Statewide birding report: Migration winds down, nesting begins!
As we say goodbye to May bird migration is generally winding down as expected. Some straggling warblers will continue to move through over the next week, as will some of the later migrants like both cuckoo species, all the flycatchers, and various arctic-nesting shorebirds. Look for northbound flocks of cedar waxwings and common nighthawks, though spring flights of the latter are always smaller in magnitude than noted in fall. The first dickcissels, another very late migrant, were reported this week, though it's too early to tell if this year will rival the big numbers that infiltrated the state last year. Skywatchers may have noted large numbers of immature broad-winged hawks on the move and this may continue well into mid-June. In addition, "molt migrant" Canada geese were reported moving north in V-formations this week. These are non-breeding and failed-breeding birds headed to the resource-rich wetlands of Canada to molt (replace) their feathers.
Pileated WoodpeckerPhoto credit: Ryan Brady
With migration dwindling, breeding activity continues to increase. Now is the time to get involved in the Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas, a five-year statewide survey to document what species are nesting where. Observations may be reported anywhere in the state and more volunteers are needed, so learn more today! Some of the rare birds spotted this week included Hudsonian godwits at several locations, snowy egret in Fond du Lac County, glossy ibis and several white-faced ibises at Horicon Marsh, lark bunting in Portage, lingering snowy owl in Oconto, and a white-eyed vireo amid an impressive total of 7 Bell's vireos in Sauk. Find out what others are seeing and report your sightings to www.ebird.org/wi. Good birding!
- Ryan Brady, conservation biologist, Ashland
Upcoming State Natural Area Workday
Ridgeway Pine Relict Workday: Friday June 8 9 a.m.- noon - Ridgeway features towering cliffs of pine with northern plant species underneath and extensive oak savanna. Help the Friends of Ridgeway Pine Relict, Inc. care for this site by removing invasive plants and planting native plants. Workdays are once a month on the second Friday. We will be removing invasives by mowing, pulling, or spraying. No experience is necessary, you will be trained on site.
Bluff Creek Workday: Saturday June 9 9 a.m.-noon - Come see what's blooming and help volunteers during our Southern Kettle Moraine SNA workdays. Enjoy a short hike through the woods to a springs complex, then use sprayers to remove invasives or aspen girdling tools to remove aspen. This work will help promote native seedlings we have planted in the woodland and wetland plant communities. No skills needed you will be trained onsite.
Check the State Natural Areas Volunteer Program /topic/lands/naturalareas/volunteer.html page of the DNR website for details. - Jared Urban, conservation biologist, Dane. - Jared Urban, conservation biologist, Dane