Entered 7/1/2009 11:23:48 PM__________________________________________
Glacial Heritage Area - Alert - After several years of hard work, we finally have a chance to preserve a significant amount of habitat for birds and wildlife in south central Wisconsin - before it's taken over by development. The Glacial Heritage Area Plan is ready for DNR approval. Please take just a few minutes to add your voice to the groundswell of support for this plan!Comments are due by Wednesday, July 15, see the home page Action Alerts link for more info. The easiest way to input your preferences is the online survey, it takes 5-15 minutes, and is time well spent. http://doa.wi.gov/DNRSurveys/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=l2MLm72 Entered 7/1/2009 11:01:42 PM__________________________________________
Unusual behavior - while observing a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk in a nest in a tall pine next to our home, I saw two blackbirds pestering the adult Red-tail circling just overhead and one of them landed on the hawk's rump for a short time and then took off again. It repeated this stunt again while I was watching. Apparently this behavior has been observed before. Perhaps showing off a bit? Entered 6/30/2009 1:08:37 PM__________________________________________
Probably the best thing you can do is check out Kathi and Michael Rock's wonderful website (right here in Madison!), "Hummingbird Gardening in the Midwest": https://mywebspace.wisc.edu/mjrock/web/ They did a program for Madison Audubon a couple of years ago which was very informative. Entered 6/26/2009 11:54:02 AM__________________________________________
what can I do to attract humming birds Entered 6/25/2009 12:30:36 AM__________________________________________
Help Our Legislators Pass A Good Energy Bill! Global warming is already having a profound impact on birds and other wildlife—and without urgent action, things will get worse. See http://madisonaudubon.org/audubon/alerts for more detail and a link to send a message. Entered 6/24/2009 10:16:25 AM__________________________________________
Whoopers were still there this morning. Entered 6/23/2009 7:58:30 PM__________________________________________
About an hour ago, on the way home from work, I discovered three whooping cranes in an ephemeral wetland in the town of Windsor on Hwy C about a half mile south of Hwy V. They are most certainly from the reintroduction project in Necedah as I noted colored bands on their legs. Two of them had bands on the left leg, one had bands on the right leg. The colors, top to bottom, of the bands were red, yellow and green. This discovery makes me proud to have donated to Operation Migration! Jeremy RoeRio Entered 6/21/2009 7:23:52 PM__________________________________________
Definitely a fledgling Cowbird! You are right. Entered 6/21/2009 1:00:22 PM__________________________________________
Question for the experts: Is this male cardinal feeding a baby cardinal - or a baby cowbird? I saw it this morning, and I am thinking it is a cowbird as there is no crown. Thanks!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AK92I2d_gQ Entered 6/19/2009 12:10:34 AM__________________________________________
Of interest to Audubon folks - Art Exhibit: Vanishing Landscapes & Endangered Species by Joseph Ingoldsby, at University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum Steinhauer Trust Gallery May 5 – June 29, with an Artist Presentation: “Fragmentation of the Natural and Cultural Landscape” Sunday, June 21 2 - 3 p.m at the Arboretum Visitor Center, 1207 Seminole Highway Madison, Wisconsin Entered 6/18/2009 7:34:39 PM__________________________________________
Bluebirds hitting windows: they are attacking their reflections, thinking it's another Bluebird! This is territorial behavior. Prevent by: (1) stopping them from seeing their reflection, by darkening the window with shades or "soaping;" (2) putting an outside barrier up, such as netting, so they can't actually hit the window. B.R.A.W., the Bluebird Restoration Society of Wisconsin, has a website that might have other ideas... Entered 6/15/2009 12:27:26 PM__________________________________________
We have bluebirds flying into several windows in our home and seem to desire to visit us. None have been hurt to this point, but we are fearful that they could be. Does anyone know why this may be occuring? Joe at jmmco@bellsouth.net Entered 6/14/2009 8:39:08 PM__________________________________________
A Painted Bunting should only be about half the size of a Robin - any chance that was a female Tanager? (either Scarlet or Summer - there have been quite a few sightings of the latter species in Wisconsin this spring.) Entered 6/14/2009 9:43:50 AM__________________________________________
Just a reminder to take yourself or your family and friends to Goose Pond to walk the prairies and see the Turkey Vulture program at the barn. 12 - 3pm. Entered 6/13/2009 5:09:58 AM__________________________________________
On Memorial Day, we were at our cabin on Hwy. G (near Montfort) when we saw a female Painted Bunting!! The only reason we knew what it was, was because one of the group was originally from Florida & recognized it(it is a Southern bird). It was about the size of a robin, green with a yellow breast. The male is REALLY colorful, but we didn't see a male.Myrna Mcnatt Entered 6/9/2009 10:10:29 PM__________________________________________
Until today, I didn't know that Orchard Orioles would nest in a pine tree! Entered 6/8/2009 8:09:13 AM__________________________________________
Another thought: try to find "your own" White-eyed Vireo within walking/bus/bicycling distance of your house. Way more challenging and infintely more ecologically friendly than driving umpteen miles to re-find "someone elses" bird. Entered 6/7/2009 11:40:31 PM__________________________________________
Nice re White-eyed Vireo - here's an enature link for folks who might want a picture and click to hear the song - http://enature.com/fieldguides/detail.asp?allSpecies=y&searchText=white-eyed%20vireo&curGroupID=1&lgfromWhere=&curPageNum=1 Entered 6/7/2009 5:03:40 PM__________________________________________
Hi all,I went for a long hike at Spring Green Preserve today starting around 11AM. No sign of the N. Mockingbirds, Blue Grosbeak, or Loggerhead Shrike, but I did hear the Chat and found a WHITE-EYED VIREO.To find the WHITE-EYED VIREO:Hike the bluff trail all the way to top. The first opening you come to faces west--far to the west are agricultural fields, your view to the south is blocked by trees and to the north is the top of the bluff. You will know you are approaching the first clearing when you start seeing some black and white private property signs and some pink phlox on the forest floor. If you look down from this first opening there is a small meadow and to the north trees and shrubs become increasingly taller until you hit a line of red cedars near the top of the bluff. To the south of the red cedars I could hear a WHITE-EYED VIREO calling repeatedly. There is a trail that goes down into this valley, but it is not marked on TNC's trail map and I did not hike down it.Other notable species:4 Orchard Oriolesmany Dickcisselsmany Lark & Grasshopper SparrowsAaron StutzMadison, WIDane County Entered 5/31/2009 8:17:19 AM__________________________________________
Yes, that looks exactly like it! Thank you for the help. One more to check off the list :-) -Jesse Entered 5/31/2009 7:26:38 AM__________________________________________
That bird sounds like an EASTERN KINGBIRD. Entered 5/30/2009 10:17:33 PM__________________________________________
Need help identifying: I saw this bird out in the country today just for a moment. It was about the size of a cardinal I "think". It's top half was dark black, it's bottom half (belly) was bright white. It had a black tail - but the tip of the black tail was also bright white (about a half inch of it at the end). Do you know any birds with this description that have the white tip on their tail? Googling has not helped. Thank you! -Jesse Entered 5/28/2009 12:41:31 PM__________________________________________
Wilson's Warbler was the only definite non-breeding bird we found on our trip this morning (Friday). The Chesnut-sided Warbler and Redstarts could've been nesting. Heard one Alder Flycatcher, not sure if it will stay or not. June is a great month to learn bird songs, after the hoards of noisy migrants have gone north. Start with the commonest species, or the easiest songs (like Pewee, Chickadee and Common Yellowthroat) and then just keep expanding your repertoire. Entered 5/27/2009 10:16:14 PM__________________________________________
Amazing Baxters Hollow list per message below, thanks Aaron! Entered 5/27/2009 10:15:08 PM__________________________________________
Of general interest - If you want to know if a solar system would work for you, you can use the FREE service of the city solar agent. The agent was hired by the City of Madison to evaluate the solar options on your property. He also will, if you wish, help you find a contractor. All residents, businesses and non-profit organization with property in the City of Madison are eligible for this FREE service. For assistance from the Solar Agent please contact (608) 243-0586 or email solar@cityofmadison.com Entered 5/27/2009 10:14:05 PM__________________________________________
Audubon Birding Retreat over Memorial Day Weekend at Camp Lake Lucerne netted 112 species, a new record for the weekend. This included some birding at Buena Vista and Germania Marsh. Also enjoyed seeing fox kits playing near the cabins, a Pileated working the shoreline deadwood, and lots of other wildlife. Entered 5/27/2009 7:24:20 PM__________________________________________
It would be interesting if it turned out that some of the many White-winged Crossbills that were in southern Wisc. this winter had stayed and nested -- like Pine Siskins did. Is anybody still seeing any crossbills? Entered 5/27/2009 7:23:03 PM__________________________________________
Has anyone seen any fledgling Crows, Starlings or Grackles yet? Usually the young are so noisy they really stand out, but I haven't heard any as of yet. Entered 5/27/2009 7:21:51 PM__________________________________________
Yesterday I saw a Prothonotary Warbler in Madison, in a place where I may never have seen one before. When I came home and looked in the bird book, I saw that male and female are very similar...wish I had thought to notice the color of the bird's beak, since in Sibley that seems to be the main difference. In the same location there was a White-crowned Sparrow, surely one of the last for the season. Entered 5/25/2009 10:20:12 AM__________________________________________
i all,I led a group to Baxter's Hollow this morning. Highlights included 16 warbler species, both cuckoos, a nice variety of flycatchers, and singing thrushes. Non-avian highlights included a Brown Snake, a variety of fish, frogs and tadpoles and a wonderful woodland wildflower display.Here is an abridged list...Broad-winged Hawk 1Black-billed Cuckoo 2Yellow-billed Cuckoo 2Ruby-throated Hummingbird 3Winter Wren 1Olive-sided Flycatcher 1Eastern Wood-Pewee 5Acadian Flycatcher 5Alder Flycatcher 3Eastern Phoebe 3Great Crested Flycatcher 8Tufted Titmouse 1Veery 10Wood Thrush 10Blue-winged Warbler 10Tennessee Warbler 5Yellow Warbler 6Black-throated Green Warbler 1Blackburnian Warbler 1Blackpoll Warbler 5Cerulean Warbler 6Black-and-white Warbler 2American Redstart 20Ovenbird 5Louisiana Waterthrush 8Connecticut Warbler 1Mourning Warbler 1Common Yellowthroat 10Hooded Warbler 3Canada Warbler 5Scarlet Tanager 5Eastern Towhee 2Pine Siskin 2Three of us went to the Spring Green Preserve after the field trip and dipped on the Mockingbird, but found:Field Sparrow 10Vesper Sparrow 2Lark Sparrow 4Savannah Sparrow 5Grasshopper Sparrow 8Dickcissel 3Eastern Meadowlark 8Orchard Oriole 8The shorebird ponds near Spring Green were almost completely dry. All we could find were:1 Wilson’s Phalarope, 4 L. Yellowlegs, a few Semipalmated Plovers and KilldeerAaron StutzMadison, WIDane County Entered 5/23/2009 3:49:17 PM__________________________________________
Did the Field Day happen today? We wanted to go but it was raining pretty hard this morning. Entered 5/23/2009 8:46:40 AM__________________________________________
Phalarope still at Goose Pond on Friday evening, (May 22nd). Very cooperative to photograph. Entered 5/21/2009 10:06:07 AM__________________________________________
At 6:45 pm on Wednesday May 20, 2009 there was a beautiful breeding plumage female Red-necked Phalarope feeding in the Goose Pond Sanctuary area at the west end of the flooded field pond north of Kampen Road (i.e. the pond just west of Goose Pond Road). It was working the shallow waters and shoreline. It was still present an hour later when I passed through on my way back to Madison. Also present were Dunlin, Least Sandpipers, and Killdeer. Entered 5/20/2009 12:59:00 PM__________________________________________
Re Sierra Club Goodman mtg below - Wed May 20 (tonite) Entered 5/20/2009 7:18:26 AM__________________________________________
Sierra Club meeting at Goodman Community Center: what date did you mean? Entered 5/20/2009 1:53:08 AM__________________________________________
Consider listening to WPR's "Conversations with Larry Meiller" program tomorrow, May 20 http://www.wpr.org/larrymeiller Perhaps call in to thank Wisconsin Wetlands Association for designating Cherokee Marsh as one of 100 Wetland Gems. (Madison Audubon is assisting with efforts to get Cherokee Marsh designated an IBA - Important Bird Area) Entered 5/20/2009 1:48:33 AM__________________________________________
This next Wednesday, the Four Lakes Group of the Sierra Club will be holding its monthly program on opportunities and uses of stimulus funds for environmentally productive purposes. Representatives from three Cool Communities (the Sierra Club's Cool Cities program at http://www.coolcities.us/) have been invited to discuss in particular green uses of stimulus funds. A panel will lead off the questions and discussion. We invite all concerned citizens to attend to learn more about what stimulus funds are coming our way, what the opportunities are, and how you can weigh in to help direct use of these funds. Please feel free to come and share your own questions or concerns. We will also be inviting other officials to participate as audience members. This event will be at the Goodman Community Center off the east side bike path, providing ready access via an environmentally friendly means of access. The panel will be from 6:30 - 8:30 PM and refreshments and snacks will be provided. Entered 5/16/2009 8:43:10 PM__________________________________________
ORIOLE: it looks more like an immature male (i.e. hatched last year) ORCHARD ORIOLE. These second-year males will sing as strongly as any full adult male. Quite a different song from that of the Baltimore Oriole, has more harsh/buzzy notes. Sort of an oak-savannah species. Entered 5/16/2009 8:01:32 PM__________________________________________
This is a zoomed view of the "mystery bird" which I believe to be a hooded oriole. DSC00142.JPG Entered 5/16/2009 7:59:35 PM__________________________________________
Hi, Hoping you (or someone you know) can help me positively ID a bird I have had at my oriole feeder the past 2 days.(May 15 & 16) I did get a good photo of it, but obviously can't send it through this email.The bird is the size of an oriole, mainly a golden yellow that goes to a yellowish to greenish/gray on it's wings. It has white bands on it's wings similar to a Baltimore oriole. It has a distinctive black throat that wraps up around it's eyes. It's been enjoying the oranges at the feeder :) The only thing I can find in our Audobon book is a Hooded Oriole...but if this IS a hooded oriole, it's obviously lost since the book shows its home range in the southwest US! I'll try uploading a picture as well.Thank you for any help, Denise DeMeyer, Whitelaw, WIdemeyer41@tm.net Entered 5/15/2009 4:55:45 PM__________________________________________
Please help us publicize this June 14th event. It is a rare opportunity to see a turkey vulture up close and visit with its keeper, wildlife biologist Lisa Hartman. We need a good audience to reward Lisa for her efforts, as well as to interest families and children in the ecology of the area. http://madisonaudubon.org/audubon/adventuredays/vultureposter_june142009.pdf In addition, activities at Hopkins Rd. Prairie will introduce many to this interesting restoration, with guides to the prairie in bloom led by Laurie Armstrong, who is keeping journals of her activities on the bird nest box trail there. Marcia MacKenzie promises to bring us interesting historical information about her ancestors -- the Kampen and MacKenzie families, who broke the sod and farmed here after their immigration. The Hopkins Rd. Prairie often provides a resting spot on a hilltop rock pile for numbers of wild turkey vultures who fly down from their homes in the Baraboo area. Volunteers will be welcome, to help plan, set up and welcome the guests. Call or e-mail Dorothy Haines, 221-1948, or dhaines@charter.net Entered 5/15/2009 4:24:40 PM__________________________________________
Good Oak Ecological Services is sponsoring a Wildflower Walk - May 19 (Tuesday), 6:00 - 8:00 pm at the Cherokee Marsh North Unit parking lot, 6098 North Sherman Ave. See woodland spring ephemerals. Entered 5/15/2009 4:20:57 PM__________________________________________
Some birds we found this morning: Chickadee, Canadian Goose, Sea Gull, Common Crow, Yellowbilled Cuckoo, female Wilson's Warbler, Song Sparrow, Tree Swallows, Mallard Duck, Blue Jays, White-eyed Vireo, Little Green Heron, Great Blue Heron, hard-to-see warblers, Cardinal, Downy Woodpecker,American Goldfinches, House Finches, Eastern Phoebe, American Robin and also a bunch of other kinds of birds. This was in Madison. Entered 5/15/2009 11:40:24 AM__________________________________________
The field trip tonight (Friday May 15) at Nine Springs will go on as planned, unless there is heavy rain or lightning. Conditions there have apparently improved markedly the last few days, as they are actively drawing down some of the impoundments to attract shorebirds. Snowy Egrets were also seen there again today. Put on your rain gear and waterproof footwear and join us at 6:30 p.m. at the Nine Springs E-way parking lot off Moorland Rd. Bring a scope if you have one. Entered 5/14/2009 12:31:10 PM__________________________________________
I have sighted 3 whooping cranes for the past 3 weeks on Newville Road in Jefferson County. Today I received an unconfirmed sighting of 5 more. I will keep you posted. Having whooping cranes and the ATC powerline construction together on the same road seems a little ironic. jeff@seljan.com Entered 5/13/2009 3:54:37 PM__________________________________________
Response of Wisconsin's Wildlife to Climate Change, Karl Martin, Section Chief, Wildlife and Forestry Research, WDNR and Michael Meyer, Research Scientist, WDNR, 7:00 p.m. Thu, May 14th Room 1111 Genetics-Biotechnology Center Building 425 Henry Mall. Bracing for Impacts is sponsored by the Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts and the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, UW-Madison. For individuals outside of Madison, the seminars will be live-streamed at www.biotech.wisc.edu/webcams Entered 5/13/2009 3:49:03 PM__________________________________________
Dorothy Carnes County Park/Rose Lake State Natural Area - Meeting to present design concepts - public input welcome! Monday, May 18 from 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Dwight Foster Public Library, 102 E. Milwaukee Ave., Fort Atkinson At least two design concepts will be presented for public input, primarily for the 81 acre Jefferson County Recreation Area. This will be a good chance to see what Jefferson County, the LanDesign consultants, and the advisory committee have developed so far. For more information, contact Margaret Burlingham, LanDesign, at landesign@centurytel.net Entered 5/13/2009 2:47:37 PM__________________________________________
Help the Birds - Help Rid the Lakeshore Nature Preserve of Invasive Garlic Mustard by Pledging or Pulling, Sat May 16th, 1:45-4:00 PM(Rain date Sun May 17th), meet at Picnic Point Entrance, wear sturdy shoes, long pants and long sleeves a must! Come, Join the Fun, and Bring a Friend! If you can't come, Pledge by emailing your name, address and pledge amount to rlenehan@charter.net. Suggested pledges are 25 cents, 50 cents, $1, or $2 per bagfull the group pulls, estimated total will be between 40 and 120 bags, you can specify a maximum amount. All money will go directly to invasive species removal in the Preserve. Thank you to all the people who have already pledged to this event! Friends of the Preserve, Roma Lenehan 238-5406 www.lakeshorepreserve.org Entered 5/12/2009 2:58:21 PM__________________________________________
I'd like to give a little feedback on my Purple Finch breeding observation. As I noted in my wisb post, I was in the arboretum in the neighborhood. I heard begging, and tracked down a slightly-fluffy young Purple Finch, who was being attended by two adults (male and female). The bird in question was a mostly brown finch. House Finch could be ruled out based upon the facial pattern of the fledgling (and adults) - strongly marked, with a lighter eyebrow and malar stripe, and a darker eyebrow. The bill was stout but triangular, ruling out siskin with the much finer bill (also, no pronounced streaking and the head pattern rule out siskin).If you need photographic evidence to accept a new county record, then I and anyone else who is interested will need to find that finch family again. I went there two days later and could not find them. There WERE House Finches starting a nest a block down the road (so, yes, House Finch is more likely if you had no other evidence to go on), though they clearly didn't have babies yet. I understand I'm a questionable observer in this area, since I'm basically unknown to most/all of you as a birder. If you are still concerned about my abilities, feel free to email and I can tell you more about my birding history (calocitta8 - AT - gmail.com).Jesse Ellis Entered 5/10/2009 10:42:20 AM__________________________________________
Scarlet Tanager at my oriole feeder eating grape jelly all morning this Mother's Day. Surprising because we live in a residential area with no large tracts of woods nearby. In fact, I don't even have large trees on my property and have never seen a tanager in the four years living here. A great Mother's Day gift for me! Hope this link works scarlet_tanager_05_2009.jpg Entered 5/8/2009 11:46:47 AM__________________________________________
Two brief visits on consecutive days to Turville Park yielded many blue-gray gnatcatchers, a great crested flycatcher, two indigo buntings, an oriole, and a palm warbler. Entered 5/8/2009 12:13:03 AM__________________________________________
Great series of birding videos from Cornell Labs - Inside Birding http://www.birds.cornell.edu/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=1270 - Learn more about enjoying the warblers and other migrants passing through this time of year! Entered 5/7/2009 10:58:12 PM__________________________________________
Citizen Science opportunity - See http://www.uwex.edu/ces/cty/dane/index.html for information about a free training workshop to monitor surface water quality. The workshop is scheduled for Saturday, May 16th, sponsored by Dane County UW-Extension and Land and Water Resource Departments. There is still room for more participants. See the web link above, or contact Mindy Habecker, Natural Resource/Community Development Educator (608)224-3718 Habecker@co.dane.wi.us Entered 5/6/2009 5:01:44 PM__________________________________________
Purple Finches were not very common this winter, actually, and they have never been known to nest in Dane County. So House Finch remains more likely, absent photos. Entered 5/6/2009 2:20:14 PM__________________________________________
The Purple Finch observer is very reliable - and they are fairly common in the Arboretum. Re: Shorebird spots - Nine Springs is usually good, but recent rains have raised water levels and covered the mud flats they use. Best spot currently may be the Harvey/Wangsness Rds. complex of flooded fields just northeast of DeForest (just over the line into Columbia County.) Take Manthe Rd. or County DM east from Hwy 51 to Harvey Rd. Best spots are usually along the west side of Harvey between Wangsness and DM, and the east end of the big pond on either side of Wangsness towards Kroncke Rd. There are many other flooded fields in northern Dane & southern Columbia Cos., any of which could have shorebirds. Many of these are northwest of DeForest and north of Waunakee. Entered 5/6/2009 7:28:22 AM__________________________________________
Someone thinks they saw a family of PURPLE FINCHES in the U.W. Arboretum -- wouldn't House Finch be more likely? House Finches are common around here, year round, and are known to lay eggs remarkably early in the year... Entered 5/6/2009 7:09:59 AM__________________________________________
Is there any place in or near Dane county to view migrating shore birds (plovers, sandpipers, etc.) Entered 5/1/2009 2:42:08 PM__________________________________________
Some new books at the Arboretum bookstore you may be interested in.... good Mother's Day gifts too. "Flights Against the Sunset" by Kenn Kaufman; "Flight of the Hummingbird" by Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas; "Gathering of Angels, Migrating Birds and Their Ecology by Kenneth P. Able. Also a new book by Bernd Heinrich, "Summer World". Many guides to Warblers also. Entered 5/1/2009 10:50:01 AM__________________________________________
The Art Fair is Saturday! New location this year -- Warner Park Entered 4/30/2009 8:44:27 PM__________________________________________
Little Green Heron, Ring-necked Duck, also Purple Martins are back at Tenney Park Entered 4/29/2009 10:36:03 PM__________________________________________
Big bunches of White-throated sparrows coming through Entered 4/29/2009 9:13:47 PM__________________________________________
Eastern Towhee singing in backyard this morning, and Oriole this evening Entered 4/28/2009 8:58:31 PM__________________________________________
Warbler Walks start this Thursday! Meet at the dead end where Park St. meets Parisi Park in Middleton to check out the Pheasant Branch corridor. Mike McDowell says he'll be there rain or shine, so get your rain gear on and see some warblers! Entered 4/28/2009 8:04:15 PM__________________________________________
yellow warbler reported seen the past two days near the canal by the railroad tracks across from warner beach park Entered 4/26/2009 12:38:02 PM__________________________________________
4/26/09, 10:45am. Osprey sighted eating a fish in the big oak tree on the island in Cherokee Lake on Madison's North side. Entered 4/25/2009 2:49:05 PM__________________________________________
SPRING MIGRATION is in full swing in Madison! Many warblers, sparrows, sandpipers, hawks, etc. are showing up on the recent south winds. Try walking, taking a bus or biking to your nearest park or weedy area to look for them. Find your own birds! Entered 4/25/2009 1:18:48 AM__________________________________________
reportedly perergrine falcon nest on one of the MGE stacks, website for a video about it is at http://www.mge.com/about/falcon.htm Entered 4/24/2009 8:22:38 AM__________________________________________
Those would be Bonaparte's Gulls - very common here this time of year. Entered 4/23/2009 5:36:37 PM__________________________________________
Goose Pond almost empty of birds- schoenberg marsh clogged with... gulls with black heads, and red legs! experts go look. i left home without sibley! And very large blandings turtle on muskrat lodge, 35 yards from shore at ne end of marsh. Dan Smith langlaufer7@hotmail.com would love rsvp on the gulls Entered 4/21/2009 8:58:13 PM__________________________________________
5 whooping cranes sighted going through Madison area today Entered 4/19/2009 2:49:45 PM__________________________________________
Re large flock of gulls on Mendota (below), they may have been Bonaparte's after all. See the Nature News link on the home page - Goose Pond reported 520 Bonaparte's. Entered 4/18/2009 11:56:57 PM__________________________________________
Big Birding Day is coming up fast - May 9. See http://madisonaudubon.org/audubon/bigbirdingday/bigbird09.htm to form a team, or do it the 'easy way' by supporting Team Sustain Crane (birding by bike) with a small pledge such as 10 cents or 25 cents per species (we hope to find 100 species). Please email your pledge statement to paul_noeldner@hotmail.com, thanks! Entered 4/16/2009 8:42:36 PM__________________________________________
This Saturday is our annual Earth Day Work Day at Lake View Hill County Park from 10 am -12. Park at the Dane County Human Services Building up the hill on the north side of Northport Drive across from Jungs. There is lots of excellent native savanna and prairie seed that needs to be scattered over the areas that were recently burned. It would be great to see you if you have time. Happy Earth Day! If questions contact Janet at 242-9006 or cell 698-7093 Entered 4/16/2009 8:36:09 PM__________________________________________
You are invited to volunteer at the spring Community Workday at Holy Wisdom Monastery on Saturday, May 16, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Benedictine Women of Madison makes extensive efforts each year to preserve the natural environment at Holy Wisdom Monastery. Past volunteers have helped to restore over 95 acres of prairie and wetlands at Holy Wisdom Monastery. This year volunteers will help plant the "green roof," stain prairie benches, remove invasives and with other environmental projects around the grounds. Help us continue to preserve the beauty of the land for all who visit. Entered 4/14/2009 11:25:11 PM__________________________________________
A friend sent this link that birders might enjoy - Bird Watcher's Digest free podcasts - http://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/site/podcasts/index.aspx Entered 4/12/2009 8:53:51 AM__________________________________________
While there are Bonaparte's Gulls in the area, they are mostly in smallish flocks of 8-12 birds - a flock of "literally thousands" would almost have to be Ring-billed Gulls, which are smaller than Herring Gulls (our two common gulls in this area.) The larger flocks of the small, black-headed Bonaparte's should be here soon, but even then, I've never seen or even heard of flocks of more than a few hundred individuals (unlike Ring-bills and Herrings.) Entered 4/12/2009 3:34:33 AM__________________________________________
Heddy: I would guess BONAPARTE'S GULLS for that flock on Lake Mendota, just based on your description and time-of-year. Entered 4/11/2009 11:46:09 PM__________________________________________
Here's another good scientific link re red-tailed hawks per message below - this Univ of Michigan site also has some terrific website content and information on other species eg frogs - http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Buteo_jamaicensis.html Entered 4/11/2009 8:51:55 PM__________________________________________
As for previos message...the large flock appears on Lake Mendota.. Entered 4/11/2009 8:51:13 PM__________________________________________
At sunset the last few nights, there has been a huge flock of birds...seem to be gull like but smaller, or tern like..but we can't get close enough by boat to see them. Anyone know what they are? There are literally thousands of them, and they screech like gulls. Heddy Entered 4/9/2009 12:18:54 AM__________________________________________
Of interest to birders and butterfly-ers! "Badger ButterFlyer" e-Newsletter of the Southern Wisconsin Butterfly Association for APRIL 2009 is now posted at http://www.naba.org/chapters/nabawba/SWBAAPRILNewsletter09.pdf . The Tues April 28 7pm meeting at Warner Park Community Recreation Center features Eric Mader of the Xerces Society with a presentation on “Native Bee Conservation” Entered 4/8/2009 10:40:32 PM__________________________________________
Re Red-tail Hawks - here are a few links you might find interesting with a bit more science http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Buteo_jamaicensis.html , http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Red-tailed_Hawk.html http://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/052/articles/introduction j. BNA also offers more professional research and detail via a for-fee signin. Also Goodle 'red-tail hawk citizen science' gives several hits on participatory research info. Happy hawking! Entered 4/8/2009 11:29:26 AM__________________________________________
I really enjoy watching red-tail hawks around the Madison metro area, especially between Waunakee and Sun Prairie. I have searched on the internet and asked the DNR for the name of a person or a web site where these birds are studied. As of this message I have basically found or been told about "zip". Any suggestions???? Detailed studies or research, not just a few photos or where these birds exist. PLEASE HELP! Entered 4/6/2009 1:37:43 PM__________________________________________
A nice big chunky flock of white pelicans have been on "Lake Belleville" for the last few days. This morning there were still 6 on the lake - at least I could see 6 - there are a few small islands where others could be out of view. The number flucuated between 15 and 25 last week. They make the Canada Geese sprinkled in among them look like tiny bath toys. 62" wingspans. Nice sighting. The lake is the Sugar River impoundment right in downtown Belleville - usually can see them great right from the main drag - Hwy 69. They must be happy cleaning up all the carp in the "lake". The lake has sedimented in through the last few decades with ag field erosion - in most spots the water depth is 1 to 3 feet deep with many more feet of muck below that. Entered 4/5/2009 9:59:15 PM__________________________________________
The Apr 5 Goose Pond event has been rescheduled for June 14 Entered 4/5/2009 11:49:49 AM__________________________________________
Re my message of 3/27...I watched an immature White Crowned Sparrow on Kampen Road at Goose Pond, not a female. I thought it was a bit early for this bird, and wished I had taken a photo. Entered 4/5/2009 11:16:57 AM__________________________________________
Re: Lake Monona Loons - late yesterday afternoon (Saturday), I counted 110 Commmon Loons from the bike path at the intersection of John Nolen and North Shore Drives (best place to park is the lot by Brittingham Boat House on North Shore.) There were also another 42 C. Loons on Monona Bay. Ideal conditions, with the water like glass, allowed me to see all the way across the lake with a scope. Probably not quite as nice today... Entered 4/4/2009 11:20:48 AM__________________________________________
Note: Cancelled: Sun 04/5 Scope Days at Goose Pond Featuring Uncle Butzie the Vulture. This event had to be cancelled due to a major snow advisory, and will be rescheduled if possible. Check back for updates. Entered 4/3/2009 8:04:29 PM__________________________________________
loons downtown There has been about 100 loons the last 2 days between the Elks Club and Olin Park the last 2 days. Some may have left tonight. They have been feeding on bluegills and displaying their mating ritual along with calling. I have seen 6" fish eaten. The best place to view is the bike path along Law Park or the Evjue Gardens. Entered 4/2/2009 11:40:44 AM__________________________________________
I listened to the clip http://clipcast.wpr.org:8080/ramgen/wpr/mlr/mlr090401f.rm (go to 24:20)She sounds pretty confident that they are not big crows. Entered 4/2/2009 8:32:16 AM__________________________________________
Re: Ravens in Dane County - this would be very unlikely, although there have been a few credible reports. They sometimes are seen or heard as far south as the Wyocena area in central Columbia Co., and there has been a nesting pair near the Germania Marsh on the Marquette/Green Lake Co. line for the last few years. Most reports from this far south (including several Great Backyard Bird Count lists) are not credible - a lot of folks don't seem to realize how much size variation there is among American Crows. Ravens have structural differences that are readily apparent, including a pointed, wedge-shaped tail and much heavier bill. Their deep, croaking vocalizations are also quite different from the cawing of Crows (much more like "cruk, cruk.") Entered 4/2/2009 1:11:36 AM__________________________________________
Chicagoland Audubon is doing some very interesting restoration, citizen science, and outreach efforts! Here's their April newsletter: http://www.habitatproject.org/newsletters/2009-04 Apr.pdf Entered 4/1/2009 7:33:06 PM__________________________________________
Greetings Cherokee Fans – Well, today the chorus frogs (and a few leopard frogs) are singing madly at Cherokee Marsh. Here is a link to a Youtube video recorded at Frog Pond (at Cherokee Marsh) a few years ago, in case you can’t get there in person: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-56c7U3mBKo Entered 4/1/2009 1:24:09 PM__________________________________________
RAVENS? Listening to Scott Craven on WI Public Radio today (April 1), heard a woman named Barb report having a pair of Ravens in her yard right now. I couldn't catch exactly where she lives, but think it's in Dane County. Does anyone know any details on this? Entered 4/1/2009 8:27:06 AM__________________________________________
Field trip this Saturday - Spring Birds of Columbia County. See the March/April CAWS for details (for those meeting to carpool from Madison, the location will actually be across the street from where it's listed in the trip description, due to recent changes in the area.) Entered 3/27/2009 10:09:18 PM__________________________________________
Hello Sanctuary Volunteers, We've been watching the weather closely and fortunately it appears that the storm will not be arriving tomorrow until late afternoon and evening. With this bit of luck the workparty tomorrow will NOT be canceled. So please come out and join us tomorrow from 9am-noon for, most likely, our last Saturday brush burning workparty of the season. We'll be needing many hands on deck as we continue to clear out the LM Ledge Savanna. If you haven't been out for a while you'll notice the great progress our volunteers have made over the winter. So come join us for one last horrah! We hope to see you here, David, Roger, and Lars Entered 3/27/2009 9:45:09 PM__________________________________________
Local Artists Celebrate Arbor Day 2009 with April Art Show at Oregon’s Firefly CoffeehousePublic Invited to Reception on April 24 - Go to http://www.fireflycoffeehouse.com/index.html?ffpage=8 Entered 3/27/2009 9:32:05 AM__________________________________________
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW: male and female are not distinguishable from each other, according to Sibley.There may occ. be an overwintering Whitecrown; I haven't seen any since November, myself. White-THROATED Sparrows are another matter -- they are suddenly becoming common. Entered 3/27/2009 7:45:36 AM__________________________________________
I was visiting the Goose Pond area a few days ago and saw very clearly a female White Crowned Sparrow on Kampen Rd. Is this early for this bird to arrive in Wisconsin? Entered 3/24/2009 9:38:17 PM__________________________________________
Creating a 5-Star Bird Attraction in Your Yard - Sun Prairie Garden Club, Sat Mar 28 1pm, Sun Prairie High School Auditorium, 220 Kronke Dr, Sun Prairie - Mariette Nowak, author of Birdscaping in the Midwest ($10/8) Entered 3/23/2009 11:33:23 PM__________________________________________
FREE PUBLIC LECTURE: This is part of a UW Nelson Institute series cosponsored by Madison Audubon. TOPIC: Wetland Conservation and Management: Worldwide Issues, Conflicts and Synergies, and Learning from Comparison and CollaborationjWHERE: Wed March 25, 2009 4 p.m. 2650 Humanities Building 455 N. Park Street Madison, WisconsinSPEAKER: Max Finlayson, Professor of Ecology and Biodiversity and Director of the Institute for Land, Water, & Society at Charles Sturt University, Australia Entered 3/22/2009 10:23:41 PM__________________________________________
No March records exist for Baltimore Oriole in Wisconsin - earliest documented spring arrival is April 2. Starlings can imitate many other birds, so always check around if you hear something odd. Ring-necked Ducks are common in the area right now, including at the Nine Springs ponds. Entered 3/22/2009 9:09:02 PM__________________________________________
"BALTIMORE ORIOLE" is about a month early, probably was something else. Tekiela guide no good compared to Sibley's. Lights out a good idea, now what about cars out? Entered 3/22/2009 8:28:15 PM__________________________________________
MARK YOUR CALENDAR - VOTE WITH YOUR LIGHTS! - Participate in Earth Hour 2009 - On March 28, at 8:30 pm local time, one billion people will go dark for Earth Hour. You can help by turning off your lights for an hour, to help make a global statement about climate change and commitment to finding solutions. Entered 3/22/2009 8:20:51 PM__________________________________________
Challenge - take the Audubon Climate Change Quiz - http://www.audubon.org/bird/bacc/quiz.php Entered 3/22/2009 8:01:46 PM__________________________________________
Re Ring-necked Duck - one has been seen on the Yahara between the lakes off and on so that's a possibility. ps - Pretty sure I heard a Baltimore Oriole today on Governors Island, also more Killdeer. Starting to sound downright 'springy' out there :) Entered 3/22/2009 10:41:55 AM__________________________________________
Hey everyone, I love reading this board! Thank you to the webmaster and whomever else is involved in its production.I was at the wastewater treatment area in Madison yesterday and saw a duck I can't identify. It was among geese and buffleheads. The duck in question was black, with white sides. The most striking feature was that its head and beak were black - but there were two white bands around its beak. It was as if someone had placed to thick white rubber bands around his beak.I can't find it in the Tekiela guide. I also tried the internet - the closest I came was the "ring necked duck" which might migrate through here. Any other ideas? Thanks! -J.C. Entered 3/22/2009 8:45:15 AM__________________________________________
From a DNR web page:Tiffany Bottoms State Wildlife Area- This 13,000-acre wildlife area includes property on both sides of the Chippewa River between Durand and the confluence of the Chippewa with the Mississippi River at Nelson, WI. The area offers an abundance of bird viewing opportunities as it is considered critical habitat for many of Wisconsin's breeding birds.You can hike along the 8 miles of railroad track or take a ride in an antique open-air train into the Tiffany Bottoms. The Tifffany Train is maintained by the Chippewa Valley Motor Car Association and there are numerous tours throughout the year sponsored by a number of different organizations. For more information about scheduled tours contact: Terry Yust by email or phone (507)876-2208.The train trip has also been featured on Wisconsin Public Television lately on a series about the Wisconsin Birding Trail. Entered 3/22/2009 12:07:52 AM__________________________________________
Someone I met today told me about a train excursion for bird watchers in Trempealeau County that takes place in May. Can anyone give me more information on this train?John Pare - Mt. Horeb Entered 3/21/2009 3:37:20 PM__________________________________________
Hi all,I scoped Monona Bay around noon today. Here are the highlights:1 B1 Thayer's Gull1 Horned Grebe2 Double Crested Cormorantsabout 10 Common Loons10+ Ruddy Ducks20 Red-breasted MergansersThere are good numbers of gulls on Western Lake Monona, most are difficult to scope unless you hike down the bike path. From a less than ideal scoping location I could not pick out any unusual species.Aaron StutzMadison, WIDane County Entered 3/19/2009 7:46:39 PM__________________________________________
NE WI: your birds sound like male WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS. Entered 3/19/2009 6:07:20 PM__________________________________________
I am new to bird watching and saw a new bird today. looks like a finch or grosbeak. i am in norhteast wi.breast was red or rose collored and wings were black and white. march 19th and snow just melted. pair of birds feeding on ground. Entered 3/19/2009 3:10:34 PM__________________________________________
The recent National Audubon report on birds and climate change highlighted changes in range for many species. Some Bluebirds do overwinter however, depending on available shelter and food, for example Bluebirds have been seen in Cherokee Marsh on extremely cold January days. It's wonderful how many we do see, given that there was grave concern they might go extinct not that many years ago! Entered 3/19/2009 12:55:52 PM__________________________________________
Two bluebirds very briefly near our window Monday morning (Town of Middleton). They used to arrive late April, early May, but it's been gradually getting earlier. This is the earliest by far we've seen them. Alarmingly early. lento@chorus.net Entered 3/19/2009 9:55:19 AM__________________________________________
Want to start birding, but aren't quite sure how to go about IDing them? Al Holzhueter will be leading several "Beginning Birding" field trips to Picnic Point on the UW Campus in the next few weeks. First one is this Saturday (March 21) - meet at the 1918 Marsh parking lot (across from the entrance to Picnic Point, off University Bay Drive) at 7:30 a.m. Also offered April 11 & 25. See the March/April CAWS for more details on this and other upcoming field trips. Entered 3/19/2009 9:43:55 AM__________________________________________
This was posted to the Wisconsin Birding listserv Wednesday: Yesterday, I saw two Peregrines flying around the smoke stacks at the MG&E plant downtown. It looked like they might be interested in nesting - I saw them land on the 2nd stack from the left as you look at the plant from the bike path. It is the only stack with a platform close to the top. Entered 3/18/2009 8:30:25 AM__________________________________________
This is an excellent time of year to witness the display flights of Woodcock. Just find a large, open grassy area with some moist woods or brushy areas nearby, and go out shortly after sunset. You'll hear the distinctive "peent" calls the males make as they circle around on the ground, and then hear the high-pitched chittering as they explode upward into their aerial display. Some good places to listen (and watch, if it's not too dark) are Gov. Nelson St. Park, Pheasant Branch Conservancy (the county portion,) Cherokee Marsh, the Nine Springs E-Way parking lot on Moorland Rd., and Lake Farm county Park at the end of Libby Rd. Entered 3/18/2009 1:34:13 AM__________________________________________
Common Merganzers and Coots actually outnumber the Mallards on Mendota by Tenny Park Entered 3/18/2009 1:32:49 AM__________________________________________
Heard a Killdeer calling as it flew over, didn't get a look but the call was pretty distinctive Entered 3/17/2009 1:56:15 PM__________________________________________
Four white pelicans spent the evening of March 16 on the thawed portion of Cherokee Lake, but were nowhere to be seen this morning. Entered 3/16/2009 10:45:16 PM__________________________________________
Re Meadowlark - thanks for posting, you made my day :) Entered 3/16/2009 6:42:42 AM__________________________________________
March 15, 2009. Jackson Waterfowl Production Area, Town of Vienna, Meadowlark standing on the road pavement and singing his heart out. Very nice. Numerous flocks of cranes, geese, etc. Entered 3/14/2009 5:09:36 PM__________________________________________
Saw and heard 7 Sandhill Cranes today that were heading north,, from my backyard in Windsor! Very cool.Heddy Entered 3/11/2009 7:54:53 AM__________________________________________
HAWKS: all four are Red-tailed Hawks, probably adult (dark eye; insubstantial belly-band). Species is highly variable. Entered 3/11/2009 7:44:25 AM__________________________________________
When it comes to identifying hawks, I definitely need more experience. Here are 3 photos of a hawk I took last week when heading for birding at Schoeneberg Marsh. He was sitting on a utility pole Hawk.jpg . I was able to get it in flight as well Hawk2.jpg , Hawk3.jpg . Please help me identify it. Thanks. Entered 3/11/2009 2:05:52 AM__________________________________________
Here is a picture of 2008 Lake Lucerne Memorial Weekend Birding Retreat folks enjoying a side trip LakeLucerne-BirdingGermaniaMarsh.jpg , see the home page link for this year's details and registration! Entered 3/11/2009 12:35:14 AM__________________________________________
Pictures can be uploaded here and linked by entering the uploaded file name and extent in double braces. For example, this is an uploaded picture file isthisahawk.jpg , does anybody recognize what kind of bird this is? Entered 3/10/2009 8:23:30 AM__________________________________________
The best thing to do with photos is to post them to a website like Flickr, Picasa, etc., and then provide a link to the photo or album. Entered 3/8/2009 11:06:47 PM__________________________________________
Is there a place where I can upload some photos of birds where I could seek help in identifying them? I'm not certain that the "Upload a File or Photo" section of this Board is the place that I can do that. Entered 3/6/2009 8:49:11 AM__________________________________________
Things to do this weekend - FOURTH ANNUAL "MADISON READS LEOPOLD" CELEBRATION, Free public readings from "A Sand County Almanac" and other works by the great conservationist and teacher Aldo Leopold, at UW Arboretum Visitor Center Auditorium Saturday, March 7, 2009, 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM. 50 readers from all walks of Madison-area life -- celebrities and citizens, students and teachers, Leopold family members, media personalities, and representatives of various organizations. Aldo Leopold's eloquent words about the natural environment and humans' relationship to it are as meaningful today as when they were written, over 60 years ago; because the Arboretum owes its unique design to Leopold's "community concept"; and because we're never too old to be read to! For more information call 265-5872 or 263-7888, or E-mail kdminer@wisc.edu. Entered 3/6/2009 12:07:35 AM__________________________________________
Friends, another free presentation about wetlands: Wetland Conservation and Management: Worldwide Issues, Conflicts and Synergies, and Learning from Comparison and Collaboration, Wednesday, March 25, 2009 4:00 PM 2650 Humanities Building 455 N. Park Street Madison, Wisconsin, with Max Finlayson, Professor of Ecology and Biodiversity and Director of the Institute for Land, Water, & Society at Charles Sturt University, AustraliaMore info: http://www.nelson.wisc.edu/outreach/finlayson/ Entered 3/5/2009 8:38:16 AM__________________________________________
OK, the prey and the pines and the (possible) mate all sound good for Red-tailed Hawk. If it's seen again with that other hawk, maybe ID that one is the way to go. Entered 3/4/2009 10:23:55 AM__________________________________________
I live in Southern Columbia County. The white bird has been mostly observed perched in various trees, I beleive it nests within a large group of tall pines. I think it hunts mostly small rodents and rabbits, as I have seen it on the ground with a kill. Last night I observed it in flight with another bird of similar size and shape that was entirely brown, possibly a mate? This bird lives in my area year-round and has been observed for several years now. Like I said, it is primarily white, but the top of the tail is gray and there are a few gray feathers on the tops of its wings. I wish I could give you better details, but I'm not an avid bird watcher. Thanks again for your help! Entered 3/4/2009 8:57:00 AM__________________________________________
HAWK: we need more information about the habitat, whether it has been seen perched only or in flight, and if perched, on what...Could it be a male Harrier? Is the observer familiar with the various plumages of Cooper's Hawk? Entered 3/4/2009 8:25:43 AM__________________________________________
It could be a leucistic Red-tailed Hawk (this is not the same as albinism - true albinos have colorless hard parts such as beaks and red or pink eyes.) Leucistic or partially leucistic Red-tails are actually not all that unusual - they sometimes will be seen in a particular area for several years in a row. Entered 3/3/2009 12:44:27 PM__________________________________________
Can anyone help me identify a bird that lives in my area? It's a prey bird, the size and shape of a red-tailed hawk, only its primary color is white with a gray tail. It has a yellow-orange beak and black eyes. I've looked all over the internet and have found nothing. Any ideas? Thanks! Entered 3/3/2009 10:54:45 AM__________________________________________
The suspected Pine Warblers did not look anything like the siskins that were on the next feeder. They had faint yellow on the throat, stripes on the ends of the wings (unlike crossbills), and otherwise were drab and unstreaked on head and back. Entered 3/2/2009 7:47:10 PM__________________________________________
Pine Warblers? Perhaps -- what fieldmarks did you note? But you'd have to first eliminate more likely possibilities, such as female Crossbills, Pine Siskins, etc. It's a good month or six weeks early for most Pines... Entered 3/2/2009 3:22:05 PM__________________________________________
Could we really have been watching two Pine Warblers at a feeder in Green Bay? It seems awfully early for warblers. Entered 2/28/2009 10:56:07 AM__________________________________________
White-winged Crossbill pair, Town of Middleton, Twin Valley Road, 2-28-09 Entered 2/27/2009 11:09:02 PM__________________________________________
Help spread the joy of birding! BIRD MENTOR WORKSHOP, Saturday, March 7, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m., Middleton Library, 7426 Hubbard Ave. Madison Audubon Society is looking for additional "Bird Mentors" to share their excitement about birding with people of all ages. Becoming a Bird Mentor is easy and you really don’t need to be a bird expert! You choose the age level you want to work with (from young children to senior adults) and the days and times available. The time commitment can be as little as one visit a month (1 hour) or less. The March 7 workshop is a chance for new or experienced Bird Mentors to learn more about the Bird Mentor program, equipment, and tips for working with groups. You will have the opportunity to view the (scripted) PowerPoint program, practice working with the equipment, and hear suggestions from experienced Bird Mentors. Come join the fun! Call Dee Wylie (608-833-2744) with any questions, to let her know you can attend, or to volunteer. (You can still be a Bird Mentor without attending the workshop.) Entered 2/27/2009 7:00:32 AM__________________________________________
MADISON READS LEOPOLD, SATURDAY MARCH 7TH, 9:00 AM - 3:30 PMUW-Madison Arboretum Visitor CenterFree public reading from "Sand County Almanac" and other works. We'll start with the beloved "calendar" essays; at noon, Prof. Douglas Hill will present his musical composition "Scenes from Sand County". Celebrity readers will include Madelyn Leopold, Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, and Chuck Quirmbach of Wisconsin Public Radio, not to mention a few Madison Audubon members. Come for an hour, or stay all day! Light refreshments will be served; brown-bagging is OK.For more information, call 608-265-5872 or 263-7888, or see http://uwarboretum.org/events. Entered 2/26/2009 9:49:15 PM__________________________________________
Invite from Nelson Institute - Please join us for the next session of the Spring 2009 Community Environmental Forum, "Controlling Urban Stormwater Pollution", James Bachhuber, AECOM Water, Gary Brown, Facilities Management and Planning, UW, on Tuesday, March 3, 2009 5:45 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., at 1106 Mechanical Engineering Building. Please join us as we continue a discussion about the issues facing our Yahara Lakes. Entered 2/26/2009 2:43:18 PM__________________________________________
I just picked up a new copy of the Great Wisconsin Birding & Nature Trail Guide for the Southern Savanna Region at the UW Arboretum Bookstore. Just in tme for the Spring birding season. The bookstore is open 9:30 to 4 weekdays and 12:30 to 4 weekends. Of course the guide is free. Entered 2/25/2009 11:29:36 AM__________________________________________
First sandhill crane calls of the season heard in Cherokee Park yesterday! We heard them ourselves (near Lake Cherokee) and then talked with an ice fisherman who told us he'd seen a single crane flying across the lake. Entered 2/24/2009 3:50:18 PM__________________________________________
Notice - we are upgrading the MAS web server to higher speed internet. This requires changing the web server IP address. This means links to http://madisonaudubon.org and related sites will not be accessible for several hours until the new IP address takes effect. Thank you for your patience! Entered 2/22/2009 8:53:54 PM__________________________________________
Thanks for the excellent information on Snow Buntings. I'm heading to your suggested location on Monday. Hopefully, I'll get to see a huge flock. That would be great! Entered 2/22/2009 7:53:48 PM__________________________________________
Snow Buntings are fairly common in southern Wisconsin in winter. There sometimes are quite large flocks seen (200+ isn't unusual.) They sometimes will be in mixed flocks with Horned Larks and Lapland Longspurs (there is such a flock west of Madison along County S, just east of Pine Bluff.) A good way to find flocks is to look for manure spread in a farm field, since the birds will pick undigested seeds out. Entered 2/22/2009 5:17:37 PM__________________________________________
2/22/2009 P.M. I got photos Sunday afternoon of Snow Buntings in the Sun Prairie area! I hadnever seen this bird before, so I spent a couple of hours standing very still to hopefully get acouple of decent photos and was pretty successful. I immediately came home to research mysighting. Without a doubt, they are Snow Buntings! I don't know if this is unusual or not.I've never had the pleasure of seeing them before, so it is very exciting to me. Entered 2/21/2009 1:10:45 PM__________________________________________
Is anyone concerned about the burning of birds (esp red-tailed hawks)that is occuring at the Madison Landfill? The problem is that the hawks are perching on the methane gas pipes that protrude from the landfill and when the random bursts of gas explode from the pipes the birds are hideously burned and maimed and/or killed. This has been going on for quite some time and I'm wondering if the Audubon Society has any ideas to address this problem ASAP...???? Entered 2/19/2009 11:14:08 PM__________________________________________
Opportunity for Input - Please attend one of the following meetings (all are from 6-8 p.m.) and speak up for cleaner air, fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and transportation alternatives.Monday, Feb. 23 - Middleton City Hall, 7426 Hubbard Dr., MiddletonThursday, Feb. 26 - Stoughton City Hall, 401 E. Main St, StoughtonMonday, March 2 - De Forest Community Center, 505 N. Main St, De ForestSee the home page Action Alert link for more details! Entered 2/19/2009 11:26:02 AM__________________________________________
Re: the shorebird photos (I really do not want to create an account on Flickr) - I can assure you the larger ones are not Ruffs, for starters (there was ONE Ruff in the state last year, and they are very rare here.) I would concur that the larger ones are likely all Pectoral Sandpipers and the smaller ones Semi-palmated SPs. It's difficult to see the leg color on the "peeps" (Least SPs are the only small sandpipers with yellowish legs,) but most of the bills look a little stout to be Leasts. In addition to the Crossley guide, the one with photos by Dennis Paulson is also very good (if you do an Amazon "Books" search for "shorebirds, the Paulson is the first to come up, followed by the Crossley.) As a note, this year there will be a mid-August Madison Audubon shorebirds field trip - stay tuned for details later in summer! Entered 2/19/2009 10:33:20 AM__________________________________________
I am hoping someone can identify a group of shorebirds from a picture taken last fall at the water treatment plant. I am going through pictures from last fall and came across this group, much to my chagrin I am lost on how to tell apart fall shorebirds especially sandpipers. http://www.flickr.com/photos/malcolmgold/3291749434Please post your comments or suggestions on the flickr page. Entered 2/16/2009 6:59:49 PM__________________________________________
Want to get a bit more involved? Have a computer and a pair of binocs? This might be for you! Citizen-based Environmental Monitoring in Wisconsin, 7:00 PM, February 26, 2009In Mount Horeb, WI at the State Bank of Cross Plains. Just what is Citizen-based Monitoring? It is citizens helping science! Get involved with a local project near you collecting information in the name of science. Loren Ayers, of the Citizen Based Monitoring Network of Wisconsin will provide an overview of the many opportunities and the variety of Citizen-based Monitoring projects going on in the local area. Becky Olson, executive director of USRWA, will review monitoring efforts along stream corridors. BMAP will introduce our own project to record and describe rare and threatened plant species on landowner property. The event is scheduled for 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm in Mount Horeb at the State Bank of Cross Plains located at 1740 Bus Hwy 18-151 E. (next to Culvers Restaurant). The meeting room is upstairs; the stairway is immediately on your left after the first set of main entry doors. Refreshments will be served. The Blue Mounds Area Project is a nonprofit conservation organization that promotes the protection and restoration of the native landscape through private land stewardship. For more information about joining BMAP, site visits, or other events, please call 437-6247, email info@bluemounds.org, or go to www.bluemounds.org Entered 2/10/2009 8:17:04 PM__________________________________________
The Great Backyard Bird Count is this weekend (4 days)! Just make a note of whatever birds you see. You can participate even if you only have a little time. To enter your bird count checklists, go to http://www.birdcount.org. You can also upload your neat bird pictures for the GBBC photo contest! Entered 2/10/2009 7:42:09 PM__________________________________________
Audubon Action Alert - Today Audubon released a major report on birds and Climate Change. Use this link for more info, and take action to tell members of Congress to heed what the birds are telling us. http://audubonaction.org/campaign/birdsandclimateThanks! Entered 2/10/2009 12:17:04 PM__________________________________________
This morning, thanks to the thaw of recent days there's a channel of open water in the Yahara at Cherokee Marsh, just south of Lake Cherokee. As a result, a pair of Canada geese, and 3 goldeneyes, 2 males and a female, swimming and diving. Quite a relief to see some movement of water and birds out there, after a vista of endless ice and snow, and nothing but crows. Entered 2/5/2009 4:32:49 PM__________________________________________
In winter, Bald (and Golden) Eagles will readily scavenge deer and other carcasses far from open water. I've seen several adult and immature Balds well away from water in the last few weeks. There are very few Bald Eagles to be found in the Sauk City/Prairie du Sac area this winter, despite the river being largely open, due to the absence of gizzard shad (one of their main food fish species) below the dam. Entered 2/4/2009 7:29:58 PM__________________________________________
Has anyone reported seeing a bald eagle in the Femrite Drive and Highway 12/18 area east of County AB? This seems so unlikely, but February 3 I saw a large dark bird with white head in flight while exiting 12/18 onto Femrite. I didn't stop and recall thinking the nearby creek is frozen and wondering if it had gone off course due to the high winds. Is that possible? Today, February 4, in the same area I noted a deer carcass exposed on a snowbank where a wing plow had wedged it up high. Crows were enjoying it mightily. Entered 2/4/2009 2:32:49 PM__________________________________________
Northern Shrike visitied my backyard this morning in the Town of West Point. Entered 2/3/2009 10:29:34 PM__________________________________________
Participate in the Protection of Wisconsin's Farmland and Wooded Acreage! The future of Wisconsin’s working lands is the focus of a series of workshops scheduled throughout the state in February and March. The full day of programming will include a presentation by Bob Wagner, AFT’s senior director for Farmland Protection Programs, on national land loss trends and the use and application of land protection techniques in states and localities around the country. Sponsors are the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), American Farmland Trust’s Campaign for Wisconsin Farm and Forest Lands and numerous state and local groups interested in protecting Wisconsin’s agricultural and forested lands. The programs will provide information and input on tools designed to protect farmland, open space, and wooded acreage in rural areas while encouraging sustainable development and accommodating local growth. The public is encouraged to participate.” Workshops, locations, times, main sponsors and contacts for registration information include: Janesville, Wednesday, Feb. 4: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Pontiac Convention Center, 2809 Pontiac Dr., hosted by the Rock Environmental Network, contact Randy Thompson, 608-757-5696 and Madison, Tuesday, Feb. 24: location to be announced, hosted by Natural Heritage Land Trust and Capital Area Regional Planning Commission, contact Jim Welsh, 608-258-9797, jim@nhlt.org Entered 1/30/2009 10:48:32 PM__________________________________________
Milwaukee Audubon Society presents the 29th Annual Natural Landscapes Conference "The Treasures In Our Backyard", Saturday, Feb. 7, Concordia College, Mequon, Wisconsin. More info and registration form are available at this link: http://www.milwaukeeaudubon.org/Conference/2009/Index.htm. Entered 1/27/2009 10:50:21 PM__________________________________________
Speaking of books, just finished Wesley the Owl - amazing story about an owl as an individual, from the point of view of a bird researcher who took it in and lived with it for 19 years. Recommended. Also here's a nice link to a short NewsWeek slideshow of top environmental leaders over the years that you might like to share - http://www.newsweek.com/id/130264 Entered 1/27/2009 4:16:34 PM__________________________________________
I am reading the latest birding book "A Supremely Bad Idea" and enjoying it too. The stories of 3 birders in the U.S.....however, I wonder if anyone knows what a "plane tree" is. It's a new word for me. Entered 1/26/2009 11:28:29 PM__________________________________________
Please join the Nelson Institute Tues Jan 27 at 5:30-7:00 pm, for the first session of theSpring 2009 Community Environmental Forum: "Controlling Eutrophication in the Yahara Lakes:Challenges and Opportunities", Richard Lathrop, Research Limnologist, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Location: 1106 Mechanical Engineering BuildingThe Spring 2009 Nelson Institute Community Environmental Forum is a series of six events that will focus on issues facing the Yahara Lakes (Mendota, Monona, Wingra, Waubesa, and Kegonsa). It is a follow-up to the Clean Future for the Yahara Lakes Conference held last October. We have adapted the format of our Community Environmental Forum from the previous Friday lunch discussions to Tuesday after-work sessions. Our new location in the Mechanical Engineering Building offers more space for a larger audience and free parking is available right next to the building in Lot 17. No RSVP is required, but please note the new time and place for the Community Environmental Forum.The Clean Future for the Yahara Lakes Conference focused on practical and effective ways to address excess nutrient and sediment pollution, which degrades water quality, feeds excess growth of weeds and algae, and leads to frequent beach closings. The Community Environmental Forum continues this critical discussion about our local water resources.5:30 p.m. Coffee and cookies served in the lobby outside room 1106 Mechanical Engineering5:45 p.m. Welcome and Introductions followed by Richard Lathrop, "Controlling Eutrophication in the Yahara Lakes: Challenges and Opportunities"6:30 p.m. Audience discussion7:00 p.m. End of programThe complete series schedule (each event beginning at 5:30 p.m.) includes:Feb. 17, Farming in the Yahara Watershed, Speakers to be announcedMarch 3, Controlling Urban Stormwater Pollution, James Bachhuber, AECOM Water & Gary Brown, Facilities Planning and Management, UW-MadisonMarch 24, Wetland Restoration: Can it Improve the Quality of the Yahara Lakes? Ken Potter, Civil & Environmental Engineering and Nelson Institute, UW-MadisonApril 7, Organizing effective coordination and decision-making for Yahara Lakes, Speakers TBAApril 21, Future Scenarios for the Yahara Lakes, Stephen Carpenter, Center for Limnology, UW-MadisonEntered 1/25/2009 9:43:16 AM__________________________________________
Lots of Redpolls at my backyard feeders in Mineral Point.Coopers hawk visited last week.Also saw a Red Tailed take a mourning dove,surprising since they're not known to be big bird predators. Entered 1/23/2009 6:43:11 PM__________________________________________
The Redpolls seem to be invading our backyards in Dane County...why not watch them for awhile instead of chasing down birds farther away. The Cornell Lab has great photos of the Gray Crowned Rosy Finch and Snowy Owls. Entered 1/23/2009 4:19:53 PM__________________________________________
Sauk City Eagle Question: Last year we saw many eagles at the Alliant Energy Dam on "Dam Road" in Sauk City. Today I stopped by at 11am and saw none! Has anyone seen any eagles there this year? Or was I simply too late in the day? Entered 1/22/2009 11:50:57 AM__________________________________________
That bird is LOST...and so is the planet, if we keep driving like we currently do. Go look at a neighborhood chickadee instead. Also check off 350.org, Bill McKibben's site. Entered 1/21/2009 9:57:36 PM__________________________________________
A GRAY-CROWNED ROSY FINCH is coming to a feeder in Lancaster WI. This would be a 2nd state record if accepted. Here is the post on Wisbirdnet:"The homeowner's name is Jeff Huebschman. The Rosy Finch was first seen back in December before Christmas but was not seen again until January 18th. It sounds like the homeowners did some traveling and that is part of the reason it wasn't seen in between that time. It's unclear how much they watch their feeders but Jeff did state that he can only watch his feeders on weekends. This being said, it does seem that the bird is coming in sporadically, perhaps very sporadically. The feeders are on Jeff's back deck and it is not viewable from the road. He said that parking in his driveway or the road is fine. You can walk to his backyard to view the feeders. He is located in Lancaster at 9553 Three Springs Rd. His phone number is 608-723-2299 and his email address is huebschj@uwplatt.edu but you do not need to contact him before coming. One other note is that he has a (friendly) dog that stays under the deck during the day. He said it usually does not bark. We have uploaded some pictures of the bird that he took onto the WIEbird gallery. They can be seen at- http://www.flickr.com/groups/wisconsinebird/pool/ And most importantly, as always, PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL OF JEFF'S PROPERTY AND TO HIS NEIGHBORS. Jeff is very gracious to allow this possible onslaught of visitors so let's not make him regret his decision to do so. Good luck." Entered 1/17/2009 9:31:27 AM__________________________________________
Something nice to do outside today, as things get a little warmer! January 17th is Eagle Days at Sauk City Bring binoculars and cameras! There are no costs to any of the activities and this is a kid friendly event. Things are going on all day, or just look out along the river and enjoy the show as eagles roost in the trees along the banks close to you and swoop gracefully over the river. See http://www.ferrybluffeaglecouncil.org/eagledays/index.html for details. Entered 1/17/2009 9:23:34 AM__________________________________________
Thanks for the suggestion re shared calendar - we're currently looking at options and your idea is a good one, will look into that. - webmaster Entered 1/16/2009 7:51:02 AM__________________________________________
I wondered if it would be helpful to anyone if we had a shared Google Calendar with the field trip dates and locations set up so people could import the schedule into their calendars instead of cutting and pasting line by line? As an added benefit, the administrator could easily update each event as the day draws near with more information about where and when to meet, etc. Just a thought! Maybe I'm the only one who would use it! ;-) Thanks! Jon Brouchoud Entered 1/15/2009 9:06:26 AM__________________________________________
First deer getting ran over by snowmobilers, now ducks: http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/37601579.htmlHope they get these people. Entered 1/13/2009 11:37:45 PM__________________________________________
Summer Internship Applications for restoration ecology field work are now being accepted! The due date is February 27. See the home page calendar and click the Feb 27 link for application submission details. Entered 1/13/2009 8:25:04 AM__________________________________________
Nice immature Cooper's Hawk in your video, here's another photo of one:http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhertz/3165744767/ Note "clean white" lower belly on both birds. Compare with imm. Sharp-shinned Hawk by looking at page 61 in Kaufman's "Advanced Birding." Entered 1/11/2009 2:40:41 PM__________________________________________
Just for fun, I wanted to share this clip of a Cooper's hawk that keeps scaring away my backyard birds! Interesting side effect of keeping the seed stocked...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1F_6tcRw18 Entered 1/10/2009 5:47:01 PM__________________________________________
Though not local (Texas), this rare bird sighting is generating some interest http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28591755/ Entered 1/10/2009 5:45:04 PM__________________________________________
Note - 2009 Field Trip list is now posted via home page, also Jan field trip details. Entered 1/9/2009 9:23:50 PM__________________________________________
Opportunity to help pass good legislation - The Senate could vote as early as this weekend on a sweeping public lands conservation measure. The Omnibus Public Land Management Act would designate over two million acres of wilderness in nine states, protect hundreds of miles of river, and create a new 26-million-acre national conservation system. Urge your Senators to pass this historic measure now! Go to this page to help - http://action.wilderness.org/campaign/omnibus09 Entered 1/7/2009 8:39:55 PM__________________________________________
Although the 2009 Field Trip schedule isn't posted to the website yet, there is a trip this coming Saturday (Jan.10) to Sauk City to look for winter raptors, etc. Meet at the Middleton Copps (6800 Century Ave.) at 8:00 a.m. to carpool. See the January Newsletter for more details (available via the link on the homepage.) Entered 1/3/2009 4:13:50 PM__________________________________________
This might be of interest to local Auduboners - Cherokee Marsh wetland restoration at three winter volunteer days sponsored by Madison Parks, January 10, January 24, and February 7 (all Saturdays), 12 noon to 3 pm, meet in parking lot at 6098 North Sherman Ave. We'll haul brush bundles and coconut fiber mats onto the ice and dismantle snow-fence cages used in the wetland restoration. When the ice melts, the brush bundles and fiber mats sink. The brush bundles help protect the shoreline by limiting wave action and also provide fish habitat. The fiber mats provide beds for restoration plantings. Contact: Laura Whitmore, Madison Parks community relations coordinator, 266-5949. Current messages 2008 messages 2007 messages 2006 messages 2005 and older
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