Madison Audubon Message Board

Entered 8/30/2010 2:13:29 PM__________________________________________
Rhea, did you mean Wednesday or September 7th? They are different days.

Entered 8/29/2010 10:08:06 PM__________________________________________
Dane County 2010 Summer Prairie Seed Collecting - Yahara Heights County Park - Wednesday, September 7, meet at 9:30 a.m. Heading north on HWY 113, just past HWY M turn right onto River Rd., then right on Riverview Dr., and right on Caton Lane. Drive into the park. Wear long pants and long sleeve shirt, bring drinking water, gloves, & pruning shears if available; be prepared for mosquitoes. Contact Rhea 224 3601

Entered 8/27/2010 6:03:28 PM__________________________________________
We have a lot of purple cone flowers in our yard. This year, I'm finding something has ripped offall the cone flowers. All the cone flowers. I typically let the flowers do their thing and leave the mature seed heads alone until the next spring. Then I try to clean things up a bit since we probably really can't set fire to our flower beds without a permit or something :-) Well this year something or someone has "stolen" all the seed heads. Would this be a deer? We have typically deer in our yard now and then and they don't usually eat cone flowers. They usually go for shrubs or they like hosta flowers. A new thing in our yard now is turkeys. I saw yesterday a flock heading straight toward the cone flower patch. They turned away when they saw I was watering some plants in the backyard. Would turkeys eat cone flowers? Anyway it was fun to see the turkeys. They could've come in our yard before but apparently they didn't like to have to fly over the fence next to our lot. Now the neighbor has taken down their fence.

Entered 8/25/2010 10:18:20 PM__________________________________________
From our friends at UWEX! There's a great new birding pamphlet by David Drake, Scott Craven, and Jamie Nack, order a copy or view as PDF at http://learningstore.uwex.edu/Birding-in-the-Badger-State-and-Beyond-How-to-Get-Started-P1430.aspx . Other bird related pamphlets at http://learningstore.uwex.edu/Birds-C124.aspx

Entered 8/24/2010 8:15:06 PM__________________________________________
Owl is probably a juvenile Great Horned, they will call (short, ascending screech) into December sometimes.

Entered 8/24/2010 3:01:03 PM__________________________________________
Over the last couple of days the songs birds in our backyard have stopped singing as 'easily' as they had been. Last night on our back porch at dusk, and close to dawn this morning, we heard what sounds like a female short-eared owl. Madison, WI, railroad corridor that runs past the Madison Pool; we're in the section between Olin Ave and Lakeside St.http://www.owlpages.com/sounds/Asio-flammeus-2.mp3mcjourney@charter.net

Entered 8/24/2010 8:40:27 AM__________________________________________
Fall Warbler Walks start soon! There will be walks at Pheasant Branch this Thursday at 7:00 a.m., at Picnic Point Sunday at 8:00 a.m., and at Olin-Turville next week on Tues. and Thurs. at 7:00 a.m. See the Field Trip details for more info. Also, if you plan on coming on the Sunday morning walk, be aware that part of John Nolen Dr. and some downtown streets will be closed for the "Ride the Drive" event. John Nolen will be open from the Beltline exits up to at least Olin Ave. (and some Park St. ramps are closed,) so you can take Olin over to Park if coming from the south.

Entered 8/23/2010 10:06:29 PM__________________________________________
Since I went somewhere without a huge number of singing insects, it piqued my interest in them.An interesting web site: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/walker/buzz/ Some of these animals like the Prairie Mole Cricket are very rare and possibly not here, but not so attractive to look at! http://www.nature.org/animals/insects/animals/molecricket.html http://www.wunderground.com/blog/dragonflyF15/comment.html?entrynum=81

Entered 8/23/2010 9:20:31 PM__________________________________________
Red breasted nuthatches returned to our yard. That was fast!

Entered 8/23/2010 6:49:41 AM__________________________________________
Oldest 'field guide' - interesting bird news from Cornell Labs http://www.allaboutbirds.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=1892

Entered 8/22/2010 11:15:54 PM__________________________________________
We visited the Wisconsin River backwaters today by kayak near Blue River. If you were wondering were the great crested fly catchers went, they are here. Also pee wees, orioles, catbirds. Numerous king fishers. some smaller flycatchers. And warblers. I saw a gorgeous warbler with an orange head. Is there any better moment on the water than a beautiful warbler that decides to explore a dead tree in your view? I heard warbler songs frequently. What was not to like? A boat load of mosquitos and gnats.

Entered 8/21/2010 10:15:00 AM__________________________________________
Aug 15, 2010: we stopped by Schoenberg Marsh http://www.wisconsinbirds.org/trail/sites/MadisonAudubon.htm There were some great egrets in the pond near the parking lot. Several green herons, pied billed grebes, coots, great blue herons. An interesting thing was the very numerous snails along the road. (The water was flooding the road.) There were a very great number of snails and they were pretty large snails, mostly of the 'swirl cone' design :-) but some 'jelly-roll' designs also. A medium sized heron flew overhead that had a distinct vertical stripe on the underside of its neck which was reminiscent of a tricolored heron but probably wasn't :-) At the farm field pond further south on Harvey there were many shore birds of different sizes.

Entered 8/20/2010 9:58:50 PM__________________________________________
Regarding Copper Harbor, Oops I left out a couple things. There were an uncommonly large number of bats around Lake Fanny Hooe. It was fun to walk to and from the bathroom with a flash light. The bats sailed in front going after the moths that were attracted to the light. Probably there were some mine shafts not far away. Definitely the Clark Mine was not far south of there. The Keweenaw pennisula with its many underground copper mines should be a great place for bats. We also saw Bear "sign" and many crows and ravens. It's good to visit the northern areas and realize how quiet the night is there without our many singing insects. I don't know what they all are (crickets? katydids?) but they are missing in the forest, which makes it seem austere.

Entered 8/19/2010 10:00:46 PM__________________________________________
I thought I'd report on our trip to extreme upper michigan. We traveled and camped at Copper Harbor, MI (Fort Wilkins) which is the end of the Keweenaw penninsula, which we did last week. We kind of thought we'd see a lot of wildlife but we didn't. (It was plenty hot there though. Not as hot as elsewhere but too hot nonetheless.) There was a very large and beautiful lake Fanny Hooe but it seemed devoid of even some mallards! A couple gulls here and there. An eagle at Eagle Harbor. Two red breasted mergansers in Lake Superior. This area had the bleakness you can find in the boundary waters. There were some warblers but you really had to look for them. Such a beautiful landscape, innumerable trees, lots of water, but yet not the wildlife we were expecting. (The sky was fabulous though. A definite place to view the milky way, perseids, aurora.) We never saw a deer even. Never heard a locust nor a cricket. On the other hand there were practically no mosquitos! (At the campground. If you visited a marsh such as Estivant Pines you could find some mosquitos.) In general just a few flies that would bite uncovered legs. It's good to go to a place like this and then come home and enjoy our backyard suburban critters we take for granted (with unfortunately a gigantic number of mosquitos to go with them.)But the highlight turned out to be Brockway Mountain. If you go to Copper Harbor then you really do need to see Brockway Mountain, right on the west side of town. And don't visit in the dark in the fog it has some very nasty curves. It rises something like 600 feet above the usual level. We saw great views of raptors catching some lift on the west side of the mountain. Small merlins? zipping about. Some definite rough legs circling and circling and interacting. A kettle of eagles appeared now and then. We are not so sure of our immature eagle id capability to say if any of these could be golden eagles or if they were 100% immature bald eagles. But anyway it was magical to see all the birds enjoying the lift of Brockway. Here is a picturemuch like the hawks we saw: http://keweenawraptorsurvey.org/tag/brockway-mountain/ http://keweenawraptorsurvey.org/about/ So they say that in the spring the raptors follow the penninsula hoping for a land route to canada only to find land ends with 70 miles of lake remaining. So many turn around and go back to the mainland. "For hawks carried along the peninsula on southerly winds, it acts as a funnel for movement further toward Keweenaw Point, where most appear to turn around and come back down the Keweenaw Peninsula. This two-way flow of hawks past Brockway Mountain, and the viewing location at 1328 ft (726 ft above Lake Superior level) combine to produce two things very uncommon at hawk-watching locales: hawks migrating in two directions simultaneously, and eye level views of the birds! "

Entered 8/19/2010 1:19:41 AM__________________________________________
Seed will be collected every Saturday from Sept. 11 through Oct. 30 from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Goose Pond Sanctuary. Meet at the Kampen residence (W7503 Kampen Road) which is the farm buildings northwest of the west pond. Contact Mark or Sue at (608) 635-4160 or at goosep@chorus.net for more information. You can reach us on Saturdays at (608) 333-9645. If you are able to help collect during the week please let us know and some weekday collecting will be done.

Entered 8/19/2010 1:06:59 AM__________________________________________
Outdoor Opportunity - Seed Collecting Volunteers Needed At Faville Grove Sanctuary every Wednesday from Sept. 1 through Oct. 27 from 9:30 a.m. to noon, and every Saturday from Sept. 4 through Oct. 30 from 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 4 p.m. All seed collecting parties meet at the kiosk on Prairie Lane. If you arrive late, check the kiosk for the day’s work location. Contact Lars (favillegrove@live.com or 608-220-9563) with questions.

Entered 8/19/2010 12:39:07 AM__________________________________________
Help pick the Conservation Priorities for the 2011-2012 legislative session by attending a listening session! Madison's is today, Thursday, Aug. 19 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the Madison Central Public Library! Please add your voice and your issue(s) by attending one of the upcoming meetings and speaking up. - Karen Etter Hale, Executive Secretary, Madison Audubon Society

Entered 8/16/2010 8:48:38 PM__________________________________________
Georgia from Edgerton - if you see this, you left your binoculars in the car of the person you rode with on Saturday's shorebirds field trip. Please contact me and I'll give you his phone # -Peter Fissel (pfissel@library.wisc.edu)

Entered 8/16/2010 12:50:42 PM__________________________________________
Hello All. I apologize if this is not the proper forum for this question.On August 10th I was on the shores of the Big Eau Pleine reservoir in central Wisconsin. There was a large flock of at least 300 birds flying in numerous "v" formations from east to west in the early evening. We all thought this was an odd sight and thought it too early for geese or ducks to be migrating south. This flock flew over us in complete silence. They were not geese or ducks. They had swept back wings like seagulls, but were not seagulls. They were too high to get any markings or colorations. We have never seen any flock of birds like these. Any ideas what they could have been? Please respond to cantstopfishing@gmail.com. Thanks.

Entered 8/11/2010 9:19:40 PM__________________________________________
Reminder - August 15 (Sunday), 7 am - 10 am Canoe Cherokee Marsh Ecological Restoration - Learn about the ecological restoration project in the upper Yahara River. See beds of American Lotus in bloom and look for kingfishers, herons, and other marsh creatures. Bring your own canoe or kayak and meet at the School Road boat landing, 802 Wheeler Rd (Take School Rd. north from Northport Dr./HWY 113. As the road curves to the right at Wheeler Rd., take an immediate left into the park. Continue down the gravel road to the boat landing.) Trip leader is Madison Parks Conservation Resources Supervisor Russ Hefty. Sponsored by Madison Audubon, Madison Parks, and the Friends of Cherokee Marsh. - Jan

Entered 8/5/2010 10:09:34 PM__________________________________________
CONSERVATION LISTENING SESSIONS - YOUR CHANCE TO BE HEARD!8 Conservation Listening Sessions are being held all around the state start next week! Members of a wide range of conservation groups–including local lake associations, sportsmen groups, environmental organizations, farming groups and more will come to voice their conservation concerns. From polluted lakes and invasive species to renewable energy and mercury pollution, we’re sure there will be no shortage of issues to discuss! Please join us at a Listening Session near you and help pick the Conservation Priorities for 2011-2012. If you are a member of a conservation organization, involved in a local group, or simply concerned about conservation, we encourage you to attend and share YOUR OPINION! See http://madisonaudubon.org/audubon/alerts for more info, dates and locations. - Jennifer Giegerich, Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters, jennifer@conservationvoters.orgconservationvoters.org

Entered 8/2/2010 11:43:36 PM__________________________________________
Goose Pond Prairie Rstoration Trek/Talk - Sat Aug 7 - Come on out! Trekkers will enjoy hiking mowed trails through the prairie in full display. You will hear about highlights and insights on tallgrass prairie ecology from Mark and Sue-Foote Martin, Goose Pond Sanctuary Managers, who have led the prairie restoration effort on 400 acres at Madison Audubon Society’s Goose Pond Sanctuary’s near Arlington. The free public two-hour trek/talk will begin at the Sanctuary managers’ residence at W7503 Kampen Rd., Arlington, at 9:30 a.m. See http://madisonaudubon.org/audubon/whatsnew/text/trek_poster.doc for a poster with more detail that you can print and post for others to see.

Entered 7/31/2010 10:41:30 PM__________________________________________
Aldo Leopold Film - You're Invited! Dear friends of Faville Grove - On Thursday, August 5 at 8pm the Cafe Carpe in Fort Atkinson will be screening a documentary about Aldo Leopold and the history of this work at Faville Grove. This is a fascinating film that many of you will certainly enjoy and Cafe Carpe is a great place to hang out for food, drinks, music, and great discussion. Cost is $3. Please see AldoLeopoldFilmShowing.doc for more details on the screening. Hope to see you there! - Lars Higdon

Entered 7/15/2010 8:33:47 PM__________________________________________
Shoot, I would've contacted my reps about the Bong Road/Empire Prairie issue if I'd known about it earlier...

Entered 7/15/2010 2:51:06 PM__________________________________________
Contact your county board supervisor to urge support for Westport Drumlin land protectionþ The Dane County Board votes tonight (7/15) on a request to help fund the purchase of 100 acres that buffer the Westport Drumlin prairie, which is within the Empire Prairies State Natural Area. The land is along Bong Road, just north of Cherokee Marsh. The Natural Heritage Land Trust is requesting a Dane County Conservation Fund grant to help fund the purchase. Protecting this land will help protect endangered and threatened species and will greatly improve public access to this special area. Contact your County supervisor today to urge their support of this resolution. Empire Prairies State Natural Area information: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/er/sna/index.asp?SNA=146 County Board supervisors: http://www.countyofdane.com/board/supervisors.aspx - Jan Axelson, Friends of Cherokee Marsh

Entered 7/15/2010 2:46:27 PM__________________________________________
Help Curb Pollution in the Yahara Watershed - your input needed Wed, July 21 - The Yahara Lakes Legacy Partnership (YLLP), along with Dane County Office of Lakes & Watersheds and others, is inviting the public to provide input on ways to curb lake pollution in the Yahara Watershed. The open house style meeting will be Wednesday, July 21, starting at 5:30 p.m. at Warner Park. Anyone is welcome to come anytime and stay as long as you wish. Input will be gathered at small group sessions after the 6:30 p.m. presentation, or you can talk more informally with people staffing the maps and info tables. A third option would be to e-mail Patrick Sheahan, sheahan.patrick@co.dane.wi.us, at Dane County Office of Lakes & Watersheds. Be sure to watch the YLLP website (http://yaharawatershed.org/) for information and maps that will be added as the process moves forward.

Entered 7/15/2010 1:23:52 AM__________________________________________
Audubon Board Members and Chapter Members statewide are invited to attend the Wisconsin Audubon Council summer meeting in Green Bay on Saturday July 17, 2010. Please email masoffice@mailbag.com for more information and to register. See you there!

Entered 7/11/2010 10:20:00 PM__________________________________________
We went to Pope Farm park on Old Sauk Road in Middleton. This park is a real treasure. I am miffed that I never knew about it until now. We saw quite a few bluebirds including some very entertaining young birds. There were cranes in the harvested field. This park is a combination demonstration of field crops, agricultural/gardening history, prairie and savannah and the geology of the ice age. We were not able to visit as long as we wanted since a storm blew up. Very interesting settler garden and indian garden demonstration plots. Lots of prairie, oak ridge, adjoining woods, and some fields of tasty crops like wheat and a huge field of sunflowers. Now there must be birds that are going toshow up for that not to mention the other crops! http://www.bradleypope.com/Personal/popefarmpark/PopeFarmParkMasterPlanDraft5.htm

Entered 7/2/2010 5:11:21 PM__________________________________________
EURASIAN Tree Sparrows are expanding their range and can now be found in a much wider area of northern Illinois and neighboring Missouri and Iowa than in previous decades. There were two confirmed (photos) at Necedah NWR in Juneau Co. this spring (although keep in mind that there were very strong south and southwest winds for several days just before that.) Photos would definitely be a good idea, or confirmation by an experienced birder. Eur. Tree Sparrows have a brown, not gray, cap, and a noticeable black spot behind and below the eye. Unlike House Sparrows, the sexes are alike.

Entered 7/2/2010 1:37:36 PM__________________________________________
Andrew: A European Tree Sparrow would be a very exciting - and rare - sighting anywhere in the U.S. outside of St. Louis! So if you really think it is one, you'd almost certainly have to get a photo (as well as a detailed description) for documentation. A reporting form can be found on the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology website, http://www.wsobirds.org/wso_rare_bird_long_form.html

Entered 7/1/2010 5:18:17 PM__________________________________________
Well, it's probably really a HOUSE SPARROW...

Entered 7/1/2010 3:29:44 PM__________________________________________
Greetings,I am currently visiting familiy in Racine. I am birder so my mother mentioned to me that a European Tree Sparrow (Male) has built a nest in one of her Bluebird boxes. Well, wouldn't you know it I did not bring any books with me, but if memory serves me correctly this species is normally found around St. Louis.Would this be a rare bird for SE WI? If the bird is worthy of an alert please let me know and I will see if I can get a photo and provide the location for everyone. You may call or send a text 540 455 1358. Today's date is July 1, 2010. My name is Andrew Petersen.Thanks

Entered 6/29/2010 11:36:48 PM__________________________________________
Audubon ended the week with a bang - or more accurately, with a bell, when Frank Gill and 11-year old bird artist and Audubon ambassador Olivia Bouler did the closing honors at the New York Stock Exchange. They were joined by other Audubon leaders and Olivia's family. Olivia and Dr. Gill were invited to visit the exchange in recognition of their work to support Gulf recovery efforts. Since she began her campaign, Olivia has attracted 25,000 facebook fans and raised awareness of the spill's impact on birds through appearances on CNN, CBS, MSNBC and more. She has also inspired over $135,000 dollars for our response and recovery work through "Olivia's Help the Gulf Wildlife Project," with AOL. More http://www.audubon.org

Entered 6/25/2010 10:46:03 AM__________________________________________
Help Needed Mon 28th at Faville Grove! We are continuing to find more and more evidence that Faville Prairie is beginning to recover from the great flood of 2008! Yesterday marked a significant sign of recovery as we encountered the first prairie white fringed orchid (Platanthera leucophaea). We later found 5 more blooming orchids on the walk and quickly decided it's finally time for another orchid census! The orchids are in full bloom at the moment so we need to act fast. We are planning to survey Faville Prairie on Monday (June 28) at 9am and we can use all the help we can get so please join us if you are able to make it. We will be meeting along Prairie Lane at the entrance kiosk and will drive to the prairie from there. Plan on wearing rubber boots and long sleeves and bring drinking water and a lunch. Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks! - Lars 608/220-9563 larshigdon@hotmail.com

Entered 6/24/2010 8:35:21 AM__________________________________________
Want to help do something about the Gulf Oil Disaster? Help Make a Statement!
Join Hands Across the Sand!
Gulf Oil Disaster Vigil
Sat, June 26 Law Park 11 a.m. Here are some things you can do to help http://madisonaudubon.org/audubon/alerts

Entered 6/23/2010 12:15:44 PM__________________________________________
Correction: the Sunday June 27 Goose Pond event focuses on Grassland Birds - we should be able to get good looks at some of the harder-to-spot species (such as Clay-colored Sparrows.) We'll only cancel if strong storms are in the area.

Entered 6/21/2010 10:01:56 PM__________________________________________
Goose Pond "Open House on the Prairie" - Sunday June 27 2-4pm - featuring Prairie Blooms and Underground Animals - See http://madisonaudubon.org/audubon/NatureNews for details

Entered 6/20/2010 11:03:20 PM__________________________________________
note that the picture that came up for the lark sparrow in the previous post was of the lark bunting. The lark sparrow: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Lark_Sparrow/lifehistory One could see quite a bit of variation among the birds at Spring Green. In general though, a noticeable feature when perched was a white band along the very end of their tail. In flight, theyhad white along the sides of the tail too. another nice photo: http://www.birdsofoklahoma.net/LarkSparrow.htm

Entered 6/20/2010 10:40:52 PM__________________________________________
Spring Green preserve visit:sky cleared and it was blazing hot! Saw an amazing number of lark sparrows. They were particularlynumerous where the trail abruptly turns east. They were crazy about the small 'valley' in the sandwith small oak shrubs. Cactus were blooming well and there were large tracts of what I think is Goat's Rue: http://www.prairiemoon.com/popup_image.php?type=D&id=16458 And other interesting plants. Also saw grasshopper sparrows, field sparrows, brown thrashers, many morning doves, meadow larks, blue birds, rose breasted grosbeaks, turkey vultures, heard rufous sided towees, heard baltimore orioles and last but not least saw and heard from quite a distance a northern mockingbird. It was prone to perching on the top of some dead trees on the south side of the preserve from which it would launch upward now and then. We were surprised to find a dung beetle in action rolling a ball of dung, forward and in reverse.

Entered 6/20/2010 5:19:50 PM__________________________________________
I noticed that I did not have a space between my name and email cwhiteside28@sbcglobal.netThis is in relation to the post of baby birds in my boat trailer.

Entered 6/20/2010 5:17:57 PM__________________________________________
To whom it may concern:I am seeking advise on a situation I have with birds building a nest in the tongue of my boat trailer. There are three baby birds in the trailer. I do not want harm the birds so am seeking advice. Is there a way to move the nest? I am leaving out of town with the boat for the 4th of July and do not know if they will have left the nest by then.Any advise you can give would be appreciated. Chad Whitesidecwhiteside28@sbcglobal.net

Entered 6/18/2010 5:10:00 PM__________________________________________
Looks like a great weekend to go on a field trip! There are two to choose from tomorrow (Sat.) - Cherokee Marsh Butterflies with Kathy Kirk, meeting at the north end of Sherman Ave. at 10:00 a.m., or Birds of Barneveld Prairie, also meeting at 10:00 a.m. (might be a butterfly or two on that trip, also...) See the Field Trip Calendar or the Summer CAWS for directions. And don't forget the event at Goose Pond on Sunday - Mammals, with Loren Ayers. (Check the Message Board that morning if the weather is questionable - looks like the rain should stay south on Sunday.)

Entered 6/14/2010 10:48:18 PM__________________________________________
Wisconsin bats are threatened by spreading White-nose Syndrome. Citizen Scientists can help by putting up posters and reporting population locations. Please see http://madisonaudubon.org/audubon/citizenscience/batmonitoring for more information and a copy of the poster for you to print. Thank you! - Jennifer Schehr, Ecological Inventory and Monitoring, Wisconsin DNR

Entered 6/14/2010 8:17:47 PM__________________________________________
Your chance to be heard - vote or propose your own ideas! http://www.npca.org/americasgreatoutdoors/

Entered 6/13/2010 10:49:25 PM__________________________________________
Stopped by Rowan Creek Trails for a bit and walked around Pine Island and back. Only a very short visit and the weather was quite poor, misting, very overcast and it was around 6:30 pm. But we were very excited to hear and see a number of veerys.

Entered 6/13/2010 11:34:58 AM__________________________________________
Meet your neighbors – insects, mammals, birds, and plants of Goose Pond Sanctuary, ArlingtonWith the Summer Sunday Greeters: Drop in 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. June 13, June 20, and June 27 at the Browne Prairie on W Kampen Road, 1 mile south of Arlington Learn with a knowledgeable specialist, hike the mowed trails on the blooming prairie, visit with the volunteers, or sit and enjoy the ambience as you wish. June 13 - Ants and social insects with Dick Keyel “the ant guy” June 20 - Underground mammals with Loren Ayers “the mammal guy” June 27 - Grassland Birds and many others with Peter Fissel “the bird guy”

Entered 6/8/2010 10:13:27 AM__________________________________________
"Gumbo for the Gulf" is another idea: http://www.wisconsinenvironment.org/action/oceans/gumbo?id4=ES

Entered 6/5/2010 2:17:48 AM__________________________________________
Gulf oil disaster - what can we possibly do to help? We are all very concerned about the huge BP oil disaster occurring in the Gulf and the effect it may/will have on the millions of birds - and other wildlife species - that are nesting and breeding in the path of what could become America's worst environmental catastrophe. From the beginning, National Audubon has been involved, joining with other national groups to coordinate efforts to help where needed, working with local chapters along the Gulf, and posting the latest information on their website ( http://audubon.org ). Coordinating efforts at the national and local levels, volunteers are being linked with specific tasks as the disaster unfolds. To volunteer, especially if you have specific skills in wildlife rescue or other emergency support, sign up on the website above. See the above link and the http://madisonaudubon.org/audubon/alerts page for more things we can each do to help!

Entered 6/5/2010 1:51:31 AM__________________________________________
The 45th annual Memorial Day Weekend Madison Audubon Birding and Nature Retreat at Camp Lake Lucerne was very much enjoyed by those who attended. It included a number of birding side trips over the course of the weekend. We counted 107 species (matching last year's record) including healthy populations of Whip-poor-wills, Baltimore Orioles, Rufous-sided Towhees, Scarlet Tanagers, Indigo Buntings, Pileated Woodpeckers, Red-headed Woodpeckers and all other regional Woodpecker species, Bald Eagles, Osprey, Sandhill Cranes, Blue Herons, Green Herons, a variety of Warblers, and many other species. Folks enjoyed watching a Common Loon fishing on the lake that routinely approached us while canoing or swimming, and the last day it was calling and it's mate also showed up, indicating there may be a nesting pair this year. The families and kids in attendance also helped find and mark 6 turtle nests and watched several Map Turtles and one huge Snapping Turtle lay eggs right next to the dining hall. Special thanks to Charles Naeseth for his field trip leadership skills and assistance to novices in locating birds by sound, and to Peter Fissel for helping lead the Buena Vista birding side trip. We'd like to see even more folks come next year! - Paul Noeldner, trip coordinator

Entered 6/4/2010 8:30:23 PM__________________________________________
Details are now posted as is the June CAWS. We apologize for the delay in posting.

Here are the details for the Saturday, June 5th trip. Birds of Devil’s Lake and Baxter’s Hollow Join us for a morning of scouring the southern half of Devil’s Lake State Park to look for nesting bird species including Veery, Pileated Woodpecker, Yellow-throated Vireo, Acadian Flycatcher, Scarlet Tanager, Blue-winged Warbler, pluspossible Cerulean and Worm-eating Warblers. In all, we’ll probably find 50-60 species. We will extend the trip to include Baxter’s Hollow if time permits. The leaders, Chuck Heikkinen and Delia Unson, are intimately acquainted with this area, covering it for the Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas; they found 117 possiblenesting species. Please note that a (day) Wisconsin state park sticker is required to park at Devil’s Lake. Wear sturdy walking shoes, and bring waterand insect repellent. Since we will be there until about noon or even later,you might want to bring a sack lunch. Meet at the Middleton Park and Ride to carpool and leave at 6 a.m. From Hwy 12 at Middleton take Exit 249 (Parmenter St.) to the Park and Ride, OR, meet us at 6:45 a.m. in the parking area for the boat landing on the southwest shore of Devil’s Lake. Contact Chuck or Delia at (608) 274-4043, deliachuck@gmail.com if you have a question about the trip.

Entered 6/4/2010 7:13:18 PM__________________________________________
I would like to go on some of the field trips in June but the details (like times and where to meet) are not up on the website like they were for the month of May. Will this be updated or is there some other place I should be looking for this information.

Entered 6/2/2010 9:51:25 PM__________________________________________
June 1 was the first in a series of nature walks for all ages at Holy Wisdom Monastery led by conservation biologist Susan Foote-Martin and other guest guides. Come for one or more of the walks. The first walk focused on invasive species. Future walks include: Kid's Walk: Frogs, Bugs and More on July 13; Prairies in Bloom on August 17; Indian Mounds, Geology and History on September 7 and Fall is in the Air on October 5. The walks begin at 6:00pm and finish by 7:30pm. Meet at the new monastery building entrance, 4200 County Road M, Middleton, WI, to begin the walk. Walks are canceled in the event of heavy of heavy rain or dangerous weather. For more information, see the link below or contact me at jlottig@benedictinewomen.org, or (608) 836-1631, ext. 123. There are no costs for these walks, but donations are always welcome. We hope to see you there. - Jan Lottig, development manager, Benedictine Life Foundation at Holy Wisdom Monastery, http://www.benedictinewomen.org/

Entered 5/24/2010 12:51:55 PM__________________________________________
A friend of mine who raises chickens thinks it's most likely a weasel that is after Chris's chickens. Weasels are known to kill and eat only part, or none, of their kill. What neither I nor my friend understand is why you wouldn't want to protect them by bringing your chickens in at night?

Entered 5/24/2010 11:01:57 AM__________________________________________
I actually saw the vireo! The bird came down to the fountain and I got a look. A red eyed vireo I'd say but actually it's eyes weren't red. They looked black. More noticeable were the stripes on itshead: I have very rarely ever seen one but have heard them often.http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-eyed_Vireo/id

Entered 5/24/2010 10:43:19 AM__________________________________________
Back in the 60's when this neighborhood was being developed, it was in vogue to plant a certain type of honey locust. Luckily this is not the kind with huge thorns. Also they don't have pods, or they are all male. The variety has very small inconspicuous green flowers, nothing like the large showy flowers of the black locust which really trigger my asthma. This time of year the trees are finishing putting out their flowers andleaves and they are full of green worms. I have found that birds know about this. I'm hearing birds in the backyard I never ordinarily hear here such as vireos and a great crested flycatcher. I wonder how far birds will travel from their territory for a good spread of leaf worms?

Entered 5/19/2010 11:06:59 PM__________________________________________
Super slideshow from Jeffrey Durbin about making Kestrel boxes - see the home page Nature News link

Entered 5/19/2010 10:06:34 AM__________________________________________
Oops - I meant the Fox River, not the Wolf. Sorry! cb

Entered 5/19/2010 10:02:32 AM__________________________________________
I am sitting in the Neenah WI Public Library on the banks of the Wolf River and there is a raft of American White Pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) just below the dam to the north. I've only seen them three times in my life: once in midwestern MN, once in Yellowstone NP and once once last year above Fox River in Green Bay. There are 15 - 20 of them - most foating together on the river but often one to six circing up and up and then gliding down. Beautiful! CBerglund, 5/19/2010 9:15 thru 10:00am

Entered 5/18/2010 12:07:27 PM__________________________________________
For the person who wants to know more about gardening for hummingbirds: Kathi and Michael Rock have a website with lots of information about plants for our area that attract hummingbirds: https://mywebspace.wisc.edu/mjrock/web/ . Also, they are presenting on this topic at Wildbirds Unlimited on Saturday, May 22, The program is free, but you must call the store at (608) 664-1414 to reserve a spot. You can also visit their website at: http://madison.wbu.com/content/show/26310 for more information about the program and the store.

Entered 5/18/2010 10:28:45 AM__________________________________________
GHO seems an unlikely culprit, based on the evidence - they would take the entire bird and not leave part of it behind. I think a hawk - probably Cooper's or Red-tailed - would be a more likely suspect, at least during the day. If it's happening at night, a mammal seems much more likely. Anyone else have any thoughts?

Entered 5/17/2010 11:16:44 PM__________________________________________
Hello everyone. I'm seeking knowledge because I'm a chicken farmer, and what is most likely a Great Horned Owl has now eaten 7 of my birds...this week! I'm fairly certain because the head, neck and some breast meat is the only thing taken and it's only one bird at a time. Anyway, I don't want to harm the owl in any way. I'm looking for non-lethal solutions that can stop or at least minimize my losses. I know that as a free-range, organic chicken farmer I have to deal with some losses if I'm not going to lock them up at night. I've researched for days now, and I thought I'd ask you. If you have any ideas, please feel free to pass them on. I can be reached at cmholman@gmail.com Thank you for anything. Chris Holman

Entered 5/17/2010 8:15:24 AM__________________________________________
A reminder that last week's UW Arboretum Warbler Walk was rescheduled to tomorrow, Tuesday May 18. Meet at the Wingra Woods parking lot at 6:00 a.m. (come in from the Mills St. entrance to the Arboretum - if you come in from the west side, you'll have to walk up the road from the McKay Center parking lot.

Entered 5/16/2010 9:52:55 PM__________________________________________
Yesterday I took down the oriole feeder and put up the venerable classic perky pet glass feeder (with red plastic "flowers". (I never have luck with those easily cleaned flying saucer type feeders. "my" birds only like the classic style feeder.). Also I got a couple fuschia baskets at the grocery. The hummers showed up very frequently so I think there's quite a few around. I can only tell male from female. Other than that I can't tell individuals. I even got the close-over from a male when I watered a plant not far from the feeder. I would love advice from people about good hardy perennials, and annuals that Hummers like. I knowa couple but would like to know about more. I do know that hummers are absolutely completely in love with the native red lobelia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lobelia_cardinalis But that plant is not all that easy to grow in my experience. (but do try it. There is nothing hummers like like cardinal flower. Nothing comes close.) I think it's rather a plant thatfavors rich flood plain soil and year after year in poor clay is not what it had in mind. The great lobelia, which is blue, is an easier to grow plant in my experience but I'm not sure that hummers are anything so crazy about it as they are about the red variety. Also I have found that easily grown domestic varieties of lobelia that grow very large and luxuriantly unfortunately do not seem to be very attractive to hummers. At least that's been my experience. Another plant I know they like very well is the climbing honeysuckle "Blanche Sandman". http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/plant.asp?code=B934 This variety bloomsa lot and it has a lovely range of colors. It's kind of a joseph's coat type bloom from yellow through red. It has survived for years in my yard where many other varieties have not survived. (A very protected spot though.) Hummers really really like it. Also believe it or not I've seen hummers really liking to visit Cup Plants. These very large prairie plants have daisy-style yellow flowers. (Many other birds favor eating cup plant seed heads and further like the little water reservoirs where the branches come off the stalk.) Very attractive to gold finches. If you like big (as in 6 ft tall), these are good. http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/cupplantx.htm We have a serious problem with a very invasive ornamental called creeping bellflower that was present in the neighborhood when we got here. http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/weeds/plants/cr_bellflower.htm Because of this plant, and the fact I don't much feel like weeding anyway, I need very large fast growing plants that can outgrow these perennial pests. Surprisingly Cup Plants caneven grow in considerable shade and in solid clay like we have in our yard. They have a long blooming period. But they can get aphids so it's a good idea to watch the plants when they are preparing to bloom which is when the aphids strike and spray the aphids with soapy water if you find any. Sooner is better with aphids as the adults will fly to infest other plants. Aphids will stop the plant from flowering. Be forewarned Cup plants self sow and will happily fan out and crush the competition so don't plant them with "pansies" :-)

Entered 5/15/2010 8:29:27 PM__________________________________________
The Horicon field trip today was fabulous! We met Bill Volkert, Horicon Naturalist, at the new Int'l Education Center on the south end and birded that area for a couple of hours, seeing a nice selection of warblers including Magnolia, Black-throated Green, Nashville, Tennessee, etc. On Dike Rd., we saw FOUR Black-necked Stilts, Sora, and Common Moorhen, with a Bobolink along the road in. More Bobolinks, Clay-colored Sparrows and Sedge Wrens were seen along Point Rd. in the Bud Cook hiking area. Along Hwy 49, just west of the pumphouse, we had outstanding views of two Glossy and one White-faced Ibis, at times all in the same scope view, along with another BN Stilt. A bit farther west were two Stilt Sandpipers, two Ruddy Turnstones, quite a few Short-billed Dowitchers, and a distant American Avocet that eventually came a bit closer to the road. The Auto Loop was fairly quiet, but we were surprised to see a Red-headed Woodpecker fly over as we started out on the floating boardwalk. Thanks to all who participated, and to John Romano for filling in as coleader with me. Peter Fissel, MAS Field Trip Coordinator

Entered 5/15/2010 8:24:30 PM__________________________________________
Thanks for the Grosbeak help! Oh man, I knew it was something obvious! I get so fixated on the brilliant males that I forgot the females look so different. Major brainfart. Thanks for the help!

Entered 5/15/2010 12:06:08 PM__________________________________________
First hummer of the year here. Finally! I never got any orioles at my oriole feeder but at leasta hummer is willing to visit it. Last sunday we got some fabulous views of brilliantly orange orioles at picnic point. (Tip look for orioles near water but not where the trees are 190 feet tall becausethey are up there on the very top most of the time :-). Sometimes steep slopes where you are on the high side looking downward toward trees with the sun behind you works quite well. For example at the bottom (more lakeward) of the biocore prairie area can work well. (And we saw many rose breasted grosbeaks and heard numerous warbling vireos. Nothing says spring is here to me like warbling vireos, those tireless but typically unseen singers. If you make a day of it and you watch a (typical) cottonwood hosting warbling vireos long enough, you may be able to see a pair and view their elaborate woven nest, if it's low enough to the ground. Worth it but time consuming. Bring a chair. These birds like many vireos are nearly invisible :-) I just saw a gorgeous warbler (very briefly) near our fountain. Very small, bright yellow with greenish wings. Before I could really focus my eyes on it in detail of course it disappeared. Maybe a femaleYellow Warbler? I know it wasn't a gold finch. We have them here most of the time so I very familiarwith their appearance. Last weekend I did see a male Yellow Warbler in the fountain.

Entered 5/14/2010 9:28:23 PM__________________________________________
Your mystery bird is a female Rose-breasted Grosbeak (I was pretty sure from the description, and the photos clinched the ID.) That explains why it's grosbeak-sized!

Entered 5/14/2010 8:52:18 PM__________________________________________
Bird Identification Help Needed: This guy has been coming to my feeder in Verona solo. He/she is about grosbeak sized. It has white eyebrows and a white jawline. Dark back with light streaks, and a white belly with very dark orange streaks. Sorry for the bad picture quality. Any ideas? Thank you http://tinyurl.com/3857ued

Entered 5/14/2010 8:18:10 AM__________________________________________
Looks like great weather for the Horicon field trip Saturday! We're meeting at the east side Cub Foods to carpool at 7:30 a.m., or you can meet us at 8:30 at the new International Education Center off Hwy 28 about two miles east of the city of Horicon (take Hwy 33 to the east side of Horicon where it intersects with Hwy 28.) We should return to Madison by mid-afternoon.

Entered 5/12/2010 9:21:35 PM__________________________________________
Due to the rather gloomy weather forecast, Jesse Peterson and I have decided to reschedule the Thursday 5/13 Madison Audubon Pheasant Branch Warbler Walk to Friday 5/14 @ 6:00AM. Mike M.

Entered 5/12/2010 11:09:42 AM__________________________________________
While we had a higher turnout of birders for today's Turville Warbler Walk, we came up with 10 fewer species and only half as many warblers as last week. A rather sad early "highlight" was finding a dead Black-billed Cuckoo right on the path - speculation was that it had collided with something earlier and later succumbed to internal injuries. Levi Wood "collected" it for further study.BALTIMORE ORIOLES were especially numerous and vocal today, and we later had good looks at a male SCARLET TANAGER. Also had a singing WOOD THRUSH, three VIREOS (RED-EYED, YELLOW-THROATED & WARBLING - Quentin Yoerger and I both thought we heard part of a BLUE-HEADED'S song, too), multiple ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS & INDIGO BUNTINGS, and flyover OSPREY & RED-TAILED HAWK. Flycatchers included LEAST, GREAT-CRESTED, E. WOOD PEWEE & a pair of E. KINGBIRDS. The highlight of the walk came at the end, as we were headed back to the parking lot. Someone spotted a PROTHONOTARY WARBLER along the edge of the open area of Olin Park, just north of the prairie area in Turville. I think most of us got a good look at it or heard it sing.Thanks to all who attended (and helped spot birds - many pairs of eyes help when the leaves are fully out!) - Peter Fissel - Madison Audubon Field Trip Coordinator

Entered 5/12/2010 12:45:20 AM__________________________________________
Reported by Sumner Matteson, DNR Avian Ecologist - the Peregrine Falcons on the MG&E Power Plant successfully hatched their 4th and final hatchling on Tuesday! See the http://madisonaudubon.org home page link for a webcam clip and other pix and information. The Peregrines can be seen when present from the Isthmus Bike Trail.

Entered 5/11/2010 8:14:24 AM__________________________________________
The Tuesday, 5-11-10 MAS "Warbler Walk" has been postponed one week to Tuesday, 5-18-10, from 6:00 to 8:00 am at the UW Arboretum, Wingra Woods parking lot. After consultation with trip leaders John Feith and Jim Berkelman it was decided that today's rain and wind would hinder the observation and hearing of birds. John Feith believes we will still have a fair number of migratory birds next week with this week being cold with north winds. Please join the trip on May 18th when most of even the late migrating birds should be in the Madison area and finding them among the fully leafed out trees should be an even greater challenge. Hopefully the weather will be warmer, less windy and no rain.

Entered 5/8/2010 10:52:06 PM__________________________________________
We love our little home on Lake Belle View, in southern Dane County. Today when cleaning the flower beds I spotted several blue heron, cardinals, and Baltimore orioles. The Lake and surrounding wetlands are now being restored, after years of suffering from farm runoff. I've joined other volunteers trying to raise $2 million. Along with writing grants and gathering donations, we have entered the Pepsi Refresh contest. You can help us win by taking a few moments to vote every day in May. Checkout our website and vote to "SAVE LAKE BELLE VIEW." Go to: www.lakebelleview.com. THANK YOU FRIENDS!

Entered 5/8/2010 9:43:49 PM__________________________________________
We stopped by a park we never before visited: Magnolia Bluff park http://www.co.rock.wi.us/index.php/park-info-a-maps/magnolia-bluff on May 8, 2010. It was intermittent rain, about 42 degrees and windy. Absolutely horriblycold and dark at 3:00 pm. Still we got out of the car to take a look around at the top of thebluff. Many nice oak trees and interesting rock formations. Well imagine our surprise when we found birds. There were birds everywhere. Scarlet tanagers, baltimore orioles, phoebes, a redstart, palm warblers, bushels of yellow rumps, blue gray gnatcatchers, black and white warblers and many intriguing buzzy warbler songs the one short time that it got partly sunny. According to the web site this is a good bird watching location. We did not see these birchtrees. Have to go back and check it out when the temperature is more civilized. "Magnolia Bluff has the only naturally occurring stand of white birch in the county, due to the "micro" climate created on its north face; so between the north and south faces a broad and interesting diversity of plant life is found. This provides a home for a large number of birds and mammals that call the park home or stop over on a seasonal basis."

Entered 5/7/2010 7:25:10 PM__________________________________________
Yes, but the wind speed/direction has to be considered...in other words, another day it could be quite dead there.

Entered 5/7/2010 3:46:06 PM__________________________________________
The Olin/Turville report below sounds super, esp for Big Birding Day teams who might hit that area, so thanks! ps - talked to someone who was on that walk and they loved it

Entered 5/5/2010 11:06:01 PM__________________________________________
Here's an Audubon link to register and hear about volunteer opportunities to help with the Gulf oil spill http://www.audubonaction.org/site/PageServer?pagename=aa_HowtoHelp

Entered 5/5/2010 9:30:10 PM__________________________________________
All - Quentin Yoerger and I led a Warbler Walk at Olin-Turville Park this morning. The rain let up just in time, and there was a warbler fallout behind the storms! We ended up with 60 species, fully a quarter of which were warblers. Highlights included Black-throated Green, Blackburnian, Golden-winged, Blue-winged, and Northern Parula (several singing,) plus American Redstart and No. Waterthrush. Also Scarlet Tanager, several Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Baltimore Orioles, four Vireo species (Warbling, Yellow-throated, Blue-headed and Red-eyed,) Wood Thrush and Eastern Kingbird. But the highlight came as we were almost back to the parking lot - one of our group saw a Great-Horned Owl fly in and land on a branch on a tree right along the fence line for the Preserve. We all got to see it - two Brown Thrashers were sitting out at the end of the same branch, keeping a wary eye on it. We'll do it again next Wednesday, so join us then, or try one of the other Warbler Walks. It's worth getting up early sometimes! --- Peter Fissel - MAS Field Trip Coordinator

Entered 5/4/2010 9:35:56 PM__________________________________________
Northern Mocking bird at the Walnut Grove park. Westfield Rd. Jim

Entered 5/3/2010 9:37:58 PM__________________________________________
Invite to Nelson Institute Free Seminar: Sharing a Vision for the Future of the Yahara Lakes: Citizens Making a Difference" with presentations by JIM LORMAN Chair, Friends of Lake Wingra and Professor, Edgewood College, JIM WELSH, Director, Natural Heritage Land Trust, DON HAMMES, Yahara Fishing Club and Friends of Cherokee Marsh, TUESDAY, MAY 4, 5:30 - 7:00 PM 1106 MECHANICAL ENGINEERING BLDG. 1513 UNIVERSITY AVENUE Bus Routes 2,3, 70, 71, 72, 19, 81, 14, and 15, free parking in Lot 17. For more information: www.nelson.wisc.edu/community/programs/community-environmental-forums

Entered 5/3/2010 12:01:12 PM__________________________________________
re Red Admirals. Yes I've seen quite a few too. I didn't know they migrated! http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species?l=1772 Looks like they are going to again spray Dane County for Gypsy moths. http://gypsymoth.wi.gov/ It seemed to me that really decimated the butterflies (or am I just imagining this?)

Entered 5/3/2010 11:53:01 AM__________________________________________
I hope this is not too far off topic: I have an imitation stream in my backyard (recirculating pump pumps water from a reservoir to thetop of a series of basins and it flows back to the reservoir.) I had a big problem with crows puttingparts of deceased wildlife into the basins and leaving it there. It was horrendous. So I followed some advice about hanging used (silver) CD's around it. That seemed to work! .... But I also have a feelingit is repelling smaller birds too. Seems like the usual yard birds got used to it (except the crows) but I don't see as many small visiting birds as I did before. Ok maybe I need another plan. Anyone have one? (Yes I do have a bird bath the crows can use as they wish. But birds really like waterthat moves best.)

Entered 5/2/2010 8:18:20 AM__________________________________________
First of the year Baltimore oriole seen on Cherokee Marsh on Sat., May 1.

Entered 5/1/2010 8:56:22 PM__________________________________________
If you're concerned about the Gulf oil spill and looking for some way you can help, please check the http://audubon.org home page links. We are looking for everything from volunteers to help with cleanup, to support for legislative and executive action, to critical funding assistance for rescue efforts. Check back here and on the audubon.org home page as things progress.

Entered 4/30/2010 8:23:44 PM__________________________________________
For butterfly watchers: huge increase in number of Red Admirals the last couple days in Madison at least. Is this going to be a major year for this species?

Entered 4/30/2010 8:22:30 PM__________________________________________
Hmm, that's TOMORROW! Didn't know about it. I wish it was still at Olbrich Gardens.

Entered 4/30/2010 8:08:39 PM__________________________________________
Madison Audubon's Art Fair is Saturday, May 1, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Warner Park!

Entered 4/30/2010 5:30:26 PM__________________________________________
A good number of migrant passerines apparently arrived here in Madison yesterday (Thursday) and today (Friday)... including Baltimore Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Common Yellowthroat, Gray Catbird, Lincoln's Sparrow, Clay-colored Sparrow, Warbling Vireo, Northern Waterthrush (which is a kind of warbler, despite the name), Least Flycatcher, Prothonotary Warbler, a huge influx of Swamp and White-throated Sparrows, a lot more House Wrens and probably some that I'm forgetting! After the rain stops, it would be good to check your nearest (by foot) birding area, probably even if it stays windy on Saturday.

Entered 4/30/2010 4:43:38 PM__________________________________________
Friday afternoon (Apr.30,) a Glossy Ibis and at least one Smith's Longspur were found & photographed on Schumacher Rd., just north of Cuba Valley Rd., by very experienced birders. They were still there as of 4:00 p.m. This location is a flooded farm field that often produces interesting birds. It is just northeast of Waunakee - Schumacher goes north from Hwy 19, right by the Culver's.

Entered 4/29/2010 11:14:22 PM__________________________________________
Greetings from Faville Grove Sanctuary! Here's the latest e-newsletter to keep you up to date on all things Faville Grove Great progress has been made on many fronts throughout the sanctuary and I hope you enjoy reading about what we've been up to. http://www.madisonaudubon.org/audubon/sanctuaries/favillegrove/news/V3number2final.pdf This Saturday May 1 from 9:30am-noon we are holding our next TogetherGreen Volunteer Days workparty in Faville Woods to continue our battle against garlic mustard. We're hoping for a good turnout for what looks to be our last Saturday volunteer event until fall. The flowers are blooming and the birds are singing so join us if you can! Hope to see you soon! - David, Roger, and Lars

Entered 4/27/2010 8:23:54 AM__________________________________________
Just about any species of bird can show partial leucisticism - it's particularly noticeable in blackbirds, but Robins, Cardinals and House Finches all seem to have a fairly high incidence of it.

Entered 4/27/2010 8:14:04 AM__________________________________________
A grackle with both white and black tail feathers hangs out around my yard (Oregon). Anyone know if this is common in grackles?

Entered 4/26/2010 11:45:38 AM__________________________________________
Just to reinforce that, as far as I can determine, there are NO nesting records for Common Redpolls in the U.S. - their normal breeding range is northern Canada, with some records from southern Canada following irruption years (this past winter was NOT an irruption year, although the previous two were. Redpolls were extremely hard to find even in far northern Wisconsin this past winter.)

Entered 4/26/2010 11:05:12 AM__________________________________________
Lisa, they are more likely to be HOUSE FINCHES, which do nest in Dane County ( Redpolls don't) and are an early nester.

Entered 4/26/2010 10:39:43 AM__________________________________________
I live in Cross Plains, and have a pair of Common Redpolls nesting in my yard. I've looked them up and am positive this is the type of bird, but see that they don't typically nest in this area. Has anyone else seen any around? Any idea why they might be here? Will try to take and post a picture later.Lisa

Entered 4/26/2010 10:02:05 AM__________________________________________
Go Green in your yard and landscape! Order native plants by May 15 through the Plant Dane! Cost-Share Program 2010 This offer is open to individual Dane County residents, schools, non-profit organizations, homeowner, lake or neighborhood associations, faith centers, clubs, etc. Fill in the online application at http://www.myfairlakes.com/PlantDane.aspx to receive an order form for plants via email, and submit the order form with payment by May 15, 2010. Plants will be delivered to One Fen Oak Court, Madison, WI on June 26, 2010, 8a-9:30a. Participants must pick up plants on this date, or have a friend, neighbor or relative pick up plants for them. Contact Marcia Hartwig, Madison Area Municipal Storm Water Partnership Education Coordinator (608) 224-3746 or email hartwig@co.dane.wi.us for more information.

Entered 4/22/2010 6:12:44 PM__________________________________________
Birders Delight! There are a bunch of birding walks in the next few weeks starting Apr 23 Fri 6:30 at Cherokee Marsh. Check the home page calendar and Field Trip list for trip dates, and go to the Field Trips side menu or the CAWS for details re where to meet, etc. Enjoy!

Entered 4/22/2010 11:23:41 AM__________________________________________
Thanks for biking to work, Happy Earth Day!

Entered 4/22/2010 8:12:01 AM__________________________________________
Biking to work today, saw a BALD EAGLE sitting in a tree at Warner park island! He took flight heading Northish towards Mendota. Not a bad way to start the day.

Entered 4/21/2010 4:02:35 PM__________________________________________
PThe Dane County Regional Airport has received summary approval to kill 80 to 100 resident Canada geese at Madison's Warner Park. This decision was made with no public comment period, no public hearing, and no non-lethal alternatives proposed.We would ask the Dane County Regional Airport to reconsider this inhumane and ineffective proposal and instead adopt an integrated nonlethal approach that has proven successful nationwide.We request a full, expert study comparing the long-term effectiveness of lethal versus nonlethal options, and an opportunity for public comment in this matter.Comments on the plan should be directed to Mr. Lowell Wright at the Dane County Regional Airport, 608-246-3380, the Board of Park Commissioners, and your Common Council member. Please join our Facebook group NO MADISON GOOSE KILL.

Entered 4/20/2010 11:13:42 AM__________________________________________
Saw a half-dozen Bonaparte's Gulls near James Madison Park in Madison about a week ago, from the #5 Madison Metro bus. The great thing about migrating birds is that they will come to you...

Entered 4/20/2010 12:54:08 AM__________________________________________
Enjoyed seeing a flock of about 30 Bonaparte's Gull (black head) at Devil's Lake on Sunday, also male and female Ruby-crowned Kinglets. Didn't see Warbler action there yet, but with all the fly hatching going on it shouldn't be long.

Entered 4/19/2010 4:58:45 PM__________________________________________
The UW Dept. of Forest and Wildlife Ecology's 2010 Leopold Lecture, "The Crucial Partnership between Hunter-Conservationists and Wildlife Professionals" is Tuesday April 20 at 6:00 p.m. in the Ebling Auditorium (Room 1220-First Floor) in the new Microbial Sciences Building, 1550 Linden Dr., Madison.It will also be broadcast live on the Internet. Use this link: http://dnrmedia.wi.gov/main/Viewer/peid=552225095f7c41dbb10f11edc7d229b7

Entered 4/16/2010 9:36:01 PM__________________________________________
Man, there sure are PLENTY of Canada Geese around Madison! Removing some won't be a bad thing.

Entered 4/16/2010 8:52:24 PM__________________________________________
oh dear. I am copying this from the wisbirdn list. Date: Thu, 15 Apr 2010 10:03:39 -0500Subject: [wisb] Fwd: [northsidediscuss] Geese to be euthanized in Warner ParkFrom: Jamie Hogberg The Madison Board of Parks Commissioners approved a plan Wednesday night toround up and kill Warner Park geese in June.The plan was requested by the Dane County Regional Airport, which calledWarner Park geese a danger to flight safety, and termed the issue an"emergency."Attempts to delay the commission vote for a month of study and publiccomment were rejected.Details of the plan presented to the commission were posted on the ParksCommission agenda here:http://legistar.cityofmadison.com/attachments/fdd67bfc-12d2-47cd-bd19-1ed8896c7dbc.pdf.According to the airport study, 9 of 132 geese banded by Wisconsin's DNR inWarner Park were caught and "dispatched" at the airport. The airport askedWisconsin DNR to do further banding and collaring to confirm theWarner-airport connection, but DNR declined because the birds are notconsidered a "huntable" population.Russ Hefty, the city Parks Department ecologist, said he surveyed andcounted 14 nests, and estimated as many as 20 exist, on Warner Park's marshisland. Each nest holds 6 eggs. Hefty said this kind of action had neverbeen taken in Madison.The geese will be rounded up and killed during June when they are moltingand cannot fly.--University of Wisconsin MadisonGeographyBiological Aspects of ConservationStudents for Bird Conservation(651) 283.7632jamiehogberg@gmail.com

Entered 4/15/2010 1:35:57 PM__________________________________________
This might be off topic but I saw 4/15/2010 a cockatiel or similar type of tropical caged bird like that on the loosein a tree near the back of the natatorium. Not far from at least one young owl I could hear shrieking. The bird was just a about 15 feet toward the lakeshore off the bike trail. Very closeto the stream which runs into the lake. It was making a lot of calls. Grey front with some yellow andorange on its head. I hope someone can rescue it or feed it or something?

Entered 4/14/2010 1:56:02 PM__________________________________________
So what happened re the lead fishing tackle question? Thanks.

Entered 4/11/2010 10:17:05 PM__________________________________________
Take a Stand for Loons! (and Swans, Eagles, and Ospreys): Attend Your Local Spring Hearing Monday, April 12 at 7 p.m. - I know how much some of you enjoy attending Spring Hearings, but this time it's really easy. All counties now have paper ballots, so all you have to do is stop for a moment to vote just for Advisory Question #61 (to phase out lead fishing tackle), then leave. Advisory question #61 advocates for phasing out lead fishing tackle less than one inch long and weighing less than one ounce for use in Wisconsin waters. If this passes the Spring Hearing, it could become a DNR rule the following year. It would go far in reducing the incidence of lead poisoning in waterbirds, especially Common Loons and Trumpeter Swans, and the secondary poisoning of raptors, such as eagles and ospreys. Click here for a short video about this issue http://dnrmedia.wi.gov/main/Viewer/?peid=882a6ef17b5f4b40ba0a8d9bf6cc8b4c . Locations of each county meeting can be found on the DNR website: www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/nrboard/congress/ Look for the 2010 questionnaire under "Spring Hearings". Thank You! - Karen Etter Hale, Executive Secretary, Madison Audubon Society

Entered 4/11/2010 10:12:33 PM__________________________________________
Heard the first possible brown thrasher. Another rufous-sided towhee heard but not seen. Many flickers about. Saw both golden-crowned and ruby-crowned kinglets. A phoebe seen building a nest in a hole in a limestone cliff. Numerous yellow-bellied sapsuckers, especially on river birch, including males drumming on smaller dead branches. (I didn't think they drummed since I had the impression they were just passing through but I was wrong. I saw several enthusiastically drumming male sapsuckers.) Numerous sightings of hermit thrushes. And our first flock of yellow rumped warblers! And unfortunately ticks. Moving fast and quick to bite. I found two small all black ones and one large dog tick. Besides tick repellent (which I misplaced unfortunately),it's a good idea to take some clear plastic tape along. Then if you find a tick biting you, you can save it to show the medical establishment later if you think you are getting symptoms of Lyme or other tick borne illnesses. (I would love to know a good way to kill ticks (and chiggers) that get in the car. Would permanone be a good choice? If you are a person that arachnids really go for, like me, ticks and chiggers in a car can and will get to you. If it's a multi-person vehicle someone else, or just camping equipment, can find the ticks and then they are waiting for you!

Entered 4/11/2010 10:10:52 PM__________________________________________
Invite from Nelson Institute - Please join us at a campus-wide Sustainability Retreat on April 27th (8am-12pm, Great Hall, Memorial Union) to help UW-Madison prepare for a sustainable future. Your participation is needed to craft a vision for the campus as well as to join working groups that will establish projects and practices to take us forward. We welcome your involvement. Please register (free) at http://www.ohrd.wisc.edu/survey/event_survey.asp?id=3200 -

Entered 4/10/2010 7:14:39 PM__________________________________________
Saw a BARN SWALLOW and a BROAD-WINGED HAWK today in Madison, the first of each that I've seen this year. So great not to set foot in a car the whole day!

Entered 4/10/2010 4:31:22 PM__________________________________________
April 10 at Owen Park, Madison. Saw a female turkey drinking from one of the ponds (which has a lot of redfish in it). Watch this pond for future heron activity! :-) Saw 3 male turkeys gobbling in the western wooded area. The hill behind the bathroom was very interesting. Lots of wild flowerssuch as dutchman's breeches, bloodroot, trout lily, virginia bluebells, wood poppy, wood violet,some ephemerals I never get right. Lots of kentucky coffee bean pods. 2 tufted titmice in the area across the road from the wooden shed by the house. That hillside is always good. Also phoebesby the shed and also patrolling the bathroom area. And we saw two more tufted titmice coming out ofowen park to crestwood via one of the many paths (east wooded side of Owen.)! That's way more titmice than I usually see. Glad to hear someone saw the Great Horned Owls. I thought I saw a great horned owl sitting on the top of an oak tree near the back of the natatorium on April 9,in a silouhette in the setting sun type of lighting but the traffic was complicated so I couldn'tstop and get a good look.

Entered 4/10/2010 2:30:30 PM__________________________________________
Just saw the Great Horned owl family in a tall pine tree right behind the Natatorium -- 2 adults and a juvenile? (around 2 pm Saturday April 10).

Entered 4/9/2010 11:29:28 AM__________________________________________
Will scab kill the tree? If not, maybe just let things alone.

Entered 4/9/2010 10:03:53 AM__________________________________________
Am thinking of spraying a crab apple for scab. Is there a fungicide to use that is not harmful to the environment? Is that a contradiction? shercaves@tds.net

Entered 4/8/2010 9:59:28 AM__________________________________________
The Frog's-Night-Out field trip scheduled for Thursday, April 8 has been postponed one week due to the cool weather and the wind. The field trip will occur at the same time (6:45 p.m.) and location (Mazomanie Wildlife Area- off of Laws Drive) on Thursday, April 15. See the field trip newsletter for directions and additional information. If the weather appears questionable on April 15, please feel free to contact me at 829-3123. Bob Hay

Entered 4/8/2010 9:18:10 AM__________________________________________
A group of 13 pelicans on the Yahara near the Cherokee Park neighborhood, yesterday (Apr. 7) and today (Apr. 8). Wonderful.

Entered 4/8/2010 2:03:16 AM__________________________________________
Re Peregrines - that's great news! Here's a link to the MGE webcam if you want to see the newly laid eggs and follow progress (this link is also on the home page) http://www.mge.com/about/falcon.htm

Entered 4/7/2010 4:08:59 PM__________________________________________
Saw two male PURPLE MARTINS on the edge of Madison today, on the early side. Hope they find enough to eat over the next couple days...

Entered 4/7/2010 10:03:23 AM__________________________________________
Peregrine falcons in MGE nestbox. As of 5 April 2010, Frightful has laid three eggs. Hatching is expected in early May.

Entered 4/6/2010 6:53:14 PM__________________________________________
Seen/heard within a few blocks of my Madison house today: Harrier, Kestrel, Double-crested Cormorants, Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Brown Creepers, Flickers, Wood Ducks, Eastern Phoebes...

Entered 4/5/2010 12:20:51 PM__________________________________________
Heard the first rufous-sided towhee Sunday April 4. I heard the great horned owl family previously by the lakeshore dorms have flown. Anyone see them? Here is a meeting that should be of great interest to people. http://www.thewheelerreport.com/releases/apr10/apr5/0405danectyparks.pdf Dane County and Wisconsin DNR to Host Public Information Meeting for Reviewof Capital Springs State Recreation Area Preferred Alternative Master PlanA public information meeting to present the plan and answer questions will be heldon Thursday, April 8th from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Lussier Family Heritage Center, 3101Lake Farm Road, Madison WI, 53711Important info: distinguish snipe winnowing from someone imitating Curly from this great website: http://mrines.com/Birds/woodcock/ I actually saw a woodcock the other day, on the ground undera willow with a robin. Personally I've not heard snipe sounds but only woodcock sounds so far. Snipe winnowing http://mrines.com/Birds/woodcock/Snipe.wav Curly http://mrines.com/Birds/woodcock/curly.wav

Entered 4/4/2010 4:49:35 PM__________________________________________
I saw a large flock of white birds on Mud Lake, off the south beltline in Madison on Friday and Saturday. Anyone else see them and know what they are? Pelicans. or swans?

Entered 4/3/2010 7:10:09 PM__________________________________________
Webmaster note - thanks for all the postings! To clarify a question below, sightings from any location are of course welcome on this message board. Postings about opportunities to bird close to home (which is different for each person), and opportunities to bird away from home, are both interesting to some people. Suggestions to bike and go green are probably good choices to make sometimes, but nobody should take that to mean folks should never drive or bird elsewhere.

Entered 4/3/2010 11:03:44 AM__________________________________________
re juncos I never saw one nesting in northern wisconsin nor northern michigan. But I have seenwhite-throated sparrows nesting near Duluth at Jay Cooke. There seems to be some kind of disconnect on this list regarding the scope of sightings. I personally assumed possibly wrongly this board was like most state-bird lists http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/WISBIRDN where basically any sightings were ok no matter where they were. If someone reported on something out the backdoor, blocks away, miles away, or on the otherside of the earth, and they sounded like they might have some sort of clue as to what they were talking about, (and/or they took good photos :-) no one would complain. Because someone might go there some time and most of all people like to hear about birds.Seems like this list however has a significant mindset that the word Madison in Madison Audubon society means within some short distance of the capitol (if you violate the unspoken rule someone goes "global". :-) That doesn't make much sense to me with a web site that is visible by everyone on earth with an internet connection. Even if you restrict sightings to within 10 miles of the capitol that does not prevent people from way outside the perimeter from reading the messages and possibly hopping in their hummer and driving in to Madison to visit :-) Without being able to control who can see the list, the localization is not worth the trolltax in my viewpoint :-) I guess it's just up to the club to render a decision on the whether the fact that Madison is in the title means that there is a distance limit to acceptable sightings and what that distance is. I would advocate for not having a highly localized list but instead create a flock :-) of sub-lists covering sections of the state. Most parts of this state have no known local bird club nor list covering them. If some web site like this allows observations/reviews of birding site visits all over the state, then to some extent the under-served locations will be reviewed also. Birders may come through and find something interesting now and then but there is no way for the information to get back to the people who live near the locality. Which may for all we know cause huge numbers of birders in under-reported parts of the state to travel to reported parts of the state when in fact they could've seen birds a lot closer if anyone had reported them. I think the ideal would be to get so much bird sighting coverage that people would be most likely to find a birding sight within a reasonable distance of their home and/or along the route of a trip they had to take for other reasons. I think a lot of people are like me, they want to go hiking somewhere and it would be great to have some birds to see also. They are not driving to say Devil's lake to see some particular birds. They are driving to Devil's lake to see Devil's lake _and_ some birds. You cannot stop people from wanting to visit Devil's lake by withholding bird sightings. I don't see why people should be prevented from telling what birds they saw when they traveled somewhere for some reason. However if the club decides that then they should put up a notice to that effect.This has also been a problem on another well-known list where it has a very very bad rule that people have to post their name and home location, opening them up to attacks about how darethey have ventured too far from home kind of thing. Try imagining this discussion atthe car racing club, the mountain climbing club, the whitewater canoeing club, the ocean snorkling club, the aircraft pilot club, the world travel club... :-)

Entered 4/3/2010 7:16:16 AM__________________________________________
Thanks for plug for birding by BICYCLE. Have to suggest that it's too early (by several weeks) for Eastern Wood-Pewees -- much more likely is that they were EASTERN PHOEBES. Phoebes are always the first species of flycatcher to appear in Wisconsin each year, just as the first swallow will be Tree Swallow.

Entered 4/2/2010 11:24:18 PM__________________________________________
Interested in Pileated Woodpeckers?Andrew Huxman, an excellent Air Show and Bird photographer, hasjust uploaded four supurb videos of a male pileated woodpeckercaught in the act of making a nest hole. The youtube site is:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZftPsjaaeEor search for Pileated 1I have a 7 minute video on youtube from last spring. It featurestwo pileated chicks being fed by their father, who I had beenphotographing since January as he first made his nest in anold bottomland tree in Allerton Park, IL. Do a youtube search for2009 Pileated Woodpecker NestOrinorink@t6b.comnear Rockford

Entered 4/2/2010 11:16:49 PM__________________________________________
Good point re 'jump in car - NOT' - moderation is always a good thing, also a lot of great nearby birding locations are accessable by bike. East side Madison - along with a lotta other birds saw 2 Eastern Wood-Pewee, Peregrine Falcon (on MGE box), Song Sparrow, Common Loon, Red-tailed Hawk, Coopers Hawk (on a low limb 15 feet from bike trail), Red-bellied Woodpecker, 5 Downy Woodpeckers (4 female and 1 male posturing in pairs), Bufflehead, one Red Head (pretty sure anyway, on Tenny boat launch bay) also 1 Bluebird on box - all from short ride on bike :)

Entered 4/2/2010 10:58:34 PM__________________________________________
Sounds beautiful re Olsons Woods! Pasque Flowers http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pasque_flower were just emerging last weekend, they should be out with all the warm weather. A reliable spot in Madison is the south part of the Arboretum along the walking trail on the open oak hillside.

Entered 4/2/2010 9:54:05 PM__________________________________________
Friday April 2 at Olson Woods, west of Paoli, we saw our first yellow bellied sapsucker (on an oak tree) and our first phoebe. We heard a rather high pitched bird of prey's oft repeated call. Could therebe a red shouldered hawk there? I am not so good on on red-shouldered as I don't encounter them very often. We also heard a barred owl calling despite it not being particularly late in the day but it was getting darker due to the advancing rain front. http://dnr.wi.gov/ORG/LAND/ER/sna/index.asp?SNA=157 That is a lovely park. We were just starting to explore it when the rain started so we didn't gettoo far. The wild flowers are starting to grow there. There were a particular lot of whatI think, but I wouldn't stake my life on it, are celandine poppy (wood poppy). I don't see those often.I see in my water garden at home the cowslips are emerging. In my flower garden the domestic pasque flower is blooming, dutchman breeches are coming up, domestic double bloodroot is blooming, virginia bluebells have sent up leaves, pulmonaria (jacob's ladder) is emerging (in madison which is undoubtably warmer than the countryside). Anyone seeing any good wildflowers in a wild setting?

Entered 4/1/2010 10:26:39 PM__________________________________________
Thanks for pro-globalwarming messages of late. Let's all jump in our cars and find these birds! NOT

Entered 4/1/2010 10:14:47 PM__________________________________________
Tonight (Thurs. 4/1) there were several American Woodcock displaying right next to the Nine Springs E-way parking lot on Moorland Rd. This is one of the most accessible spots in Madison to hear (and, if you have good enough eyesight at dusk) watch the spectacle - fabulous!

Entered 3/31/2010 12:03:49 PM__________________________________________
3/28/10 Tufted Titmouse,Parisi park Middleton. A first for me in Middleton. Jim jpnick35wi@msn.com

Entered 3/31/2010 8:19:03 AM__________________________________________
Dark-eyed Juncos will nest in the northern 2 tiers of counties in Wisconsin, but not normally this far south. Their breeding range does extend much farther south in the mountains of the west and in the Appalachians (I remember being confused by a familiar trilling song at Shenandoah Nat'l Park in Virginia several summers ago, until I spotted the Junco near the visitor's center.)

Entered 3/31/2010 1:06:29 AM__________________________________________
Thanks for the great posts re Mississippi and Devils Lake! Can't wait to see those herons. Am still seeing and hearing Juncos a lot (east side Madison), do any nest here or do they all leave?

Entered 3/30/2010 10:27:18 AM__________________________________________
Whoa in the post about the Great Blue Herons I meant to say hike directly SOUTH. duh! I am just noticing no juncos in the back yard. Could spring really be here?

Entered 3/30/2010 9:05:51 AM__________________________________________
march 28 we visited Devil's lake. The ice was about 70% off the lake and the ice that was leftwas very weak. Lots of vultures, song sparrows. No loons, no ducks. A few ring bill gulls. The weather had turned quite crummy, heavy cloud cover, windy and cold. The starsof the show were the great blue herons roosting in the tall white pines high above the group camp. If you park in the group camp parking lot with the statue of the CCC worker, you are there. The herons are right behind the statue up on the very tops of the trees. They are making their very strange (to us) sounds and clicks. From the large stone bath complex a good view could be had of two great blue herons interacting while standing on a nest. They were grooming each other, doing some kind of "kissing" ? with those huge bills... We also know from experience that it is interesting to view the rookery from above. For example one can park in the Steinke basin parking lot and hike directly east to the top of the cliffs and look down on the rookery and see the birds flying/standing about. Or the athletic among us can bound up the incredibly steep trail from the picnic area to get on top of the east rim. If you have short legs, weak knees, or are not related to mountain goats I'd recommend the long Steinke route :-) The herons are especially entertaining on a nice warm day whenthe vultures come cruising low over their nests in which case the herons make quite a commotion.

Entered 3/30/2010 8:44:37 AM__________________________________________
We visited the Hamilton, IL/ Keokuk, IA area March 27. At 8 am from the Hamilton view of the dam, a good vantage point quite above the Mississippi a bit downstream from the dam,quite a few white pelicans could be seen. They were foraging inthe turbulent water coming out of the turbines. (It's so sad to think of all the unsuspecting little fish that get killed.) Since the Mississippiwas still a little flooded there were dramatic surges of water throughthe dam.Also a few pelicans were flying about now and then. A few wereswimming above the dam. Also above the dam were a very largenumber of black and white ducks too far away to id. And some smallflocks of cormorants were seen flying by now and then. Many vultures soared high abovethe area. Later in the day about 1 pm we looked around a bit on the Keokuk side. There areparks by the riverside from which many pelicans could be seen. Also acouple eagles were perched in riverside trees. Small groupsof pelicans (about 10 individuals) were standing on islands or wooddebris along the (flooded) Illinois shore where people's vacationcabins and trailers were getting soaked unless they were on stilts.Flocks of pelicans were coming and goingover the river. The pelicans were navigating easily in the stiff windwith no problem. Kettles of pelicans were forming spiraling up fromthe(presumed :-) heat rising off the Keokuk shore. The walkway made fromthe top of the formerswing bridge was a good albeit absolutely freezing cold vantage point over theriver. It was hard to imagine there was any heat to be found anywherewhen one was on that walkway!http://www.keokukiowatourism.org/observation.htmhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lock_and_Dam_No._19Ps we saw NO juncos in central Illinois and lots of flickers. A few great blue herons and quite a few vultures cruising the countryside. Thereare still quite a few juncos in our yard in Madison. (March 28).

Entered 3/29/2010 9:03:12 PM__________________________________________
Loons: There are about a dozen Loons floating in Lake Mendota right off of John Nolen near the convention center! Two of them came within 30 yeards of the shore. They were hard to photograph because they kept diving. Here is a picture from yesterday (3/28/10) - http://tinyurl.com/yj2k37j

Entered 3/29/2010 5:47:00 PM__________________________________________
song sparrow by tenny park today, also redwings and starlings, as well as the buffleheads and coots that have been hanging around the bay for a while now

Entered 3/29/2010 1:35:18 PM__________________________________________
Join the Friends of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve to hear a free presentation by Mike McDowell, "And Still They Sing! Bird Stories, Science and Art," on Tuesday, April 6, 2010, at 7 PM at the Visitor Center of the UW Arboretum. Mike will show his beautiful photographs of local birds that occur in the Preserve. He will tell us about the wonderful world of birds and the hardships they face during migration as well as on their wintering and breeding grounds. Mike is a nature photographer, local naturalist, birder, and Madison Audubon field trip leader. He has recorded the avifauna of Pheasant Branch Conservancy in Middleton for the past 15 years. He is an expert on nature photography and digiscoping. Mike has shared his sightings, birding stories, and nature photographs on his blog, (www.birddigiscoper.com) for the past five years. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, see www.lakeshorepreserve.org or conact Roma Lenehan at rlenehan@charter.net

Entered 3/28/2010 6:58:50 PM__________________________________________
Does anyone know where the 20-30 turkey vultures in the McFarland area roost? I have been enjoying seeing them soar over my house for the past couple years.Mary Sobol5205 Broadhead StreetMcFarland WImary.sobol@promega.com

Entered 3/26/2010 9:20:37 AM__________________________________________
Woodcock have been back, and displaying, in southern WI for about two weeks now.

Entered 3/25/2010 10:52:41 PM__________________________________________
Ice is rapidly disappearing from Lake Mendota, and those diving ducks with white on the side of their heads and white bellies that you're seeing, are Buffleheads. Anyone hearing Woodcocks yet?

Entered 3/22/2010 9:13:18 PM__________________________________________
Another free forum from the Nelson Institute: TUESDAY, MARCH 23 5:30 - 7:00 PM - Controlling and Preventing Invasive Species in the Yahara Lakes. Please join us for the fifth forum seminar of the semester. As we all know, the Yahara Lakes are no strangers to invasive species. From Eurasian water milfoil to the spiny water flea, the lakes host a variety of aquatic invaders that threaten their ecological health. We'll hear from two experts and learn more about how citizens, scientists and managers are dealing with current problems and working to protect the lakes against additional potential risks. Forums are FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Presentations: JAKE VANDER ZANDEN, Associate Professor, Center for Limnology and Departent of Zoology, UW-Madison, RON MARTIN, Office of Lakes and Watersheds, Dane County Land and Water Resources Department. Location: 1106 MECHANICAL ENGINEERING BLDG. 1513 UNIVERSITY AVENUE, Bus Routes 2,3, 70, 71, 72, 19, 81, 14, and 15. Free parking in Lot 17. www.nelson.wisc.edu/community/programs/community-environmental-forums

Entered 3/19/2010 12:24:11 PM__________________________________________
What have we learned since the first Earth Day in 1970 inspired 20 million people to participate in environmental teach-ins across the U.S.? A two-day conference, "Earth Day at 40: Valuing Wisconsin's Environmental Traditions, Past Present and Future," will revisit the event that launched an era of environmental reform, survey a broad range of current environmental issues, and envision a more sustainable future.At Monona Terrace in Madison, April 20-21. For info: www.nelson.wisc.edu/earthday40

Entered 3/18/2010 12:37:52 AM__________________________________________
Thanks whoever posted the mge falcon nestbox link - it has been added to the madisonaudubon.org home page - your webmasters

Entered 3/17/2010 10:44:48 AM__________________________________________
March 2010: Peregrine falcons are back at the MGE power plant in Madison's isthmus. See www.mge.com/falcons.

Entered 3/17/2010 8:15:07 AM__________________________________________
Other birds recently returned: Woodcock, almost all duck species, Fox Sparrow, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Great Blue Heron...

Entered 3/17/2010 1:02:18 AM__________________________________________
Reports of redwings and killdeer back

Entered 3/14/2010 8:54:26 PM__________________________________________
Canoecopia was a lot of fun, lots of folks visited the Audubon table to ask questions and share stories (thanks to all the great volunteers!). The best story was a sighting of a Loon by the Rutabaga store on the south beltline - maybe it was coming for Canoecopia.

Entered 3/12/2010 10:44:05 AM__________________________________________
Note: Faville Grove work parties, changes to schedule - Due to the muddy conditions in the woods. We are canceling the workparty originally scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday March 13. Our next two Wednesday workparties are also canceled, March 17 and 24, however, weather permitting there will be a make-up workparty scheduled for next Tuesday March 16, from 9:30am-noon and the next Saturday workparty is still scheduled for March 27. On the brighter side, the muddy conditions have not hampered spring migration as we have been seeing hundreds of sandhill cranes and Canada geese on a daily basis. The song sparrows and red-winged black birds are also back in large numbers and bluebirds have been checking out our nest boxes. How exciting!! - David, Roger, and Lars

Entered 3/8/2010 9:36:10 PM__________________________________________
Groundwater Protection: Ask Legislators Today to Cosponsor! Little is of more importance in Wisconsin than water, whether for wildlife and birds, the health of our wetlands and fisheries, recreation, farming and commerce, or for drinking. A bill has been introduced that at long last recognizes this, and more importantly, makes the connection between groundwater and surface waters. But time is short as the legislative session ends in April, and there is a long way to go before the bill can be enacted into law. Early support will be critical to its success. As a first step, contact your legislators as soon as possible (by Wednesday, March 10, at the latest) to ask that they cosponsor the Groundwater Protection Bill, LRB 4094/1. (Be sure to thank Senator Mark Miller and Representative Spencer Black, if they represent you, for introducing the bill). To find your legislators, see http://www.legis.wisconsin.gov/w3asp/waml/waml.aspx

Entered 3/4/2010 10:03:53 PM__________________________________________
4 March 2010 -- A lone Sandhill Crane flew up the Yahara River near Cherokee Marsh this evening at 6:15 -- the first we've seen this year.

Entered 3/4/2010 1:04:09 PM__________________________________________
Does anyone know who maintains the bluebird houses in Garner Park on Rosa Road in Madison?

Entered 3/2/2010 10:29:00 PM__________________________________________
Audubon Action Alert! Thousands of people are calling their senators March 2-4 in a massive show of support for clean energy and the environment, this is your opportunity to make a real difference http://www.audubonaction.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=4241.0&printer_friendly=1

Entered 2/26/2010 12:44:28 AM__________________________________________
Here's the Wisconsin tally page from the GBBC report below, with a neat map showing where counts came in http://gbbc.birdsource.org/gbbcApps/report?cmd=showReport&reportName=StateSummary&state=US-WI

Entered 2/26/2010 12:42:42 AM__________________________________________
Great Backyard Bird Count - Reports and Results and a BIG THANK YOU have been posted at http://www.allaboutbirds.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=1723&srctid=1&erid=2376330

Entered 2/25/2010 11:54:34 PM__________________________________________
FAVILLE GROVE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY - Just a quick reminder that we will be holding our next volunteer workparty this Saturday, February 27, from 9:30am-noon. We'll be meeting along Prairie Lane and working in the Ledge Savanna south of the road. If you haven't seen the Ledge for a while you're in for a treat! Great progress has been made over the last several weeks and we're hoping to make a few more large strides before winter starts coming to a close. Hope to see you there! David, Roger, and Lars

Entered 2/24/2010 4:32:39 PM__________________________________________
Frog's Night Out trip is ON!! Apologies - due to a miscommunication, the April 8 Frog's Night Out field trip led by Bob Hay wasn't listed in the March/April CAWS. Details:Thursday, April 8: Frogs Night OutBring a sense of adventure on this trip, cosponsored by Wisconsin Wetlands Association, as you look at the world from a different perspective—through sounds. Besides listening for a variety of frogcalls, participants will learn about frog lifestyles and wetlands ecology. Meet at the Mazomanie Wildlife Area at 6:45 p.m. From Hwy. 14 in Mazomanie, drive north on County Hwy. Y for about four miles. Just before the highway bends to the east (right), turn left on Law’s Dr. Travel on theaccess road about a quarter mile and turn left onto the first gravel road. Follow this about one and a half miles until it deadends at a parking lot. Bring a flashlight and dress for wet conditions. The trip will be canceled if the daytime high temperature is below 45°F or in the event of very strong winds or heavy rain. The rain date is April 15. Call trip leader Bob Hay onlyif you have questions. (608) 829-3123.

Entered 2/24/2010 9:02:16 AM__________________________________________
The Robins and Cedar Waxwings were here all winter - there is always a flock of both in the UW-Arboretum that can usually be found down by the springs in Wingra Woods.

Entered 2/23/2010 9:24:06 PM__________________________________________
I spotted a dozen cedar waxwings and several robins in the flowering crabapple trees outside my office window in Middleton, Wisconsin. This seems pretty early! It's mid Feburary-is it a bit early for the winged friends to be back in Wisconsin? Tracy Bredeson-ivanhoe2900@hotmail.com

Entered 2/23/2010 5:53:31 PM__________________________________________
NELSON INSTITUTE COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL FORUM - Yahara CLEAN: Partnering to Improve Water Quality in the Yahara Lakes - TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23 5:30 - 7:00 PM 1106 MECHANICAL ENGINEERING BLDG. 1513 UNIVERSITY AVENUE, Bus Routes 2,3, 70, 71, 72, 19, 81, 14, and 15, Free parking in Lot 17, For more information: http://www.nelson.wisc.edu/community/programs/community-environmental-forums Event Contact: lambersonphi@wisc.edu

Entered 2/22/2010 3:55:49 PM__________________________________________
Join the Friends of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve to hear a free presentation by Mike McDowell, And Still They Sing! Bird Stories, Science and Art, on Tuesday, April 6, 2010, at 7 PM at the Visitor Center of the UW Arboretum. Mike will show his beautiful photographs of local birds that occur in the Preserve. He will tell us about the wonderful world of birds and the hardships they face during migration as well as on their wintering and breeding grounds. Mike is a nature photographer, local naturalist, birder, and Madison Audubon field trip leader. He has recorded the avifauna of Pheasant Branch Conservancy in Middleton for the past 15 years. He is an expert on nature photography and digiscoping. Mike has shared his sightings, birding stories, and nature photographs on his blog, (www.birddigiscoper.com) for the past five years. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, see www.lakeshorepreserve.org or contact Roma a Lenehan at rlenehan@charter.net

Entered 2/21/2010 3:54:12 PM__________________________________________
Sheri Baldwin--Could you please email me with the dates that you observed the Varied Thrush in your yard this winter? Then we can include your sightings on the WSO Winter Season Report. Thanks, Kay Kavanagh, Winter Season Report Compiler kkav@uplogon.com

Entered 2/19/2010 11:12:05 AM__________________________________________
Join us for the following free public events surrounding Aldo Leopold Weekend at the Arboretum:March 5 – Friday, 12-2 p.m. - “Lunch with Leopold”Join us for a brown bag lunch with a discussion of “Land Use and Democracy” by Aldo Leopold (no prior access to the essay is required). The discussion is followed by “Present and Future Challenges to Leopold’s Vision for the Arboretum” a discussion led by Arboretum Director Kevin McSweeney. The audience will then consider what Leopold would have suggested to the Arboretum based on solving these issues. Please RSVP to jskolaski@wisc.edu for the brown bag so we can plan for seating. March 6 - Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. - “Madison Reads Leopold”Communities across the state are coming together to read aloud from Aldo Leopold’s powerful and eloquently written A Sand County Almanac, an environmental classic that reminds us of the importance of protecting our priceless natural resources. Celebrity and citizen readers will share Leopold’s stirring, and often witty words about humans’ relationship to the land. Bring the family, a neighbor, or come solo — spend an hour listening, or stay all day. March 7 - Sunday, 1-2:30 p.m. - “Walking in Leopold’s Footsteps”On this free public tour, guided by Arboretum naturalists, see the places where Aldo Leopold, the Arboretum’s first director, conducted wildlife research and helped to establish the first ever restoration of Wisconsin’s natural ecosystems. View those habitats as they are today and hear brief excerpts from his writings at appropriate points along the way.For more information go to the UW-Madison Arboretum's website: uwarboretum.org or contact me at jskolaski@wisc.edu

Entered 2/18/2010 5:07:55 PM__________________________________________
The photos of the Varied Thrush were taken in early January. The bird visited my feeders, or the ground under my feeders, daily for the months of December and January. I haven't seen it now for most of February. I have several other photos of it on the ground.

Entered 2/18/2010 3:36:13 PM__________________________________________
Re VARIED THRUSH, there were none found on the Madison Christmas Bird Count, held on December 19th. On what date were the photos taken?

Entered 2/17/2010 9:53:19 PM__________________________________________
Exciting sighting! This Varied Thrush was seen regularly this winter in a yard in Maple Bluff, pictures by Sherrri Baldwin varied thrush.jpg varied thrush in flight.jpg Some others were also reported in the Madison area Christmas Bird Count. These are ground below-feeder feeders, look closely at those Juncos!

Entered 2/17/2010 9:25:52 PM__________________________________________
NELSON INSTITUTE COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL FORUM - In February 2008, Dane County entered into an agreement (called "Yahara CLEAN") with the state and the city of Madison to demonstrate their commitment to improving Yahara lakes water quality. Hundreds of area residents have since provided input, and technical and policy experts have documented critical watersheds where run-off from agricultural and urban areas needs to be controlled. We'll hear about progress toward the June 2010 release of the Yahara CLEAN report and explore recommendations for further reduction of nutrient and sediment runoff and beach bacteria. Forums are FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Yahara CLEAN: Partnering to Improve Water Quality in the Yahara Lakes - Presentations: SUSAN JONES, Watershed Management Coordinator, Office of Lakes and Watersheds, Dane County Land and Water Resources Department, RICHARD LATHROP, Research Limnologist, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, ROB MONTGOMERY, Montgomery and Associates, JOHN PANUSKA, UW-Madison Biological Systems Engineering, SUSAN JOSHEFF, Basin Supervisor, Water Division, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23 5:30 - 7:00 PM 1106 MECHANICAL ENGINEERING BLDG. 1513 UNIVERSITY AVENUE, Bus Routes 2,3, 70, 71, 72, 19, 81, 14, and 15. Free parking in Lot 17. For more information: www.nelson.wisc.edu/community/programs/community-environmental-forums Event Contact: lambersonphi@wisc.edu

Entered 2/17/2010 9:19:34 PM__________________________________________
Everyone is invited to a free presentation by moth expert Mark Evans on The Amazing World of Moths at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 23. Mark it on your calendar! Enjoy loads of great photos and learn about these beautiful, mysterious and incredibly diverse creatures with fascinating lives. Mark will talk about finding, observing, attracting and identifying moths, photography, guides and internet resources, caterpillars and rearing them, biology and behavior, etc.. All your questions will be answered! Presented by the Southern Wisconsin Butterfly Association (chapter of NABA) at the Warner Park Recreation Community Center at 1625 Northport Drive in Madison. The meeting will last until about 8:30. We will have door prizes, displays, books, handouts and plenty of time afterwards to enjoy refreshments and talk with our speaker Mark Evans, and other lepidoptera enthusiasts. DIRECTIONS: On Madison's north side, from the intersection of Sherman Avenue and Northport Drive (= Hwy 113) go west on Northport Drive for about 1/4 mile, then turn south into Warner Park. Turn immediately right into the Community Center parking lot. When you enter the Recreation Community Center, we will be in the meeting room on the left. Southern Wisconsin Butterfly Association http://www.naba.org/chapters/nabawba/

Entered 2/15/2010 2:41:07 PM__________________________________________
The Great Backyard Bird Count continues Feb 12-13-14-15 through end of today! Your observations DO COUNT and help add up in the big picture! We want ALL your observations that you are willing to take a moment to submit, even casual ones, for example if you recall seeing Northern Cardinals at your yard feeder yesterday. This link will guide you through the quick report process, it only takes a minute or two http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/ . Thanks so much for being part ofCitizen Science!

Entered 2/15/2010 12:00:03 PM__________________________________________
NELSON INSTITUTE COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL FORUM - Please join us for the second forum seminar of the semester. Agriculture is a vital part of the landscape and economy of the Yahara Lakes watershed, but sediment and phosphorus pollution from agriculture can negatively effect the lakes' water quality. A number of new initiatives to control soil erosion and manage manure >will create challenges and opportunities for farmers in the region. These include changes to NR151, state regulations that establish runoff performance standards for farm operations, a community biodigester north of Lake Mendota that will generate energy from manure and other wastes and could help keep excess phosphorus pollution from entering the lakes, demonstration project using buffer strips to keep soil and phosphorus on the land and out of our waters.TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 5:30 - 7:00 PM, 1106 MECHANICAL ENGINEERING BLDG. 1513 UNIVERSITY AVENUE, Bus Routes 2,3, 70, 71, 72, 19, 81, 14, and 15, Free parking in Lot 17. For more information: www.nelson.wisc.edu/community/programs/community-environmental-forums Event Contact: lambersonphi@wisc.edu

Entered 2/10/2010 7:25:41 AM__________________________________________
One of the rarest of Christmas birdcount species is the yellow-rumped warbler. Only 2 were reported this time; 1 in Baraboo, 1 in Sauk City. We saw one Sunday Feb 7 at our birdbath. We are in a woodlot approx 14 miles south of Madison. A rare winter treat.

Entered 2/7/2010 2:16:06 PM__________________________________________
Wonderful new website started by E. O. Wilson, called the Encyclopaedia of Life, this is a 'wiki' collection of information, the oal is to have pages for every known species. Here's a link to pages about birds (aves) http://eol.org/pages/695 . Tons of info and pictures already posted. Enjoy!

Entered 2/4/2010 12:31:33 AM__________________________________________
This is the most fun you'll have in February! Come to the Saturday February 20, 2010 9th Annual Gull Frolic at Winthrop Harbor, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. just across the Wisconsin/Illinois border on Lake Michigan at the Winthrop Harbor Yacht Club, go to the end of 7th Street near Skipper buds. Indoor and outdoor activities, food provided, cost is $10. Bring loaves of bread to chum for gulls! Lots of gulls and lots of people, try to spot the rare one! Sponsored by the Illinois Ornithological Society. Click here for more details, speaker agenda, and fun pictures from last year http://www.lakecookaudubon.org/Gull_Frolic_Illinois.php

Entered 2/3/2010 12:35:21 AM__________________________________________
Book reading - The Friends of Lakeview Hill County Park and Blackhawk PTO are sponsoring a book reading by ecologist Steve Apfelbaum, whose company has done restoration work in Lakeview Hill County Park. Nature's Second Chance: Restoring the Ecology of Stone Prairie Farm by Steve Apfelbaum. Wednesday, February 3, 6:30 pm, Blackhawk Middle School, 1402 Wyoming Way, Auditorium (room 110). Steve Apfelbaum has conducted ecological research, designed award-winning projects, and directed his creative scientific expertise to over 1,500 projects throughout North America and beyond. Steve's goal is to inspire others to restore parts of their own patches of land interconnecting a renewed ecosystem. Refreshments and child care provided. More info at http://www.madison.com/communities/friendsoflakeviewhill

Entered 1/29/2010 11:03:50 PM__________________________________________
Backyard bird feeding podcast! So much information in just three minutes. This link was provided by UWEX and UW College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and created by Mark Berres. Click to listen http://fyi.uwex.edu/news/files/2010/01/berres_cut_01.mp3

Entered 1/26/2010 11:01:11 PM__________________________________________
Greetings from Faville Grove Sanctuary! Reminder re Saturday work party - We've been making some excellent progress this winter removing brush from the Lake Mills Ledge Savanna and we're looking forward to continuing our good work this Saturday, January 30 from 9:30am-noon. Things are really looking great now that the ancient quartzite outcroppings and majestic open-grown oaks are being released from behind the tangle of invasive trees and shrubs. We will meet along Prairie Lane and head into the savanna south of the road where we'll be cutting, dragging, and burning brush. If you arrive late, check out the kiosk for directions or just head towards the smoke. Be sure to bring workgloves and wear clothes that can get dirty. And if you can't make it this weekend be sure to join us another time--we hold workparties every Wednesday and every second and forth Saturday from 9:30am-noon through the end of March. Hope to see you there, David, Roger, and Lars

Entered 1/26/2010 2:01:24 PM__________________________________________
ROBINS: they do spend the winter in southern WI, scroll down to results of Madison's Christmas Bird Count (12/19/09) to see that 489 were counted. A major food-source in winter, unfortunately, isBuckthorn, an invasive alien that is spread by...birds. Keeping your cat indoors will help Robins and other birds survive!

Entered 1/25/2010 2:24:12 PM__________________________________________
I live on the northside of madison and have a wide variety of birds visit our back yard. Spring migration brings a multitude of warblers - last season counting around 25 different species alone just visiting our yard. I think having the oaks, pine trees and other hardwoods along with a pond helps the birds find a kind of sanctuary. Recently I've created my own blog featuring pictures of the wildlife I encounter: www.jkgphotos.wordpress.com. Hoping this site is something that birdlovers can enjoy. Comments are welcome! hummer-in-flight.jpg

Entered 1/25/2010 1:19:48 PM__________________________________________
We have sighted small groups of robins around Poynette, first on Dec 23, then on Jan 23. Are they back early, or did they never leave? What would they eat at this time of year. Some of them were gathered on exposed grass.

Entered 1/16/2010 11:43:03 AM__________________________________________
A benefit to defend a landmark court ruling protecting Wisconsin’s water will be held Monday, Jan. 18, at the Dardanelles Restaurant in Madison. The benefit runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at 1851 W. Monroe St. Proceeds will help cover legal expenses of attorneys working on a Rock County case involving conditions to a permit for Larson Acres, Inc. for a 1,500 animal unit dry cow feeding operation. For additional information, email tony@scotchhillfarm.com or call him at 608 897-4288.

Entered 1/13/2010 10:59:07 PM__________________________________________
Plant Dane! Everyone seems to be putting in rain gardens these days. The Plant Dane! Cost-Share Program provides native plants for less than half of retail prices. Rain gardens are an attractive way to reduce lawn maintenance time and costs, beautify your yard and help your lakes, rivers and streams - and native wildlife and birds! - all at the same time. Go to http://www.myfairlakes.com for an online application. A free rain garden workshop will be offered on March 6 to participants. Orders may be placed through May 15th, 2010. Plants will be delivered on June 26th. - Marcia Hartwig, MAMSWaP Storm Water Education Coordinator

Entered 1/11/2010 2:13:53 PM__________________________________________
Article about more land being preserved for Buena Vista Prairie Chickens - http://www.channel3000.com/news/22197487/detail.html

Entered 1/11/2010 2:00:05 AM__________________________________________
Posted a bit late, but still interesting! This is a video used to preview a Hummingbird show on PBS's Nature Sunday Jan. 10 http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/hummingbirds-magic-in-the-air/video-incredible-agility/5441/ This is so cool they'll probably play it again

Entered 1/8/2010 11:48:42 AM__________________________________________
Field trip tomorrow (Saturday, Jan. 9) - join Marty Evanson as he looks for raptors and other birds along the Wisconsin River. Meet to carpool at 8:00 a.m. at the Copp's supermarket at 6800 Century Ave. in Middleton. Bundle up and enjoy some winter birding - it's fun!

Entered 1/7/2010 12:06:48 PM__________________________________________
At least 2 are immatures, heads recently turning red

Entered 1/6/2010 2:40:01 PM__________________________________________
In any case, are they all adults? All immatures?

Entered 1/6/2010 2:11:17 PM__________________________________________
Red-headed confirmed, location is not being posted to avoid disturbance.

Entered 1/6/2010 11:11:19 AM__________________________________________
Is your friend sure they are Red-HEADED and not Red-BELLIED Woodpeckers? because those names are kind of confusing. If yes, how many are adults? Thanks

Entered 1/6/2010 11:10:46 AM__________________________________________
Is your friend sure they are Red-HEADED and not Red-BELLIED Woodpeckers? because those names are kind of confusing. If yes, how many are adults? Thanks

Entered 1/6/2010 1:50:59 AM__________________________________________
A friend who lives just south of Madison near Paoli reports regularly seeing 5 Red-headed Woodpeckers and a couple Pileated Woodpeckers

Entered 1/6/2010 1:34:19 AM__________________________________________
I run an annual 10-week winter lecture series here at the Arboretum. For 2010, two of them (Feb. 11 and 18) are about birds, so Audubon clientele might be particularly interested. The talks are held on Thursday mornings, 9-11:30 AM. Per the link below, there is a small fee; coffee and cookies are provided along with the learning and companionship. Anyone with questions should contact Kathy Miner at 265-5872 or kdminer@wisc.edu. See http://madisonaudubon.org/audubon/classes/2010FebArboretumClassflyer.pdf for more info

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