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 Out Bring 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 frog calls, 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 the access 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 only if 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, is Buckthorn, 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

See the following links for older messages

Current messages

2009 messages

2008 messages

2007 messages

2006 messages

2005 and older