Statewide Birding Report - March 14, 2013
Snow cover, cold, and persistent northerly winds continue to stall early spring migration. Birders statewide are getting stir-crazy as they eagerly await their favored migrants, many of which are somewhat behind schedule in returning to the Badger State. Sandhill cranes, song sparrows, robins, killdeer, and red-winged blackbirds have arrived in small numbers, along with the first turkey vultures, winter wrens, and even a tree swallow in Rock County. The expanding trumpeter swan population – another conservation success story – has led to sightings statewide this past week. Tundra swan numbers will build rapidly as water opens in the weeks ahead. Canada geese have reached Lake Superior and a flock of 28 greater white-fronted geese was recently spotted in Dane County. Expect an outstanding diversity of ducks and geese along Lake Michigan, inland lakes and wetlands, and flooded agriculture fields on the heels of any warm weather fronts. These fronts will also bring peak eagle migration over the next two weeks, marking a great time to see golden eagles in the state as they head north to Canadian breeding grounds. Holding on from winter, a few snowy owls remain, as does the infamous great gray owl in Juneau County. Crossbills, redpolls, pine grosbeaks, and other finches continue to visit feeders nearly statewide. Backyard birders should be aware of potential increases in salmonella in these species coinciding with warmer temperatures and melting snow. As always, help us track the migration by reporting your sightings of common and rare birds alike to Wisconsin eBird www.ebird.org/WI (exit DNR). - Ryan Brady, Bureau of Wildlife Management research scientist, Ashland