Statewide Birding Report - Shorebirds, hummingbirds, jaegers and more
With shorter days and some cool northerly winds, southbound bird migration is kicking in statewide. Shorebirds continue to steal headlines as numbers build at mudflats, beaches, and flooded fields around the state. Horicon Marsh, Bong Recreation Area, and Lake Mills’ Zeloski Marsh have been especially active recently, though plenty of sites statewide provide viewing opportunities. Among the dozens of species seen this week were Red-necked Phalaropes, Marbled Godwit, American Avocets, and American Golden-Plovers. Many of these same wetlands are also hosting good numbers of other waterbirds, such as Great Egrets, Black-crowned Night-Herons, Forster’s Terns, and a variety of waterfowl species staging in family groups. New this week was the first obvious evidence of landbird migration as Olive-sided Flycatchers and Tennessee Warblers were found statewide. Several other warbler species were found south of their breeding ranges as well. Feeder watchers are reporting a major surge in hummingbird activity. Many adult males have already departed the state en route to wintering grounds but a wealth of immature birds has brought as many as 60+ birds to some feeders. Now is also a great time to look for (and report sightings of!) the rare Rufous Hummingbird. A striking adult male photographed in Portage County this past week is the season’s only known observation thus far. Also don’t forget that bird baths and related water features can be very active this time of year, as are native fruit trees and shrubs. Finally, one of Wisconsin’s signature bird migration events – the occurrence of migrating jaegers at Superior’s Wisconsin Point – is underway a bit early this year as up to 5 Parasitic Jaegers have already been reported there. The phenomenon will continue at this special concentration point until October. As always, help us track bird populations and their migration patterns by reporting your sightings to www.ebird.org/wi. And enjoy the birds! -Ryan Brady (WDNR/WBCI), 8/15/2013