low. It was very windy and cold early in the week, which made fishing conditions poor. Waves were crashing into and over the piers on a frequent basis, which kept most anglers home. The few anglers who did attempt to fish didn't have any luck. The nicer weather over the weekend brought more people to the shores and piers, but any fish hookups or catches remain ed to be seen. The bathrooms and cleaning station along South Shore Pier on Christopher Columbus Causeway are now open. Just like on the shores and piers, fishing activity at the Racine ramp was very low early in the week due to the bad weather. Over the weekend though, the weather improved. This brought many anglers out to play. Several boat trailers were parked at the Pershing Park boat ramp on Saturday. Anglers were spending all day out on the lake but, success was limited. Boats were only bringing in three fish per boat at the most and some of these boats had three or four people on them. Coho salmon were the main fish being caught but, the coho that were caught were small. A few lake trout were caught as well. The water temperature at the boat ramp was 50 degrees. - Andrew Krecak, fisheries technician, Sturtevant
Kenosha County - Fishing activity early in the week was very low. The weather was poor which made for very rough fishing conditions. Very few people fished the piers and shores, while no trailers were spotted at the ramp. The improved weather over the weekend brought a few more fishermen to the piers and shores as well as a few trailers to the ramp. Fishing activity on the Pike River was absent regardless of the time of the week or the weather conditions. Anglers have taken their fishing efforts either to the piers and shores or out on boats. Water levels on the river remain very high. Water current also remains high while the water clarity is low. The temperature of the river was 54 degrees. Fishing activity along the Kenosha piers and shores was low early in the week. It was much too windy and cold to make fishing enjoyable. A few anglers were reported but they had no luck. Over the weekend, more anglers tried their luck as the weather conditions improved. The improved weather conditions wouldn't matter though, as still no fish were caught. Fishing activity was absent at the Kenosha ramp early in the week as it was much too windy and cold to fish. A few boat trailers were reported at the Kenosha ramp over the weekend though as the weather improved. The boats here didn't have as much luck as the boats up in Racine. No fish were reported being caught out of the Kenosha ramp. The water temperature was around 50 degrees at the Kenosha ramp as well. - Andrew Krecak, fisheries technician, Sturtevant
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South Central Region
No reports.
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West Central Region
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - All campsites are now open and reservable up to two days in advance. Water is on in almost all places in the park. Small shower building by south shelter is open. Flush toilet/shower building in the campground is waiting for a plumbing repair as of Monday afternoon and hope to be open soon. Dump station/potable water is open. Campsites are full for Memorial Day weekend. Fishing pier and boat boarding piers are in! People have been fishing by boat or on shore. Central Sands Nature Trail - the section along the lake is currently closed for replacement of boardwalks (thanks to a Friends of Buckhorn grant) and campers for sites 4-7 and 13-15 have been rerouted to follow the trail to the left to their sites. - Heather Wolf, park manager
Roche-A-Cri State Park - The main gate and camping are now open. Please self-register at the office parking lot when office is closed. The stairway to the top of the mound is open from 6am-sunset, no food, drinks or pets are allowed on the stairs. Hiking trails are in great condition. Pick up a sheet at the office to check out the trail of trees on the Chickadee Rock Nature Trail. There are still some campsites open for Memorial Day weekend. - Heather Wolf, park manager
