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Older messages Entered 12/30/2007 4:46:30 PM__________________________________________
Hi all, The last set of data from the Madison CBC arrived in the mail today, so the Madison CBC is now complete. We ended with 85 species and 24,128 individual birds. Late reporting groups added two species to the total calculated at the initial count summary--Redhead and E. Bluebird. 2,775 European Starling 2,290 Canada Goose 1,702 Ring-billed Gull 1,697 Common Merganser 1,656 Mallard 1,178 American Coot 1,108 House Sparrow 1,025 Dark-eyed Junco 843 American Goldfinch 821 Mourning Dove 789 American Crow 762 Black-capped Chickadee 723 Cedar Waxwing 639 House Finch 570 Tundra Swan 560 Northern Cardinal 559 Herring Gull 553 Common Goldeneye 463 American Tree Sparrow 420 American Robin 378 Northern Shoveler 333 Rock Pigeon 239 Gadwall 232 White-breasted Nuthatch 205 Bufflehead 203 Downy Woodpecker 171 Blue Jay 140 Red-bellied Woodpecker 131 Pine Siskin 120 Hooded Merganser 96 Wild Turkey 77 Hairy Woodpecker 73 Red-tailed Hawk 72 Red-breasted Nuthatch 51 Purple Finch 44 Lesser Scaup 40 Brown Creeper 31 Eastern Screech Owl 30 Horned Lark 29 Canvasback 24 Mute Swan 21 American Black Duck 21 White-throated Sparrow 21 Cooper's Hawk 21 Common Redpoll 18 Tufted Titmouse 15 Great Horned Owl 14 Song Sparrow 13 Northern Shrike 10 Fox Sparrow 9 Northern Flicker 9 Swamp Sparrow 9 Ruddy Duck 7 Rough-legged Hawk 7 Barred Owl 7 Golden-crowned Kinglet 6 Ring-necked Duck 5 Sharp-shinned Hawk 5 American Kestrel 5 Ring-necked Pheasant 5 Belted Kingfisher 4 Bald Eagle 4 + Virginia Rail 4 Carolina Wren 3 Winter Wren 3 Snow Bunting 3 + Horned Grebe 3 Eastern Bluebird 2 American Wigeon 2 Wilson's Snipe 2 Red-winged Blackbird 2 Common Loon 2 Redhead 2 Red-breasted Merganser 2 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 Common Grackle 1 Brown-headed Cowbird 1 Pied-billed Grebe 1 Wood Duck 1 Green-winged Teal 1 Northern Goshawk 1 Long-eared Owl 1 Hermit Thrush 1 Glaucous Gull 1 Pileated Woodpecker Aaron Stutz Madison, WI Dane County E-mail: agstutz@sbcglobal.net Photos: http://community.webshots.com/user/agstutz

Entered 12/30/2007 4:44:47 PM__________________________________________
Hi all, I did the Sauk City CBC yesterday and the Mount Horeb Count today. Sauk City Highlights: VFW Park HORNED GREBE Great Blue Heron Bald Eagles--at least 15 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL Rough-legged Hawk E. Bluebird--5 COMMON REDPOLL--1 (flyover) Great Horned Owl Pileated Woodpecker Brown Creeper--2 at the Dam: a B1 THAYER'S GULL Poaching in other people's areas... Lueders Road--South of Sauk City: 800 HERRING GULLS in a farm field! accompanied by 2 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS and yes, I made sure none were Slaty-backed. 1 Pileated Woodpecker County Highway Y: MUTE SWAN--First sighting of this species on the WI River for this observer. Mount Horeb Highlights: Good Owling! (all heard from 5:30-7AM) 1 NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL--heard only---scream or cry call (not the toot toot) 1 BARRED OWL 3 GREAT HORNED OWLS 4 E. SCREECH OWLS 3 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS--Primrose center rd. Red-tails everywhere! 33 for the day 5 Rough-legs 2 Kestrels 7 Pheasants (all roosters) 2 NORTHERN SHRIKES--Sutter Rd and Primrose center rd. 1 Pine Siskin 2 or 3 Great Blue Herons 1 Pileated Woodpecker Aaron Stutz Madison, WI Dane County E-mail: agstutz@sbcglobal.net Photos: http://community.webshots.com/user/agstutz

Entered 12/30/2007 4:41:46 PM__________________________________________
Grey bird of prey, Cooper's hawk? (with white round breast) eating squirrel it attacked. Still eating at 440 pm, W Washington Avenue, just past the pedestrian bridge heading towards Park St, in between Parkside Highrise and Parkside Apartments, across from Brittingham Park.

Entered 12/29/2007 3:08:55 PM__________________________________________
Carolina Wren =Cross street Acewood

Entered 12/28/2007 1:36:57 PM__________________________________________
re CAROLINA WREN, what is the nearest cross-street? What date was it last seen? thanks.

Entered 12/27/2007 10:49:41 AM__________________________________________
Carolina Wren seen in backyard east side Madison off Milwaukee Carolina Wren seen in backyard off Milwaukee St. Madison

Entered 12/26/2007 6:25:01 PM__________________________________________
Perhaps the Snowy Owl was really an adult Red-tailed Hawk? which ccan look pretty white on it's stomach. Did the person see it thru binoculars

Entered 12/21/2007 11:24:03 AM__________________________________________
Could whoever posted the message about the Snowy Owl provide more details, particularly the exact location and date seen? The Madison Christmas Bird Count was on Saturday Dec.15, and we didn't turn up a Snowy Owl. Any species seen three days before or after that date can be listed as a "count week" species, so this is important. Thanks!

Entered 12/21/2007 11:14:20 AM__________________________________________
For Shrikes, you want to find an open grassland with small trees scattered around. A good place to check would be the Waubesa Wetlands area to the south of Lake Farm Park (and Lake Farm Park itself.) Finches (particularly Redpolls) are harder to predict - I've had a pair of female Common Redpolls coming to my thistle seed feeder off and on since the weekend after Thanksgiving, and 21 Redpolls were seen on the Madison Christmas Bird Count last Saturday. If you know of a good feeder setup in your neighborhood, it might be best to check that frequently.

Entered 12/21/2007 9:52:15 AM__________________________________________
A snowy owl was hanging around the far side of Greenway Crossing by the retention pond last week. Got a good look at it.

Entered 12/20/2007 8:26:41 PM__________________________________________
Does anyone know a good place in Madison to see shrikes and/or winter finches (primarily redpolls). I've always wanted to see a shrike.

Entered 12/20/2007 9:44:33 AM__________________________________________
I hear there was a CHIPPING SPARROW on the Madison count

Entered 12/18/2007 11:40:17 PM__________________________________________
Any word yet on finding a Madison area crow roost (re message below)? This evening I observed a steady stream of crows downtown headed toward Monona, counted over 100 and they kept coming.

Entered 12/16/2007 5:52:27 PM__________________________________________
Many Madison-Area birders braved the snow yesterday and recorded a total of 84 species on the Christmas Bird Count(2 areas have not reported in yet). Rarities and lingering half-hardy species present in low numbers: Glaucous Gull -- 1 Off Gov. Island Goshawk -- Fitchburg Area Red-winged Blackbirds 2 Cowbird 1 Grackle 1 Common Snipe 1 Hermit Thrush 1 Winter Wren 1 Carolina Wren 4 Common Loon 2 --Eastern Lake Mendota Wood Duck 1 Pied-billed Grebe Green-winged Teal Virginia Rail 4--In the Arboretum Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 Good numbers of Fox Sparrows - 9 Residents/Short distance Migrants present in low numbers: Pileated Woodpecker 1 Long-eared Owl -- Nine Springs Area Irruptives/Migrants Pine Siskins Purple Finches 5 Common Redpolls Snow Buntings 3 Other Notes: Good showings by the 3 Common Owl Species Over 300 Tundra Swans (250+ on Eastern Lake Mendota) Misses: Pintail Great Blue Heron--I saw one on Tuesday, which does not qualify as count week. Harrier Merlin Short-eared Owl If anyone sees a bird in the Madison-area over the next 3 days that they think might be rare and missed on the CBC, then please let me know so I can mark it as a count week species. Aaron Stutz Madison CBC Compiler Madison, WI Almost Final Results: 2,739 European Starling 2,192 Canada Goose 1,478 Mallard 944 House Sparrow 912 Dark-eyed Junco 780 American Goldfinch 749 American Crow 732 Mourning Dove 688 American Coot 684 Black-capped Chickadee 679 Cedar Waxwing 577 Common Merganser 559 House Finch 501 Northern Cardinal 417 Herring Gull 404 American Tree Sparrow 378 Northern Shoveler 317 American Robin 316 Rock Pigeon 301 Tundra Swan 234 Gadwall 228 Common Goldeneye 211 White-breasted Nuthatch 185 Downy Woodpecker 177 Ring-billed Gull 165 Blue Jay 153 Bufflehead 126 Red-bellied Woodpecker 124 Pine Siskin 93 Wild Turkey 91 Hooded Merganser 71 Red-breasted Nuthatch 67 Red-tailed Hawk 67 Hairy Woodpecker 51 Purple Finch 32 Brown Creeper 31 Eastern Screech Owl 30 Horned Lark 21 American Black Duck 21 White-throated Sparrow 19 Lesser Scaup 18 Tufted Titmouse 16 Mute Swan 16 Cooper's Hawk 13 Great Horned Owl 11 Northern Shrike 10 Fox Sparrow 9 Swamp Sparrow 9 Ruddy Duck 8 Song Sparrow 7 Barred Owl 7 Northern Flicker 7 Golden-crowned Kinglet 6 Rough-legged Hawk 5 Canvasback 5 Sharp-shinned Hawk 5 Ring-necked Duck 5 Common Redpoll 4 American Kestrel 4 + Virginia Rail 4 Carolina Wren 3 Ring-necked Pheasant 3 Belted Kingfisher 3 Bald Eagle 3 Snow Bunting 3 + Horned Grebe 2 American Wigeon 2 Red-winged Blackbird 2 Common Loon 2 Redhead 2 Red-breasted Merganser 1 Common Snipe 1 Common Grackle 1 Brown-headed Cowbird 1 Pied-billed Grebe 1 Wood Duck 1 Green-winged Teal 1 Northern Goshawk 1 Long-eared Owl 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 Winter Wren 1 Hermit Thrush 1 Glaucous Gull 1 Pileated Woodpecker

Entered 12/16/2007 2:06:05 PM__________________________________________
The UW Madison Arboretum bookstore has the new "Phenology Calendar of Pheasant Branch 2008" available in the Bookstore on Seminole Hwy. This is a very informative, fact filled calendar with great photos and a place to record your sightings.

Entered 12/15/2007 8:53:12 AM__________________________________________
The redpolls are still in my yard here in De Forest, about 12 this morning. However, it's a bit cold to go out birding these days so I've been staying inside and reading about birds and birding. Here are some of my favorites: Birding on Borrowed Time by Phoebe Snetsinger Good Birders Don't Wear White by Pete Dunne To See Every Bird on Earth by Dan Koeppel Down & Dirty Birding by Joey Slinger

Entered 12/14/2007 12:03:44 PM__________________________________________
Friends, I would like to locate and observe some of the large crow roosts here in Madison. I'm new to this city, and though I've tailed individual crows on multiple occasions, none of them have led me to the breathtaking winter roosts so common in urban Iowa. I know they're around, i'm just not sure where yet. Thanks!

Entered 12/12/2007 3:14:08 PM__________________________________________
Thank You. i have actually tried the corn recently. the problem is that I don't have a few blue jays. I have 40-50. They even badgered 2 wild turkeys yesterday AM. Squirrels seem to get by them and the woodpeckers brave the jays some. But, I see no nuthatches anymore; I hear them. I have not seen a goldfinch or any other finches for at least a week. When the sneaux melts the problem might correct itself. Or, I wonder what blue jay stew tastes like. Just kidding. But, if I found a dead one and were to hang it upside down out there; the others might leave. That works very well with crows and buzzards. We used it in Louisiana when crows would raid livestock feeders. I never did the buzzard thing but an animal control agent told me it works well. i have watched as buzzards pulled and killed calves from cattle giving birth. this is when the animal control agent gets involved. So, maybe if I could find a stuffed toy blue jay; that might work.

Entered 12/12/2007 8:32:06 AM__________________________________________
I've never had too much of a problem with Blue Jays monopolizing a feeder - they usually come in for afew bites and then move on to other food sources. If they're a persistent bother, you could try a couple of things, both involving the actual bird feeders. There are spring-loaded metal bin feeders, which can be set so that heavier birds (and squirrels, primarily) will close off the seed supply if they land on the perch. You could also try hanging another bin-type feeder that only has shelled corn in it, since the Blue Jays will eat that, which might keep them away from the other feeders.

Entered 12/12/2007 8:31:51 AM__________________________________________
I've never had too much of a problem with Blue Jays monopolizing a feeder - they usually come in for afew bites and then move on to other food sources. If they're a persistent bother, you could try a couple of things, both involving the actual bird feeders. There are spring-loaded metal bin feeders, which can be set so that heavier birds (and squirrels, primarily) will close off the seed supply if they land on the perch. You could also try hanging another bin-type feeder that only has shelled corn in it, since the Blue Jays will eat that, which might keep them away from the other feeders.

Entered 12/11/2007 12:29:25 PM__________________________________________
OK, so is there a way to chase blue jays away in order to ler the goldfinches and oter small birds come back to the feeders?

Entered 12/8/2007 11:06:02 PM__________________________________________
I was reminded again today that one should never assume a flock of birds is all the same kind, and it's always worth taking a closer look. Listening to the wonderful summer-like calls of goldfinches feeding on siskins at the top of a birch, I focused my binoculars on the 4 birds on two top limbs. Their silhouettes were dark and a bit indistinct against the bright gray sky, but the binocs popped out the color and the detail. Only one was a goldfinch! The others were a junco, a black-capped chickadee, and in the rear partly concealed behind a limb, a female cardinal.

Entered 12/2/2007 6:19:25 PM__________________________________________
To the Person looking for a hawk contact: Try www.raptorresource.org It is the website for the Raptor Resource project. It contains links to other raptor websites and most likely will have the addresses of people you can contact.

Entered 12/2/2007 12:12:46 AM__________________________________________
I think they knew the ice was coming...feeders were mobbed today by goldfinches, chickadees, cardinals, juncos, nuthatches etc.

Entered 12/1/2007 12:08:11 PM__________________________________________
Noon on Saturday, December 1st, during snow, Northern Shrike in my backyard in West Point (Lake Wisconsin area). A new bird for me. Very cool. Hope he finds my native Hawthorn and native plum trees to his liking as I planted them with Shrikes in mind!

Entered 11/30/2007 11:47:46 PM__________________________________________
Folks are also seeing Red-Breasted Nuthatches in larger numbers, a couple are frequenting our backyard along with White-Breasted Nuthatches. This is a very interesting NY Times article about the recent Audubon report on birds at risk from climate change and other pressures - http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/01/nyregion/01birds.html?ref=science

Entered 11/28/2007 9:23:29 PM__________________________________________
I had a Pine Siskin in my yard on Thanksgiving morning, and two female Common Redpolls Saturday morning (first Redpolls I've seen in over 25 years.) It's an irruption year for nearly all of the winter finches, due to failure of the pine & fir cone crop throughout Canada. Both species of Crossbills have already been seen near Arena this fall. It's also a big Northern Shrike year, as the mouse & vole populations in Canada also crashed (due to the failure of their food sources.)

Entered 11/28/2007 4:19:04 PM__________________________________________
A flock of redpolls came through my backyard here in De Forest this afternoon at about 3pm. I haven't had one in my yard since February '04. Has anyone else seen any winter finches?

Entered 11/26/2007 4:19:05 PM__________________________________________
About bluebird houses: the house I put up a few months ago is now occupied by house sparrows. Is it necessary to clear them out now, or is it okay to let them take shelter there for the winter? If I do need to evict them, I am assuming I will need to do it repeatedly? Thanks for the input!

Entered 11/25/2007 10:04:25 PM__________________________________________
In central Wisconsin over the weekend, saw a magnificent 'v' of almost 200 Sandhill Cranes followed by smaller flocks.

Entered 11/25/2007 1:29:10 PM__________________________________________
Does anyone know of a "hawk expert" or someone who studies hawks in Wisconsin? If find them very interesting but can't seem to find someone who knows much about them. In particular I enjoy watching red-tail hawks. I haven't found anyone via the DNR. Any ideas?? Please advise if you know of any.

Entered 11/24/2007 3:36:19 PM__________________________________________
Hi all, I was out scoping the Madison Lakes from about 10AM-3PM today. The birding was pretty quiet with one exception--I spotted a PACIFIC LOON around noon off of Borcher's Beach Road. Borcher's Beach Road is on the north side of Lake Mendota, just west of Governor Nelson State Park. There is actually a state park parking lot (FEE/State Park Sticker REQUIRED) on this road and a small park across the street that I often scope from. The Pacific Loon was the only bird I saw from this location and it was moving slowly, but steadily to the west. What I saw... As I scanned the lake and spotted this loon I was initially struck by its small head and insignificant bill. Further study showed a rounded (not flat-topped) head, a bulbous neck, a relatively straight black/white barrier on the neck and breast (i.e. no partial collar like one sees on Common Loons). Given the distance and light conditions I could not clearly see a "necklace", but there was a hazy dark region that separated the white on the bird's throat and the white on the bird's breast. The bird was dark gray overall and held its bill in a horizontal position during my observation. The lack of white flanks and flat-topped head rule out Arctic Loon. Again light and distance were not ideal for observing this bird, but I noticed little contrast between this loon's nape and back which suggests an adult basic bird. Last year's Pacific Loon on Lake Monona and the Pacific Loon Tom Prestby found on Lake Michigan a few weeks ago showed very conspicuous contrast between nape and back suggesting juvenile birds. If anyone else tracks this bird down and feel they get a good enough look to conclusively age the bird let me know what you think. Of the 6 Pacific Loons that have been observed in Madison since 1999 I can't recall any that were adult birds. Other sightings... 30 Tundra Swans on University Bay and 15 more by Burrows Park C. Goldeneye starting to appear in good numbers 30-40 Hooded Mergansers on Monona Bay 7 Common Loons at various locations 3 Horned Grebes NO Scoters Hopefully the Pacific Loon will stick around for the CBC. Aaron Stutz Madison, WI Dane County E-mail: agstutz@sbcglobal.net Photos: http://community.webshots.com/user/agstutz

Entered 11/23/2007 9:54:31 PM__________________________________________
Hey all Non-Wisbirders, Just in case somebody wants something to do this weekend (and time to drive), there are two really great birds in central IA at the moment. At Saylorville (near Des Moines) there is a Black-Tailed Gull being seen near the dam. Near Clutier IA (Tama county) there is a Fork-tailed Flcatcher. For more go to http://www.iowabirds.org/default.asp If you want something closer to home, the S Metro pier in Milwaukee is hosting a Mew Gull Happy Birding! --Chris

Entered 11/23/2007 12:32:24 AM__________________________________________
Glacial Heritage Area - Comments needed by Nov 30! The DNR is soliciting additional comments on the Glacial Heritage Area project, which encompasses most of Jefferson County and parts of Dane, Dodge, and Rock counties. Comments are due by Friday, Nov. 30. See Home Page / Action Alerts for more information!

Entered 11/16/2007 8:23:46 AM__________________________________________
Just a reminder that gun deer season starts tomorrow - if you're planning to go on a hike in any wildlife areas or state parks, it's a good idea (and in some places, a requirement) to wear blaze orange (a vest will do,) as many of these areas are open for deer hunting, even if they aren't ordinarily hunting areas. Be safe!

Entered 11/11/2007 2:20:21 PM__________________________________________
On my last visit to the UW Arboretum bookstore, I noticed a couple new books available there. "Important Bird Areas of Wisconsin" a 2007 WI DNR book at $20. Also, "Birdscaping in the Midwest" by Mariette Nowak at $27. Both are soft cover books. Ms Nowak will be at the Arboretum on April 12.

Entered 11/3/2007 9:33:52 PM__________________________________________
Hi all, I led a Madison Audubon Group to Lake Michigan today and we found some excellent birds! South Metro Pier 4 COMMON REDPOLLS (Charles Naeseth's sharp ears picked out these birds as they flew overhead) 1 N. SHRIKE 1 PINE SISKIN (Flyover) 2 ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS Sheridan Park PACIFIC LOON--Tom Prestby's sharp eyes picked out this bird 2 SURF SCOTERS North Point (MKE) 7-10 BLACK SCOTERS Virmond Park 1 RED CROSSBILL 1 LEAST BITTERN--recently deceased and an unusually late sighting for this species dead or alive. The carcass was in good shape. The bird was lying in the middle of the grassy lawn and right next to it was a large owl pellet (poss. Great Horned). There was no sign anything had preyed upon the carcass. To me this was the most unusual find of the day. I can't figure out a chain of events that would cause this bird to be deposited at this location Concordia 2 Tundra Swans plus several more very distant unidentified swans 2 Cooper's Hawks 2 Harriers 1 Sharp-Shinned Hawk Harrington Beach 11 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS many unidentifiable and very distant scoters a few LONG-TAILED DUCKS 1 RED-NECKED GREBE Sheboygan 20+ WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS 2 SURF SCOTERS 1 HARLEQUIN DUCK (female) 2 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULLS 1 SANDERLING Common Species throughout the day... Horned Grebes Common Loons Unusual for their absence... Rafts of Scaup--we saw none Aaron Stutz Madison, WI Dane County E-mail: agstutz@sbcglobal.net Photos: http://community.webshots.com/user/agstutz

Entered 11/2/2007 7:54:01 PM__________________________________________
Lots of birds at Goose Pond! See home page Nature News for a list of bird counts and species. Also, this Saturday is the last day of seed collecting at Goose Pond, if you want to get in on the fun!

Entered 11/1/2007 9:24:10 PM__________________________________________
Remember - Environmental Speakers and Film Festival at the Orpheum this weekend!Tales from Planet Earth - see http://www.nelson.wisc.edu/tales/schedule.html for a schedule. This is a FREE environmental film festival in Madison, Wisconsin November 2-4, 2007Presented by the Center for Culture, History, and Environment - che.nelson.wisc.eduNelson Institute for Environmental Studies, UW-Madison. Featured Events include FEATURE: Bill McKibben Lecture - www.nelson.wisc.edu/tales/speakers.html#mckibben, Friday, November 2, 6:30 p.m., Orpheum Theatre - be there!

Entered 10/28/2007 12:30:22 AM__________________________________________
I certainly would like to see your Mockingbird picture. That's a good bird for WI. email: swallowtailedkite@gmail.com --Chris

Entered 10/27/2007 10:06:14 AM__________________________________________
Regarding my observation of a Northern Mockingbird on October 20 at Horicon Marsh; there is no doubt of the ID...no curved bill like a Shrike, gray above, white below, long tail, white outer tail feathers..I have a nice photo of it if anyone would like to see this bird. Thanks anyway for the comparisons and suggestions.

Entered 10/25/2007 9:15:30 PM__________________________________________
Opportunity - Nominate an Award Recipient! - Madison Audubon Society recently established a new awards program to recognize individuals or groups who have worked to achieve the Society’s objectives. The Excellence Awards are named in honor of four outstanding conservationists associated with Madison Audubon Society:* Cliff Germain Award for Excellence in Community-Based Restoration* Joseph Hickey Award for Excellence in Bird Conservation* Sam Robbins Award for Excellence in Citizen Science* James Zimmerman Award for Excellence in Environmental Education and CommunicationNominations are due January 15, 2008 and the awards will be presented at the Madison Audubon Society spring banquet scheduled for Tuesday, March 18, 2008. Click on the link on the home page for more details, or contact 608 255-2473, masoffice@mailbag.com.

Entered 10/23/2007 11:17:47 AM__________________________________________
Re the report of a Northern Mockingbird at Horicon, please also consider the possibility of it being a NORTHERN SHRIKE -- very similar plumage-pattern and size. Shrikes perch out in the open, often at the top of a sapling on the edge of a wetland...

Entered 10/22/2007 11:27:02 PM__________________________________________
Coming soon ...tales from planet earth - see www.nelson.wisc.edu/tales -A FREE environmental film festival in Madison, Wisconsin November 2-4, 2007Presented by the Center for Culture, History, and Environment - che.nelson.wisc.eduNelson Institute for Environmental Studies, UW-Madison. Featured Events include Bill McKibben Lecture - www.nelson.wisc.edu/tales/speakers.html#mckibben, Friday, November 2, 6:30 p.m., Orpheum Theatre

Entered 10/20/2007 8:18:45 PM__________________________________________
I observed a Northern Mockingbird today at Horicon Marsh, near the Boardwalk parking lot. We had a very good and long look at this bird early afternoon. I have only seen these birds previously in Florida, so it was a special bird for me in Wisconsin. Also saw Golden Crowned Kinglets, Black Bellied Plovers, and many duck species.

Entered 10/17/2007 12:40:59 AM__________________________________________
Action Item - National Forest Roadless Areas Still Vulnerable - Legislation (S. 1478) would provide permanent protection. While roadless areas in our national forests are currently protected by rule, states can continue to petition for exemption, leaving roadless areas vulnerable on a state-by-state basis. It is essential that the 2001 rule be codified into law. Please call or e-mail Senator Russ Feingold to ask him to cosponsor at(202) 224-5323 http://feingold.senate.gov/contact_opinion.html. Thanks!

Entered 10/17/2007 12:24:24 AM__________________________________________
Call-in Day for Grassland Birds – Call your Senators Wednesday, October 17!
Senator Russ Feingold: (202) 224-5323
Senator Herb Kohl: (202) 224-5653Congress is making critical funding decisions for the Conservation Programs of the 2007 Farm Bill. These programs impact private land conservation, wildlife, energy policy, and ecosystem restoration. More acres of private land are enrolled in the Conservation Programs of the Farm Bill than in all of the acreage of National Wildlife Refuges in the lower 48 states combined! The Conservation Programs are extremely important to wildlife, especially common grassland birds that are rapidly declining. The programs allow farmers to conserve farmland—often marginally productive—and receive yearly payments in lieu of raising crops, which in turn provides birds and other wildlife with habitat vital to their survival. Sadly, more than half of all private land owners who apply for the Conservation Programs are denied contracts, not because their land does not qualify for the program, but because of a lack of funding.

With the Agricultural Committee scheduled to vote on the Conservation Programs next week, we at Audubon, along with other conservation groups, are participating in a nationwide call to action tomorrow, October 17, and we need your help. Please reserve a few minutes of your day tomorrow to call your Senators and let them know that you want at least $5 billion for the Conservation Programs in the 2007 Farm Bill. Every phone call makes a difference. Thanks!

Entered 10/11/2007 10:10:23 PM__________________________________________
Wisconsin DNR Call for Wetland Photos - The Bureau of Wildlife Management is searching for quality digital images of wetland habitats to include in the Wisconsin All-bird Conservation Plan. They are specifically looking for the following habitats:emergent marsh, open bog, muskeg, northern and southern sedge meadow and marsh, open waters (lakes, ponds, streams, rivers), wild rice, and Great Lakes - open water and beach. Image resolution needs to be at least 150dpi and image size should be at least 600px x 450 px (for a horizontal image). If you are willing to donate any images, please contact Kimberly.Kreitinger@Wisconsin.gov

Entered 10/11/2007 2:04:30 PM__________________________________________
In that habitat, the far-likelier owl species is Great Horned.

Entered 10/9/2007 10:31:30 PM__________________________________________
Possibly a barred owl? Here are some links with sounds - http://www.owlcam.com/soundlib/sound_lib.htm, http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Barred_Owl.html

Entered 10/9/2007 9:12:39 PM__________________________________________
We've been hearing whiney/screechy noises at night on the island at Warner park for a few weeks now. One night we walked out on the fireworks peninsula at dusk and spooked a pretty large owl. Several others were calling in the trees from the island. We were thinking they were screech owls, but upon looking them up found screeches were a lot smaller than what we saw. One site suggested that young great horned owls whine for food at times, does that sound right? We do see GHs pretty frequently around Warner...

Entered 10/8/2007 5:17:34 PM__________________________________________
Free Presentation - Beauty on Scaled Wings - Anita Carpenter - Southern Wisconsin Butterfly Association meeting, Tuesday, Oct. 9, 7 p.m., Middleton Public Library, 7425 Hubbard Ave., Middleton, directions to the library can be found at http://www.midlibrary.org/library/contactus.asp#r

All are welcome! Some butterflies are bold and beautiful while others are tiny and easily overlooked. Anita Carpenter will share her love and enthusiasm for these magnificent insects. Using her beautiful slides, she'll tell us about butterfly ecology and life history and will introduce us to some of Wisconsin's butterflies. Anita Carpenter has been interested in every aspect of nature since childhood. After becoming a pharmacist, her early interest in the natural world was rekindled and she earned both a bachelor's and master's degree in biology. For more than 20 years she has served as adjunct faculty on the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Biology Department's spring break field trip to Florida. She has written many nature articles for the Winnebago Audubon chapter newsletter and for Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine on a variety of subjects, from water striders to the frost on your window pane. While Anita's first interest was birds, a photograph she took of a butterfly on a flower led to her passionate interest in butterflies. She is a charter member of NABA, the North American Butterfly Association

Entered 10/7/2007 12:50:06 PM__________________________________________
To the person in Richland Center with the Am Bittern:What is your name and Where do you live? I'm also from RC and could come down and take a look. Please Email me @ swallowtailedkite@gmail.com --Chris

Entered 10/5/2007 12:11:17 AM__________________________________________
Action Alert - There is no place for politics in natural resources! Help restore the independence of the DNR Secretary. A public hearing will be held Wednesday, October 10, 10 a.m. at 417 North, State Capitol, with the Assembly Natural Resources Committee. Please attend the hearing and/or contact your legislators to ask that they support all efforts to restore the appointment authority of the DNR Secretary to the Natural Resources Board, including efforts to come to agreement on the two versions of the bill: AB 42/SB 15, as well as the separately introduced AB 504. Thank you!

Entered 10/2/2007 1:51:21 PM__________________________________________
The best place in Madison to look for Black Terns would be Nine Springs. MAS usually has at least one field trip there every spring. You would also likely see Forster's and possibly Caspian Terns there, as well (Commons would be less likely.)

Entered 10/1/2007 11:26:01 PM__________________________________________
Nice barred owl picture taken in Lake View Hill park off NorthPort drive, shared by the Friends committee - http://madisonaudubon.org/audubon/birds/barred_owl.jpg

Entered 9/30/2007 2:54:50 PM__________________________________________
hi everyone, i live in Richland Center and I am fairly certain there is an american bittern wading and hunting for food along the edges of the pond i live by....I have seen him for the last couple of weeks. From what i read, they are uncommon. I am still trying to get a good picture of him.

Entered 9/29/2007 6:28:47 PM__________________________________________
Is anyone going to see the green-breasted mango, is it still even around? If anyone is carpooling after 3:00 (I have to go to school). Also, I'm planning to look for black terns next spring, does anyone know of a good place or MAS Field Trip where you can see them. My number is (608) 223-5101 and on Madison's East Side, ask for Jared.

Entered 9/28/2007 1:39:49 PM__________________________________________
Thank you for your suggestion of the bird on my feeder as being an immature rose-breasted grosbeak. I have googled an image and voila....that's it!!!! This is what he looked like http://chandra.as.utexas.edu/~kormendy/birds2/FRosebreastedGrosbeak623as.jpgHeddy in Windsor, WI

Entered 9/28/2007 9:14:13 AM__________________________________________
Hi all- I live west of Madison in the woods and for the past few nights have been hearing what soundslike a flock of finches in the trees (that's the closest description I have) This is happening afterdark say around 10 pm. Would anyone know what these would be? This is the first time in 7 years thatI've been treated to this phenomenon. Please contact at mhonora@centurytel.net

Entered 9/27/2007 7:20:18 PM__________________________________________
If your bird was more like 7" long, I'd say it was an accurate description of an immature Rose-breasted Grosbeak. That would be very likely at a feeder, whereas it would be extremely unusual to see an open-country bird like a longspur in town, much less at a feeder. A good resource for beginners is whatbird.com, which gives you a couple of different ways to search for birds, including by fieldmarks.

Entered 9/27/2007 6:01:59 PM__________________________________________
I need help as well for a bird I spotted at my sunflower seed filled feeder (bear with me, I'm a rookie). It appeared to be 5-6" in length, the top of the head was black, and there was a black stripe above and below the eye (on white background). The "collar" or neck area was whitish, but the breast was a buff chestnut color. The rest of the body was a blackish brown, but there was a definite obvious white mark on the wing while the bird was eating. I was thinking some kind of Lark or Longspur, but the photos in my book, don't match exactly. I know for certain it was not a nuthatch, as I have those regularly, and this was clearly larger and different. Any ideas out there?Heddy in Windsor, WI

Entered 9/25/2007 11:51:48 AM__________________________________________
Because it's fairly rare - and startling - to have a raptor land on a nearby feeder, they can look larger than they really are! My guess is that "your" hawk was a Cooper's Hawk, which are increasingly common in town at people's feeders. Adult males have gray heads and backs, finely-barred reddish fronts and fluffy white undertail coverts. -Karen at the Madison Audubon office

Entered 9/24/2007 11:12:51 PM__________________________________________
Agree with Mike too - if you go to Beloit, try to carpool with some other birders. There is a LOT of great birding right near Madison, especially along the new bike trails. For example riding from the north side of Madison to Fitchburg is a pretty easy bike ride, 95% is on bike trails, and there are several great birding spots along the way. Less driving time = more birding time. Viva la biker birders!

Entered 9/24/2007 9:55:17 AM__________________________________________
Here's a take on NOT going to see the mango:http://www.birddigiscoping.com/blog.html To which I say, "Right on, Mike McDowell!!!"

Entered 9/23/2007 1:24:02 PM__________________________________________
I am planning to go to Beloit on Monday, Sept. 24, to see the Green-breasted Mango hummingbird. I plan to leave my home on the near west side of Madison around 7:30 a.m., and to be back in Madison no later than 12:30 p.m. If someone would like to ride along, contact me at 238-9465. Kathy

Entered 9/22/2007 6:20:11 PM__________________________________________
I didn't see the mango, but did see the first Red Breasted Nuthatch and first Junco of the season in my backyard today. They were beautiful and fun to watch. I've read that Junco's many times come back to the same yard each winter, so I consider this Junco to be an old friend.

Entered 9/22/2007 1:50:51 PM__________________________________________
There will be a Wisconsin Safe Climate Act Hearing for bill SB 81/AB 157 introduced by Rep. Spencer Black and Sen. Mark Miller, on Tuesday, September 25, 10 a.m. in Capitol Building Room 411 South, by the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. This is similar to what passed in California. It would simply require the state to cap carbon dioxide emissions at current levels, then reduce emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2020. Please attend this hearing if you can, even if you only have time to fill in a registration slip in support of the bill. If you can't come, then please contact your legislators in support. If you wish to speak, be sure to register when you arrive.

Entered 9/22/2007 1:43:07 PM__________________________________________
Very enjoyabe slideshow of a young sandhill crane and parents -http://groverphoto.phanfare.com/album/304621#imageID=18463143

Entered 9/22/2007 1:15:58 PM__________________________________________
Here's a link for folks interested in the very rare sighting of the green mango hummingbird in Beloit: http://www.comcast.net/news/science/index.jsp?cat=SCIENCE&fn=/2007/09/21/769716.htmlhttp://www.comcast.net/news/science/index.jsp?cat=SCIENCE&fn=/2007/09/21/769716.html

Entered 9/21/2007 7:03:44 PM__________________________________________
Sepember 19, about 8: 00 am as I was eating breakfast, a VERY LARGE bird landed near a bird feeder in our back yard. At first we thought it must be an eagle---it was about that size. But it was almost all gray and white with white leg feathers. It seemed to be looking for something in the grass. It stayed for 3-4 minutes. Could it be an osprey or?????/It was amazing to see a bird of this size appear in our small back yard--at 738 Seneca Place, Maidson---in the Nakoma area.engelman@wisc.edu

Entered 9/21/2007 7:03:44 PM__________________________________________
Sepember 19, about 8: 00 am as I was eating breakfast, a VERY LARGE bird landed near a bird feeder in our back yard. At first we thought it must be an eagle---it was about that size. But it was almost all gray and white with white leg feathers. It seemed to be looking for something in the grass. It stayed for 3-4 minutes. Could it be an osprey or?????/It was amazing to see a bird of this size appear in our small back yard--at 738 Seneca Place, Maidson---in the Nakoma area.engelman@wisc.edu

Entered 9/20/2007 11:33:15 AM__________________________________________
Or you could go look at one in a zoo somewhere, or look at a photograph on the Internet. It's about the same thing.

Entered 9/19/2007 9:01:11 AM__________________________________________
GREEN-BREASTED MANGO being seen at a feeder N of Beloit. The home is located at 3709 W. Sandale Rd. This is a dead end road that can be reached from Hwy. 213 outside of Beloit as you head toward Madison. It is the first driveway on the right. The feeder is close to the home and can be viewed from either side of the shed which is located by the garage. It was IDEd yesterday and confirmation pending.

Entered 9/15/2007 11:25:36 PM__________________________________________
The MadisonAudubon.org web server has been up and down a couple times recently, please bear with us as we determine the cause. Thanks for your patience.

Entered 9/13/2007 8:38:39 AM__________________________________________
The Ring-billed (and other) Gulls don't nest around here. Some are here all summer; most show up during the migrations.

Entered 9/12/2007 8:48:22 PM__________________________________________
enjoyed watching a broadwing hawk start low and spiril up a thermal without flapping a wing over east madison this afternoon, and then noticed high above two white pelicans with black-tipped/edged wings riding the same thermal

Entered 9/12/2007 4:14:59 PM__________________________________________
Does anyone have any idea where all these ring-billed gulls around the Madison area are nesting? Rooftops? Islands somewhere? Do they even nest around here? Email me at natertot@gmail.com. Thanks in advance!--Nate

Entered 9/12/2007 12:49:49 AM__________________________________________
Other bird song links - www.math.sunysb.edu/~tony/birds/links.html

Entered 9/12/2007 12:45:05 AM__________________________________________
Interesting web link with many bird songs and related information - www.naturesongs.com/birds.html

Entered 9/11/2007 12:06:43 AM__________________________________________
Help is needed collecting prairie seed for restoration of 55 acres at the Browne Prairie at Goose Pond. The Browne Prairie will be restored to about 1/2 mesic and 1/2 dry-mesic prairie. Heisley Lewison is a senior intern with Madison Audubon and will be working through November with a main focus of her work being the Browne Prairie restoration. She secured a Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) grant to assist with the restoration. Volunteer time can count as "match". Times that volunteers can assist will be every Wednesday afternoon meeting at 1:00 p.m. and every Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. till 4:30 p.m. Seed will be collected and cleaned through Saturday November 10th. We will be meeting at the new Audubon property, 7503 Kampen Road. Luckily the August rains came in time so there should be much seed to collect. On raining days help is needed cleaning seed. Heisley will also be working on seed collecting and cleaning at Goose Pond on most Tuesdays and Fridays. If you would like to help on those dates, please contact her so she would expect you. Madison Audubon Society is trying to line up groups such as service organizations (Exchange Club and Lions), school classes, and youth organizations such as the scouts or UW-Madison Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society to assist with this fall's collection. You can contact Heisley at 608-347-2452 or by e-mail lewison.heis@students.uwlax.edu about setting up a date for a larger group or for questions. We can also be contacted for questions. Please pass this information on to others. We have all the equipment (buckets, nippers, and gloves). Mark and Sue Foote-Martin, Goose Pond SanctuaryW7503 Kampen Road, Arlington, WI 53911, 608-635-4160

Entered 9/6/2007 10:39:57 AM__________________________________________
Saw 13 species of warblers yesterday (September 5) in Madison parks, also the first Blue-headed Vireo that I've run across this season...and a parent Pewee feeding a fledgling. They'll both be gone soon! Today, saw an Olive-sided Flycatcher from the kitchen window.

Entered 8/28/2007 8:16:32 AM__________________________________________
Just a reminder to anyone planning to go on the next couple of field trips (Sat. 9/1 at Picnic Point, or Sat. 9/8 at Lake Farm Park.) Bring insect repellent! The skeeters are already hatching out, and will be even worse in the next few weeks. Those of us who were on the Lake Farm trip last year at this time were nearly eaten alive, despite having only our hands and faces exposed.

Entered 8/19/2007 1:13:55 PM__________________________________________
The fall warblers will be passing through our area soon. I found a new book on warblers at the UW Arboretum Bookstore on Seminole Highway. It is "Stokes Field Guide to Warblers". The guide is sorted by warblers with yellow, warblers with orange, red or chestnut, and warblers with no yellow, red, orange or chestnut. It is a great learning tool with 2 or more photos of each warbler, and pages on migration patterns, nesting and behavior. price $14.95

Entered 8/5/2007 3:57:03 PM__________________________________________
My takes on your photos:1 and 2: probable SEDGE WREN3: prob. female COMMON YELLOWTHROAT4: possibly a Phoebe.5: Melospiza sparrow, Song or Swamp6-9: juvenile AMERICAN ROBIN10: BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER11: juvenile EUROPEAN STARLING.

Entered 8/2/2007 6:20:02 PM__________________________________________
Here is a link to my photo album of the birds I am having trouble with. I hope it works.http://new.photos.yahoo.com/luvneaner/album/576460762405083119

Entered 8/2/2007 3:26:59 PM__________________________________________
If you can post links to the photos, there are a bunch of people that monitor this list who can help with IDs.

Entered 8/2/2007 12:14:45 AM__________________________________________
I'm having trouble identifying several birds that I have photos of, can anyone help?

Entered 7/26/2007 4:42:31 PM__________________________________________
In response to the binocular question, Madison Audubon can't recommend products, but here are a few sites that may help.Eagle Optics (which is based in Middleton) has good information on the technical aspects of binoculars.http://www.eagleoptics.com/ See "product buying guide" on the right side over half way down.Bird Watching Digest has a set of reviews of optics, but it's 3 years old now.http://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/site/optics/optics_index.aspxThe National Audubon Society licenses a number of binocularshttp://www.audubon.org/market/licensed/binoculars.htmlAudubon binoculars are available from many dealers.Good shopping!

Entered 7/23/2007 8:38:50 AM__________________________________________
Re: European Goldfinches - these are becoming established in Wisconsin (up to now, primarily in the Southeast part of the state.) Enough have escaped captivity that they may eventually form a breeding population, and they're being seen in more and more locations recently. Additionally, Great Tits are often seen around the Milwaukee area, particularly in Grant Park. This Chickadee relative may also eventually become established here.

Entered 7/22/2007 6:43:21 PM__________________________________________
Today, alongside a stretch of Hwy 19 between Waunakee and the interstate I saw a pair of red tailed hawks twice and one of them a third time! In the morning each was sitting on top of a power pole, one between them about 10 AM. When I came back through they were they again, 2 poles apart. This afternoon I went through the same stretch of road about 5 PM and the pair was one pole apart from each other. Coming back about 6 PM. one was still there and one was gone. Over the past 18 months or so I have seen 1 hawk in that area many times but never a pair or two in the same area. They watch the corn fields on both side of the road and the grassy ditch area. Very neat!!

Entered 7/20/2007 8:05:15 PM__________________________________________
A few weeks ago, I spotted a strange bird at my finch bag. It was definitely a finch, with that unmistakable beak. It was a bit larger than a house finch, with a tan or buff back, a red and black head, and yellow in the wings. My bird book had nothing like it. I posted the description on a few message boards, and finally got a hit: a European goldfinch. The photos I’ve seen matched what I saw perfectly. Any ideas how it got here? I’ve read that they are kept as captive birds sometimes because of their pleasant songs, but are they kept in the US?

Entered 7/20/2007 12:45:06 PM__________________________________________
I am looking to buy a pair of binoculars for an aspiring bird watcher as a gift. Do you have any recommendations? My budget is not large. Thanks much!!

Entered 7/7/2007 3:05:23 PM__________________________________________
Thanks for the crane information and everything else!

Entered 6/28/2007 8:45:53 PM__________________________________________
Help! I need information on the Sandhill crane which took-up residence in the Cross Country Road pond in Verona last summer. Did you see it? Do you have a picture? Any idea why is hasn't returned.I'm a rookie at this, so would appreciate any help.

Entered 6/26/2007 10:27:09 PM__________________________________________
My mistake! The pelicans were over River Road, not Water Road. South of Bong Road by the school.KJB

Entered 6/26/2007 4:38:11 PM__________________________________________
An ANHINGA?! Do you realize just how rare a sighting that would be in Wisconsin? Any chance it was an immature Double-crested Cormorant?

Entered 6/26/2007 8:15:00 AM__________________________________________
While fishing on Lake Wisconsin last Sunday morning (6/24/07) (about 9am) we spotted a anhinga. It was swimming about 150 feet off shore at what is known as Whalens Grade on Hwy. V. What a wonderful morning as we also had about 10 beautiful white swans fly directly over our heads in the v formation.

Entered 6/24/2007 7:23:30 PM__________________________________________
"Water Road"?

Entered 6/24/2007 7:52:46 AM__________________________________________
Yesterday around 1:30 pm saw 17 white pelicans circling over Water Road. kjb

Entered 6/23/2007 8:09:43 PM__________________________________________
Got into the Arboretum and found a Hooded warbler near the wetland boardwalk. It’s near the same area it’s been spotted the two previous years. To find it, park at the Makie center and walk to the wetland boardwalk, but keep going straight ( go past the boardwalk), then turn at the first right. You’ll quickly walk over two small bridges. The hooded warbler can be seen (and heard) about 30 yards farther along the path. It’s easier to hear then see.

Entered 6/23/2007 6:57:16 AM__________________________________________
Last Thursday the 21st I spotted an Osprey hunting above the East end of the Arboretum.

Entered 6/15/2007 1:23:36 PM__________________________________________
Re Peregrines in Madison, this is all I could find just now on the WISC TV website -- a story about a Peregrine being shot in Wausau:http://www.channel3000.com/news/13498380/detail.html

Entered 6/15/2007 8:20:21 AM__________________________________________
Peregrine Falcons? Caught the end of a Channel 3 newscast a couple of days ago re: Peregrine sightings in Madison. Anyone have location info? Thanks.

Entered 6/10/2007 9:27:58 PM__________________________________________
Got out to Spring Green reserve on Saturday June 9. Saw the normal birds for the area; Grasshopper sparrow; Dicksissels, Meadowlarks (but no westerns). The best thing I heard was the song of the Bob White. Haven't heard one of those for a long time. It was very persistent in it's singing late in the day (about 7 P.M.

Entered 6/8/2007 12:24:23 AM__________________________________________
Please help save the Stewardship Fund and help preserve Wisconsin natural areas. See the home page Action Alerts for more information and how to help. Thank you!

Entered 6/6/2007 11:11:22 PM__________________________________________
The Madison Weed Warriors are organizing a small group to pull garlic mustard Saturday morning, June 9, 9:00 am, meeting in the main Cherokee Marsh parking lot on North Sherman Ave. They'll concentrate on the hill above the quarry north of the parking lot. If you haven't pulled the invasive garlic mustard before, it's not difficult and very satisfying to see an area cleared to give native plants a chance.

Entered 6/6/2007 10:46:04 PM__________________________________________
This Thursday June 7, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, at Bashford United Methodist Church on North Street, near East Johnson, east side neighborhood associations will hold a public meeting on water conservation. ALL ARE WELCOME. PLEASE SHARE THIS INVITATION WITH OTHERS. Discussion will focus on how to conserve water and increase infiltration and thus protect our groundwater. Among those who plan to attend Thursday are former DNR Secretary George Meyer, who is on the city's Board of Water Commissioners; Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz; Jeff Ripp, state Public Service Commission Water Conservation Coordinator. The meeting Thursday will be informal. The focus will be on discussion, not on formal presentations. District 12 Alder Satya Rhodes-Conway will moderate the discussion. Please come and share your ideas!

Entered 6/6/2007 9:03:52 AM__________________________________________
I am helping at a raptor rehab center and We were brought a baby that was picked up by the lake in Madison. We have had several seggustions as what bird this is.As one suggestion was osprey I was wondering if we have osprey in madison. I had been told yes but no one that I know has seen any.

Entered 6/5/2007 5:08:46 PM__________________________________________
Attention anyone who's looking for 100 acres of beautiful land in the hills of NE Lafayette County! We own the adjacent 400 acre property to the south, which we have been restoring to native prairie and oak savannah for 25 years, and there is now an abundance of grassland birdlife, including bobolinks and Henslow's sparrows. The 100 acre property is presently a working farm, with a Victorian farm house, barn, and outbuildings. It is about 20% woodland, and much of the rest is grazed historical oak-savannah, ripe for restoration. We're hoping someone will buy this land who is interested in restoring the land to a more richly functioning ecosystem, which would be contiguous with ours. See http://www.wisconsinhomes.com/search/search.phpstep=build&county=LAFAYETTE&list_type=5The MLA number is 1475427,The list price is $600,000, but we have it on good authority that they would take considerably less.

Entered 6/2/2007 3:31:07 AM__________________________________________
Since my first Carolina Wren sighting at Pheasant Branch about 4 years ago, their numbers have been steadily increasing there. The first juveniles I observed were 2 years ago - adult wren bringing young birds food. And as someone mentioned, there was an active family (2 juveniles being fed) more recently observed along the south stream corridor. To the best of my knowledge, there are presently between 8 and 10 Carolina Wrens along the stretch of trail from just north of Century Avenue to the area north of Middleton High School.

Entered 5/27/2007 11:01:32 AM__________________________________________
Some interesting thoughts on how our extravagant use of the world's resources, such as fossil fuels, can be changed:http://www.wpr.org/book/070527b.html

Entered 5/26/2007 10:01:07 PM__________________________________________
Warblers per gallon is not necessarily valid metric if the results are educating people far beyond these travellers.Rick T. (that Willet guy)

Entered 5/25/2007 11:10:33 PM__________________________________________
How many warblers per gallon, though?

Entered 5/25/2007 8:11:47 AM__________________________________________
We just returned from a birding trip to Door County and thought I would pass along some birding information. We had great success at Penninsula State Park at Weborg Point...14 Warbler species active all morning. Also visited the Ridges Sanctuary in Bailey's Harbor, which was not quite as active, but photographed many new and different wildflowers. If you are making the trip check our the www.doorcobirding.org website and www.newaudubon.org websites. Pick up a copy of A Guide to the Birds of Door County.

Entered 5/24/2007 2:04:33 PM__________________________________________
Actually, one pair of the Pheasant Branch Carolina Wrens have been observed feeding young for at least a week now.

Entered 5/23/2007 11:18:09 PM__________________________________________
5-23-07Pheasant Branch--first ravine segment--from the first thru street up-watershed from the springs to the second.TWO Carolina Wren males apparently on breeding territory 1/4 mile apart. Prolonged dual ID's, visual and auditory. Each observed 30 minutes plus. Both "cemented" 5 yards plus or minus,no movement outside perimeter. Suggestive of, but not proof of, successful pairings.

Entered 5/23/2007 5:16:47 PM__________________________________________
If the Plattville resident looking for suggestions on fighting a developer is still reading this, send me you phone number and I can make a few suggestions. Pete Cannon apcannon@gmail.com

Entered 5/23/2007 4:34:27 PM__________________________________________
“Your” Baltimore orioles are not trying to get into your house. They are trying to fight off the "rival" orioles that they perceive to be in their territory.This is fairly common behavior at this time of year, especially for cardinals, but also for other species as you've discovered. The birds see their reflection in the glass and think it's another bird. Most birds do not do this, thank goodness, but those that do create a mess and can even injure themselves.Once the breeding season starts to wind down, the bird's hormone levels will drop and they will stop fighting. Meanwhile, you'll want to try to solve the problem by trying to eliminate the reflection - from the outside. Objects placed inside do not discourage them. This is not easy to do, though - and you probably don't want to cover up your windows.Start by hanging things in front of the windows, like moving, twirling things (things like strips of aluminum, wind socks, strips you can get at garden stores) - and see if that works. The birds may be going from window to window, so you may have to “treat” all your windows. Another technique you can try is to "paint" the windows. Chalk or stuff that kids use to decorate for holidays that washes off might work (involve the neighbor kids??). OR you can try putting something over the windows (cardboard, screening, etc, etc). It's not the best solution, but it might be all that works.Madison Audubon staff

Entered 5/22/2007 10:20:29 PM__________________________________________
I read about a battery-operated device that will chase away damage-causing woodpeckers and other nuisance birds, on the Arizona part of the birdingonthe.net website. (webmaster note: detailed product info is not normally posted on the madison audubon website, please follow the above link if you want more info)

Entered 5/21/2007 9:20:20 AM__________________________________________
Hi, I'm a WauksahaCounty resident but I need your help. We are having a problem with oriols who are "bugging" us with their constant attempts to enter our living room through our glass windows. Sounds lik woodpckers and they ae a mess as well. Have any idea as to how we can eiminate this problem without hurting thebirds?

Entered 5/17/2007 12:10:26 AM__________________________________________
A Washington Post summary of West Nile Virus impact on common bird species is posted athttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/16/AR2007051601032_2.html?nav=trm Some species are rebounding, but impact is still apparently significant on several common species.

Entered 5/16/2007 3:40:16 PM__________________________________________
Hello! Has anyone heard any reports of an Osprey at White Mound County Park in Sauk County? I was fishing there on Mother's Day and saw a very large bird fishing. From where I was I could see it had rust color with white, black and maybe some grey? Thank you!Linda

Entered 5/15/2007 6:29:02 AM__________________________________________
Heard a SCARLET TANAGER down the block just now, 6 a.m. on Tuesday. Does everyone know how to ID birds by their songs and calls? It's a great way to find them, now that the leaves are out...

Entered 5/9/2007 10:06:32 PM__________________________________________
Have been hearing house wrens on east side of Madison

Entered 5/8/2007 8:00:45 PM__________________________________________
I live about three blocks northeast of Hoyt Park, and I have heard a house wren for several days. I have not been able to see it yet.

Entered 5/8/2007 2:07:39 AM__________________________________________
Can anyone out there help? There is a 7 acre tract of land in Platteville that should be a nature preserve. Its owner, however, thinks building condominiums is a better use of this oak savannah. Despite the fact that I objected to the proposed development citing DNR's detailed map of rare and endangered species known to be in the area, the local planning commission voted in favor of destroying this habitat. What can I do? This land is a birder's paradise! Please advise!!

Entered 5/6/2007 7:18:54 PM__________________________________________
Sunday, May 6 7:l5 pm. My house wrens are always here by May 1. I have not heard any in our Hoyt Park neighborhood. Has anyone seen or heard any? I am getting worried. judymiddleton@charter.net

Entered 5/4/2007 11:25:28 AM__________________________________________
Around 20 American avocets at nine springs yesterday.

Entered 5/2/2007 5:24:54 AM__________________________________________
You're right -- yesterday (May 1st) was the first day this Spring that I've seen Baltimore Oriole (about 10 of them!), Indigo Bunting (3, all males) and Rose-breasted Grosbeak (also 3 males). Keep your cats INDOORS, everyone, please!

Entered 5/1/2007 11:48:32 PM__________________________________________
Thought I heard an Oriole today - the classic Robin who took music lessons. Is it still too early - or not? If not, time to put out the Oriole feeder I guess.

Entered 4/30/2007 10:28:49 PM__________________________________________
A Broadwing hawk soard over the yard quite low this morning, with a Sharp Shinned right behind. Could it have been in 'hot pursuit' (do hawks chase other hawks, like crows do?)

Entered 4/30/2007 2:01:56 PM__________________________________________
I was visiting the UW Arboretum Bookstore today and noticed some new books out. "All Things Reconsidered" by Roger Tory Peterson; "Letters from Eden" by Julie Zickefoose; and out in paperback now is "The Singing Life of Birds" with CD by Donald Kroodsma. There is also an exhibit in the gallery by James W. Miller and his bird notecards are also for sale. The Audubon gift wrap is a new item also.

Entered 4/27/2007 10:59:37 AM__________________________________________
Still time to sign up for Big Birding Day - easy to do, lots of fun!

Entered 4/24/2007 9:12:33 PM__________________________________________
Audubon Alert - Help save the Tongrass as a roadless area! See home page Action Alerts for more info, and go to this URL to send a message: http://audubonaction.org/campaign/tongass_eis

Entered 4/24/2007 10:30:12 AM__________________________________________
Thanks for the link, I had done my own research last night on Owlpages, and found that it is a Great Horned Owl! I'm thrilled, hope to continue to hear and see it.

Entered 4/23/2007 11:30:53 PM__________________________________________
Re Owl - you can use the home page 'Look Up Birds' link to look up birds and calls. Here's the Great Horned Owl call - http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/audio/Great_Horned_Owl.html

Entered 4/23/2007 3:52:13 PM__________________________________________
I have been hearing an Owl hooting in Midvale Heights (near Westside) for about a week. Last night I saw it's shape twice in a nearby tree, once at 10:30pm and again at 5:00am (while up with the baby). Can't discern it's type as of yet...anyone else?

Entered 4/23/2007 3:19:23 PM__________________________________________
The most drab of warblers are out today in Pheasant Branch (the school/Park St. side). However it was fun to view the red crown of the Nashville Warbler for a long time this morning. I had never before gotten such a good view of this feature in the male. The Tennessee, Orange-Crowned and Pine Warblers were also out, near the first water crossing.

Entered 4/23/2007 2:54:26 PM__________________________________________
Saw a pileated woodpecker at the paved path near the river in Sauk City.

Entered 4/22/2007 8:49:55 AM__________________________________________
White throared sparrows back this morning. Twenty or so in backyard on Westside of Madison. Yesterday there were juncos all over, none today.

Entered 4/21/2007 9:10:57 PM__________________________________________
Baby Great Horned Owls at Lake Farm Park - take the mowed path eastward 1/4 mi from the Lussier Center to where it hits a dirt road, the owl nest is left on the dirt road where it starts to curve, at the back of a small grove of trees. Ok to watch from a distance but please don't approach the nest.

Entered 4/19/2007 11:43:53 PM__________________________________________
EARTH DAY ACTIVITIES - http://www.naturenet.com/EarthWeek.html#22 - Madison Audubon will be at the Lussier Center south of South Towne in Lake Farm Park, with educational and kids activities.

Entered 4/19/2007 10:09:08 PM__________________________________________
EARTH DAY ACTIVITIES - Enjoy and Help Your Local Ecosystem - 3 opportunities in Cherokee Marsh!(1) Birding in the marsh: Audubon field trip Friday April 20, 2007 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm, Cherokee Marsh North Unit - Enjoy birding in Cherokee Marsh with the Madison Audubon Society. Possible sightings includes cranes, the courtship flight of woodcock and snipe, and spring migrants. Meet at the Cherokee Marsh parking lot at the north end of Sherman Ave. Waterproof footwear is recommended. For more information about this and other Madison Audubon Society field trips, see: http://www.madisonaudubon.org/audubon/ (2) Help plant shrubs in Cherokee Marsh, Saturday April 21, 2007, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm, Cherokee Marsh South Unit - Join the Parks Department in planting 350 native shrubs (10 different species) in Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park. Meet at the corner of School Rd. and Wheeler Rd. The plantings will be near Wheeler Road and Kennedy Road. For more information, call 266-5949.(3) Help remove invasive garlic mustard - Saturday April 21, 2007 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, Cherokee Marsh Mendota Unit - Join the Madison Area Weed Warriors as they work on natural area restoration by pulling garlic mustard. Meet at 38 Knutson Dr. For more information including a map, see:http://volunteer.united-e-way.org/uwdc/org/opp/10233903257.html * For more news about events and activities see http://www.cherokeemarsh.org/

Entered 4/19/2007 9:03:10 PM__________________________________________
Interested in Global Warming? The Peak Oil discussion group meets the first Thursday of every month, 12-1pm, 222 S Hamilton. Bring a lunch and meet some interesting people! See the sustaindane.org website for more info and ideas.

Entered 4/19/2007 7:58:56 AM__________________________________________
Still seeing some Juncos in area as of today

Entered 4/17/2007 12:43:46 PM__________________________________________
The WisBirdList is so full of junk, that I will write my sightings here. Yesterday at Lake Farm Park I observed a Hermit Thrush, many Flickers, Bufflehead, Pied Billed Grebes, Song Sparrows, Phoebes, Shovelers, many Brown Creepers, Golden Crowned Kinglets and Yellow Rumped Warblers, Yellow Bellied Sapsucker, and Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers. Over at 9 Springs I saw several species of ducks; Shovelers, Buffleheads, Ring Necked Ducks, Blue Wing Teal, Coots, Mallards, Canvasbacks, Lesser Scaup, Gadwalls, Ruddy Ducks and a Muskrat. I think the Juncos are gone today. Has anyone noticed this?

Entered 4/16/2007 11:42:04 PM__________________________________________
Re Baltimore Orioles - it would be a bit early - according to Cornell's website the Wisconsin nesting date is as early as May 15, and they arrive 1-2 weeks before that. Here's the link to the Cornell general birding lookup: http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Baltimore_Oriole.html. Their detailed birding info is quite encyclopaedic and requires a logon (sign up online, $40/year for an individual).

Entered 4/16/2007 4:49:59 PM__________________________________________
I thought I heard a Baltimore Oriole singing outside when I was working on my taxes yesterday afternoon. I ran out but did not see or hear it again. This is in a neighborhood where lots of Baltimore Orioles nest every year, along Wingra Creek. Is it too early for them? Even though I did not see any Oriole I did find a Fox Sparrow and a Hermit Thrush in the backyard before I had to head back inside to work on my tax returns.Remember to donate to Endangered Resources on your state tax form!

Entered 4/15/2007 11:04:38 PM__________________________________________
Note: DNR Spring Hearings are Monday night - if you are interested in having a say about any public lands and natural resource management issues (eg requiring that hunting be permitted or not, on Stewardship-funded lands), you may want to attend and vote.

Entered 4/15/2007 9:38:10 PM__________________________________________
UPPER MIDWEST AUDUBON CONF - OCT 12-14 - PLAN NOW TO ATTEND! Birds are calling all Upper Midwest Audubon members, friends and partners to the Embassy Suites in Bloomington, MN, October 12th-14th!Friday, October 12th, pre-conference attendees explore "The Mississippi River: America's Flyway." The day is full of informative and interactive sessions on Mississippi River habitat issues and opportunities and a sternwheeler boat ride on the Mississippi River IBA. On Friday evening, see an internationally acclaimed BBC/Discovery Channel Documentary "Mississippi: Tales of the Last River Rat" and enjoy commentary and Q&A with river guide, trapper, fisherman, hunter, root and herb collector and naturalist, Kenny Salwey. Even if Saturday/Sunday attendees can't attend all day, they may register for this evening event. On Saturday and Sunday, the 13th and 14th, sessions in three critical habitat tracks - grassland, forest and wetlands - focus on options for "Declining Species, Declining Habitat: Reversing the Trend." Learn, share, and take new energy home to make a difference. Some repeat sessions and field trips inside and outside are available on Saturday afternoon for birders and their spouses. On Saturday evening, scientist and author, Bridget Stutchbury presents: "Migratory songbirds: canaries in the mine?" Watch for her new book, Silence of the Songbirds. Go ahead, Google her name. You'll be impressed! National Audubon Society President, John Flicker, will be the feature speaker on Sunday. Conference hosts include Audubon Minnesota, The Upper Mississippi River Initiative, Bird Conservation Minnesota, Audubon Chapter of Minneapolis, Minnesota River Valley Audubon Chapter, and St. Paul Audubon Society. For further information on sponsorship and exhibit space, contact Audubon Minnesota at 651-739-9332. Conference details will be available on the Audubon Minnesota website http://mn.audubon.org/ after May 1st. Registration materials will be available after June 1st.

Entered 4/15/2007 4:19:15 PM__________________________________________
Overlap: Golden-Crowned Kinglet Saturday at Ferry Bluff and Yellow Rumped Warbler Today (first warbler I've spotted this Sping) at Otsego Marsh.

Entered 4/14/2007 2:55:18 PM__________________________________________
I checked out the Goose Pond area today and saw many varieties of ducks, lots of Canada Geese too. I also saw Sandhill Cranes, Kestrels, Turkey Vultures in the same area. If you come for Scope Days tomorrow, Sunday at Goose Pond, you could also check out the surrounding ponds, such as the DM/I intersection or the Hwy V pond between DeForest and Dane( this has a nice pullover now). Goose Pond is a few miles north of DeForest off Hwy 51. Look for the brown Wildlife Viewing Sign to Goose Pond Road.

Entered 4/13/2007 8:04:15 PM__________________________________________
Please come down to Library Mall on the UW-Madison campus tomorrow, Saturday April 14th @ noon,for the nationwide push to STOP GLOBAL WARMING! Details: www.stepitup07.org

Entered 4/12/2007 11:00:04 PM__________________________________________
ALSO RESCHEDULED: EVENING AT ZELOSKI MARSH FIELD TRIP. The 'snow date' is Friday April 20.

Entered 4/12/2007 10:58:13 PM__________________________________________
FROGS NIGHT OUT FIELD TRIP RESCHEDULED FOR APRIL 19: Tonight's Frogs Night Out field trip was obviously cancelled due to snow. The rain date (or SNOW date, in this case) will be next Thursday, April 19. Same place, same time. See Field Trips or the April newsletter on this website for details.

Entered 4/11/2007 10:09:11 PM__________________________________________
Sounds like a Flicker. See you on Saturday.

Entered 4/11/2007 4:13:02 PM__________________________________________
What would be a medium size bird that would have a bright yellow or golden underside and greyish brownish top of feather. My buddy find these feathers at the site of a recent kill. He is wondering what type of bird it could be. The feather was too big to belong to a finch or worbler. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks.

Entered 4/9/2007 2:00:21 PM__________________________________________
Re: seed disappearing from feeders at night. It's entirely possible that deer are coming and licking the seed out, which would not trip the barrier. They raid my dad's thistle seed feeder almost every night by licking it out through the tiny feed ports (I've seen them doing this, by the way.) If you're near a woodlot, you have deer around.

Entered 4/9/2007 1:55:09 PM__________________________________________
It would be EXTRAORDINARILY unlikely that you saw a Swallow-tailed Kite in Wisconsin in any season, much less this early in a very cold spring. Even Mississippi Kites, which ARE seen occasionally, would be much later in warmer weather. It's possible you saw some other kind of raptor that was missing its central tail feathers due to molting (or a fight with another raptor,) or you possibly could have seen a species of Jaeger, some of which have longer central tail feathers (and are seen inland once in a great while - one was seen on Lake Puckaway in Green Lake County last fall (which would also be a much likelier time to see those, also.)

Entered 4/9/2007 12:51:14 PM__________________________________________
Swallow-tailed kite. My son and I spotted a bird that neither of has seen before in WI. We seen this bird on the edge of Wisconsin Dells off from Hwy 16 near the High school forest on Easter Sundy 4/8/07 approx 6:00 Pm. After some discussion with a coworker and some web research we determined that it was more than likely a Swallow-tailed kite. Have Kites returned to WI?Email - mcdonmd@mail.slh.wisc.edu

Entered 4/8/2007 8:38:35 PM__________________________________________
I am looking for prairie chicken mating season north of Madison. Isn't there a special photo week-end??where? when? who to contact? Iowasue@netzero.com

Entered 4/8/2007 5:32:26 PM__________________________________________
Laura Erickson reminds us in her blog: Do not check your bluebird houses until the weather warms up. Tree swallows are using these boxes to keep warm, and must remain undisturbed.

Entered 4/8/2007 1:25:21 PM__________________________________________
Hi all! Come help a local wildlife center that rehabilitates all the injured and orphaned songbirds of South Central Wisconsin!Four Lakes Wildlife Center Construction and Clean-up Day!When: April 15th NoonWhere: barn behind the Dane County Humane SocietyWho: all are invited to help build and clean the wildlife center! No experience necessary; bring tools and shovels if you want:)Why: Getting ready for the wildlife rehab season and it's a great excuse to get outside:)www.fourlakeswildlifecenter.org

Entered 4/8/2007 12:34:53 PM__________________________________________
April 14 from 5:30 to 7:30 am is the 32nd Annual Midwest Crane Count. Go to www.cranecount.org to get the coordinator for your county.

Entered 4/7/2007 10:12:34 AM__________________________________________
What eats bird seed at night? Southern flying squirrels. If you can direct a light at the area at night you'll probably see them eventually. About the size of a small chipmunk.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Flying_SquirrelSaw a large bluish warbler (probably yellow rump?) Friday april 6 hopping along the bank of the canal that leads into Lake Mendota near the power plant.

Entered 4/6/2007 11:02:30 PM__________________________________________
Citizen science advocates, an opportunity has come up that you may be able to help fullfill. Rita Garczynski with American Family Insurance is in need of a qualified birder to assist with a population survey. The surveys take place twice a year, one on June 21 and one in July. The site is at the American Family National Headquarters on the east side of Madison, just past the interstate off of 15, heading to Sun Prarie. The HQ is 410 acres, but the survey is limited to a small parcel of grassland habbitat within the American Family property. If you can help, or know someone who can assist American Family, please contact Rita directly at 242-4100 x31883

Entered 4/6/2007 6:34:43 PM__________________________________________
What's eating my bird food? Just moved to Mt. Horeb from central Illinois. New house backs upagainst a small woodland. Attracting many birds after filling our feeders, but for two nights ina row, our feeders are EMPTY when we awake in the morning, including one that is spring loaded, which closes the feeding holes when a heavy bird lands on the bar. Help!Have seen no squirrels.Lee

Entered 4/6/2007 1:16:56 PM__________________________________________
Thanks for the GLOBAL WARMING link (under the Common Yellowthroat photo)! Does everyone know what's happening on Saturday, April 14th? "Step It Up! 07" Day. Here's one Madison event:http://events.stepitup2007.org/events/show/870

Entered 4/5/2007 10:28:59 AM__________________________________________
Hugh, your "crane or egret" is a great blue heron

Entered 4/4/2007 12:37:52 PM__________________________________________
Phenology for Wisconsin in April April 3 Tundra Swan arrivalApril 7 Bald Eagles begin nestingApril 8 Tree Swallow arrivalApril 10 Yellow-bellied sapsucker spring arrivalApril 13 Cowbird spring arrivalApril 16 Upland Sandpipers April 18 Hen mallards begin nestingApril 22 House Wren spring arrivalApril 24 Barn Swallows returnApril 24 Whooping Cranes begin laying eggsApril 27 Purple Martins begin to arriveApril 28 Bobwhite Quail are matingApril 30 Goslings hatch

Entered 4/4/2007 8:03:25 AM__________________________________________
People going on the "Spring Birds of Columbia County" trip this Saturday may like to get a preview of what to look for. We live just south of Goose Pond and captured these pictures this winter and spring posted at http://mistoverfm.org/pics/Wildlife: | Spring Turkeys | bluebirds | Winter birds | March Cranes | cranes_rainy_day_dance

Entered 4/3/2007 7:23:31 PM__________________________________________
Good News! The Supreme Court has ruled that the federal government has the authority under the Clean Air Act to regulate America's global warming pollution.

Entered 4/3/2007 7:02:32 PM__________________________________________
Time to start signing up for Big Birding Day! Tons of fun. See home page link for info.

Entered 4/3/2007 8:58:33 AM__________________________________________
Late yesterday, I counted at least two dozen Common Loons on Lake Monona, plus another six on Monona Bay. Didn't have enough light left to go check Lake Mendota - wonder how many I missed up there?

Entered 4/1/2007 3:28:20 PM__________________________________________
April 1, 2007This is not an April Fools! There are about 7 loons on Lake Monona between Olin Park and Monona Terrace.

Entered 3/30/2007 8:46:19 AM__________________________________________
Re VULTURES: the vultures seen in WI are Turkey Vultures. Note color of head, also relative length of tail, wing-angle to distinguish from Black Vulture.

Entered 3/30/2007 7:56:56 AM__________________________________________
Noting the posts about robins. It seems pretty much the only bird in Wyalusing State Park on March 29. (ha ha) We live in Cross Plains and the robins were sighted in January. Seems just as we rec'd ou first snow fall of the year the robins AND bluebirds had made the mistake of returning. The bluebirds frequented our heated water bath over the remaining winter months and I was able to get some fabulous photos. Last week as we were driving along the backroads of Cross Plains by the hills, we saw a flock of what must have been 40 black vultures. We had never seen that many vultures congregated in one spot before.While at Wyalusing yesterday, and on one of the high vantage points, we watched a red hawk soaring above the tree tops below. The bird's entire back was red, wings, etc. Same color as a red-shouldered hawk in our field guid, with black wing tips. Unfortunately our field guide is only describing birds from below. Might it have been a red-shouldered, or would a young red-tail have that type of coloring?

Entered 3/29/2007 5:10:53 PM__________________________________________
Most likely you are seeing an AMERICAN GOLDFINCH that is starting to get its breeding plumage. Check the illustrations in Sibley, National Geographic guide, etc.

Entered 3/29/2007 1:48:17 PM__________________________________________
There is a color variant male House Finch, where the red is replaced by yellow - could be what you saw. As far as the person asking about Scarlet Tanagers - not until May (or late April.) Ospreys are returning to the area, though. Not sure about Madison yet, but at least one's back in Stoughton. Keep a eye on the cell tower behind Thorstad Chevrolet on Park St. A good place to take young kids would be the UW Arboretum - nice variety of birds, and easy trails. Also Cherokee Marsh, Pheasant Branch Conservancy by Middleton, Lake Farm Park, Gov. Nelson State Park - lots of choices!

Entered 3/29/2007 9:30:52 AM__________________________________________
Help , What is it? I'm new to the Madison area and have seen a bird in my yard that looks like a female house finch or pine siskin , but it has gold above the beak and gold on the chest, appears to be changing from winter to summer colors. It was eating black sunslower seeds from the feeder.

Entered 3/29/2007 9:25:29 AM__________________________________________
Our family was going to travel north to Crex Meadows for spring break, but due to the forecast of rain we didn't want to drive 5.5 hrs with a 9 and 4 yr old just to swim in an expensive hotel pool. We still want to go birdwatching. We may head out to Lake County Farms, my husband is suggesting Parfrey's Glen. We've had poor bluebirds since January at our house. Has anyone seen osprey or scarlet tanagers - definitely birds on our wish list. Suggestions of where we should go, easy trails for a 4 yr old?

Entered 3/28/2007 9:22:08 PM__________________________________________
We are interested in birding during the week in the Madison Area and vicinity. Are there otherswho would like to do some extra birding at WI's favorite bird haunts? Contact Jim and Dot at 833 7664 or JPNick35wi@msn.com

Entered 3/28/2007 4:43:02 PM__________________________________________
You'd have to go to the far northern tier of counties in Wisconsin to see Gray Jays, and winter would be the best time. You can see them most any time of year in any mountainous areas in the western U.S. (and places like northern Minnesota.)

Entered 3/27/2007 3:06:42 PM__________________________________________
Heard a loon out on Mendota today. Must be spring!

Entered 3/27/2007 9:13:14 AM__________________________________________
Does anyone know where and when I can see gray jays?

Entered 3/25/2007 7:31:27 PM__________________________________________
I was so glad to have a couple with binoculars point out a nesting Great Horned Owl in Shorewood. I am concerned about the owlets, as people still let their cats out to roam. I was slightly relieved to read in the Stokes Field Guide to Birds Eastern Region (Little, Brown 1996) to learn that Great Horned Owls can eat many of their predators, including domestic cats. Go Birds!!! Please visit abcbirds.org, and learn about the "cats indoors" campaign. I love felines, but our pets belong inside and under our care.

Entered 3/24/2007 12:05:17 PM__________________________________________
Golden-crowned Kinglet is much more likely at this date. Rather than a crest (Cardinal, Blue Jay, waxwing...), they have a colorful crown. Kinglets are smaller than chickadees. Try to get a good look at the eye to tell the two kinds of kinglets apart: GC has a white line ABOVE the eye, RC has a white ring AROUND the eye. Both kinglets move almost constantly, making for some difficulty in getting a confirmation as to species. Golden-crowned are more often found in evergreens.

Entered 3/23/2007 7:23:29 PM__________________________________________
Wondering if I may have seen a ruby-crowned kinglet today... does anyone know of them passing through this area? It was on the edge of town in Lodi, looked greenish above with a cream-colored breast, black and white markings on the wings, about the size of a wren or a little larger. It did have a crest but I couldn't tell if it was red- it was flitting very fast from branch to branch, working its way up the tree. Any insight would be appreciated!

Entered 3/23/2007 1:49:59 PM__________________________________________
Actually, if you look at eBird (a truly valuable resource) and look at the data for House Wrens in Wisconsin, the third week of March is the time they begin to show up. Given some of the strong south winds we've had recently, I wouldn't really be surprised if one showed up here already. pf

Entered 3/23/2007 10:45:19 AM__________________________________________
re wren - agree, that would be way early (if accurate), hopefully global warming hasn't reached that point yet. it was quite clear (the call) and sounded like a match when i did a lookup on thayers BNA cd, but i didn't get a look and haven't seen it since...

Entered 3/22/2007 10:43:47 AM__________________________________________
Hello Bird Lovers! I am coordinating the volunteer program for the 2007 Wildlife Season at the Four Lakes Wildlife Center in Madison (part of the Dane County Humane Society) and thought you might have some interest as we primarily treat songbirds,raptors,waterfowl,herons,egrets, etc. We have many opportunities: animal caretaking, construction, marketing, others...whatever your talent might be! If you are interested, please contact me at 608-838-0413 x192 or kanchor@giveshelter.org. Our webisite is: www.fourlakeswildlifecenter.orgThank you!

Entered 3/22/2007 9:15:46 AM__________________________________________
Thats way early try to get a look at it

Entered 3/22/2007 12:44:35 AM__________________________________________
Troglodytes aedon (house wren) - madison, east side

Entered 3/21/2007 10:16:12 PM__________________________________________
What species of wren did you hear, and where are you located?

Entered 3/21/2007 8:44:06 PM__________________________________________
Spring is here! Heard a wren yesterday

Entered 3/15/2007 9:27:03 PM__________________________________________
(Webmaster note - this was posted earlier via email, apologies for not getting it on the board earlier) At 5:00 pm yesterday (Mar 6) I arrived at the area described below by Karen Etter Hale & Everett Yost and there wasn't a single AMERICAN ROBIN around. At around 5:30 pm there were hundereds of Robins coming mostly from the direction of the Wisconsin River. It is really hard to estimate how many there were, since for at least 30 minutes there was a constant flow of hundereds of Robins at a time-- 10,000 is not a bad guess. Here is a fun one-minute video of the Sauk City robin roost from last night: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pjLyvO2TgQ (no blackbirds were used in this video!)The video is set to "Fly, Robin, Fly"...a #1 disco hit in 1975 by The Silver Convention. I hope the Silver Convention appreciates it...A good viewing area is at the intersection of Hwy Y & Hwy 78 (1 mile W. of Hwy 12). The robins are probably roosting somewhere in the triangle formed by Hwy Y, Hwy 78, and Hwy 12. Right at sunset, gobs of robins were flying above the bridge area described in the email below. cheers, John Feith Madison, Wisconsin www.caculo.com Bird Song Ear Training Guide CDBirds, Birds, Birds! DVD Birdsong Ringtones www.birdfone.com

Entered 3/15/2007 9:22:00 PM__________________________________________
A HUGE number of robins was reported to our office on Mar 5 by Everett Yost, who lives in far NW Dane County in the town of Roxbury. He and his grandkids were out sledding an hour before dusk last night when they noticed what looked to them at first like bats flying and darting neartreetop level. As they continued to watch, the low sun lit and intensified the birds' orange breasts as more and more came in to roost along the creek, and they realized they were robins. Mr. Yost estimated the numbers of robins to be in the TENS OF THOUSANDS, similar to the large flocks of blackbirds he was more familiar with. The birds were all coming from the west into the vegetation along a small creek to roost for the night. If any of you wish to try and see this phenomenon (if it does happen again), he says that the roost can be viewed by looking east from wherethe creek flows beneath Hwy 78 (about 1 mile south of Hwy 12, not far south of Sauk City and the Wisconsin River bridge). He thinks the name of the creek is Blum Creek, although there is no name in the plat book. -- Karen Etter Hale, Executive Secretary Madison Audubon Society

Entered 3/13/2007 9:28:17 PM__________________________________________
re books - Laura Erickson is the featured speaker at Madison Audubon's "Wings Over Madison" banquet March 20 - there are still a few seats left. Check home page for registration details.

Entered 3/11/2007 2:29:12 PM__________________________________________
I visited the UW Arboretum Bookstore recently and noticed a couple new books. How Birds Migrate by Paul Kerlinger; The Woodcock, Artists Impressions; 101 Ways to Help Birds by Laura Erickson; Why Birds Sing by David Rothenberg; and Waterfowl of Eastern North America by Chris G. Earley.

Entered 3/10/2007 11:01:30 AM__________________________________________
Phenology: Nowadays you could probably go two weeks *earlier* with any of these dates and be on target, at least for Dane County.

Entered 3/10/2007 9:59:16 AM__________________________________________
FYI: March Phenology in WisconsinMarch 5 - Bald Eagle Migration beginsMarch 7 - Sandhill Cranes arrival beginsMarch 8 - Tom Turkeys begin gobblingMarch 10 - American robin spring arrivalMarch 11 - Eastern Bluebird spring arrivalMarch 12 - Red-winged blackbird spring arrivalMarch 14 - Common grackle arrivalMarch 16 - Killdeer spring arrivalMarch 17 - Eastern Meadowlark spring arrivalMarch 19 - American Woodcock first peentMarch 22 - Hooded Merganser spring arrivalMarch 23 - Wood Duck spring arrivalMarch 25 - Ring-necked Pheasants begin crowingMarch 26 - Eastern Phoebe spring arrivalMarch 27 - Great blue heron and Fox Sparrow spring arrivalMarch 28 - Hermit Thrush spring arrivalMarch 31 - Canada Geese being laying eggs

Entered 3/9/2007 1:27:01 AM__________________________________________
March 8th is International Women's Day. Women play vital roles in communities and ecosystems around the world. Here's an Audubon link to take action for women and the environment - http://audubonaction.org/campaign/hr1225/

Entered 3/9/2007 12:37:12 AM__________________________________________
Interested in Global Warming? Wondering what you can do? Check out the new Global Warming link on the home page for some great resources and ideas.

Entered 3/8/2007 7:38:50 AM__________________________________________
Could the "female cardinal" possibly have been a male House Finch?

Entered 3/7/2007 10:41:55 PM__________________________________________
Wednesday, March 14, 7-9 PM Free public presentation - "The Health Effects of Global Warming", State Historical Society Auditorium, 816 State St., Madison, WI. Speaker Jonathan Patz, MD, MPH, is Associate Professor of Environmental Studies and Population Health Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a world expert on the effects of climate change on heat waves, air pollution and water- and vector-borne infectious diseases. Presentation followed by Public Discussion moderated by Dr. Ann Behrmann, Clinical Asst. Professor, UW Medical School. Sponsored by Physicians for Social Responsibility Wisconsin, cosponsored by Madison Audubon Society. Contact for more information: Physicians for Social Responsibility Wisconsin at (608) 232-9945 or madpsr@psr.org.

Entered 3/6/2007 11:03:20 AM__________________________________________
This morning we saw a female cardinal in feeder and it appeared to be feeding a smaller bird, not a cardinal. Is this common?

Entered 3/5/2007 8:24:55 AM__________________________________________
The finches that are singing so cheerily these days are actually House Finches. They nest quite early in the year, often on porches and sometimes even in a holiday wreath that has been left on a front door!

Entered 3/5/2007 1:21:53 AM__________________________________________
Sunday, backyard, Madison east side - it was a sunny day and many birds were active. A Coopers Hawk sitting high in a maple over the feeders for about an hour didn't seem to slow things down very much. Rosy Finches and Cardinals were singing their spring songs. The feeders were active with Black Capped Chickadees, Goldfinches, White-breasted Nuthatch, Juncos, and a Downy.

Entered 3/4/2007 4:12:39 PM__________________________________________
Tom Prestby and I birded the Mazo Bottoms and the Arena Boat Landing this morning.On our way out of Madison we stopped at the K & Q intersection northwest of Middleton and spotted 4 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, lots of Canadas 2 Kestrels and 1 or 2 WOOD DUCKS.Mazo Bottoms:Hiking the trail along the river was pretty quiet...5-7 BALD EAGLES, COMMON GOLDENEYES and COMMON MERGS.Laws Road was full of birds. We heard a lot of finch chatter and started hiking along the road to investigate.In the vicinity of some feeders we saw/heard:dozens of Goldfinchesabout 3 Tufted Titmouse20-30 Wild Turkeys2-3 RobinsWe heard a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK and hiked down the road to try and get a look at it (we never succeeded). As we hiked down the road a number of rather distant turkeys were observed flying from some open fields to the cover of a pine stand.Hiking back to the car, I looked over my shoulder and saw some Crows chase a large accipiter into a pine tree. We slowly hiked towards the tree, out came the crows and an accipiter that was larger than the crows--an immature GOSHAWK! The GOS dashed into a pine stand and was not seen again. The presence of the Goshawk explains the strange turkey behavior (flying across the road for no apparent reason). All the Turkeys at the feeder must have looked like an all-you-can-eat buffet to the Goshawk. In the Mazo bottoms area we also heard a COOPER'S HAWK, saw a soaring dark morph ROUGH-LEG and several RED-TAILS. Arena Boat Landing...8-10 KILLDEER1 TURKEY VULTURE1 RED-SHOULDERED HAWK1 GREAT BLUE HERON1 MINK3 COYOTES on the iceAaron StutzMadison, WIDane CountyE-mail: agstutz AT sbcglobal.netPhotos: http://community.webshots.com/user/agstutz

Entered 3/4/2007 12:28:55 PM__________________________________________
saturday March 4, 2007 Gov Dodge State Park.East of the park on ZZ: a beautiful rough leg hawk. This bird was extremely colorful with buffy highlights on the front of its neck and its legs. Bright orange feet. It had very high contrast horizontal barring on the front. Possibly immature? The was possibly another in the distance hovering. Many horned larks and tree sparrows along the side of the road.In the park itself in the Twin Valley dam area, two adult Bald Eagles were enjoying the wind, unlike us. We saw a trail in the snow of a short-legged animal that slid on its stomach. It went from the lake up into the woods, a steep grade, and then back down to the lake again. It was the size one would imagine for an otter but it's hard to picture an otter would come out of the water and struggle up a hill in deep snow like that. There were no apparent tail marks.

Entered 3/4/2007 8:20:08 AM__________________________________________
While working the other day I observed a shrike hunting in a nearby field near M and PD. KB

Entered 3/2/2007 10:28:52 AM__________________________________________
MADISON READS LEOPOLD, a free public reading of "Sand County Almanac"and other works by Aldo Leopold. Saturday, March 3rd, 9:30 AM to5:30 PM. Readings by celebrities and "plain members and citizens".UW Arboretum Visitor Center auditorium. Come for an hour, orstay all day! For more information see "www.uwarboretum.org"or call 265-5872.

Entered 3/1/2007 12:19:03 AM__________________________________________
PUBLIC INVITED: ORGANIC LAWN CARE WORKSHOP - Shelley Ryan, host of The Wisconsin Gardener TV show on WI Public TV, will kick off an organic lawn care workshop, held by local environmental groups, Saturday, March 10th. Local environmental groups hosting the workshop include the Healthy Lawn Team, Dane County Lakes and WatershedCommission, Four Lakes Sierra Club, Friends of Lake Wingra, and Sustain Dane.UW horticulturalist Astrid Newenhouse, PhD will give a presentation on natural and organic lawn care and Claire Gervais, MD, a local Family Practice physician, will talk about the risks of pesticide use and the importance of avoiding weed killers.The workshop will be held Saturday, March 10th 1:00 - 3:30 pm at the First Unitarian Society, 900 University Bay Drive, Madison. There is no charge for this workshop.

Entered 2/21/2007 10:20:10 PM__________________________________________
East side Madison - a Coopers hawk landed 20 feet away on low limb of a tree by backyard by feeder. Stuck around 10-15 minutes waiting for sparrows to return, then pounced something in neighbors yard. Might be the adult of juvenile that sat in the same tree a lot a year or so ago.

Entered 2/19/2007 8:47:05 PM__________________________________________
Notice from webmasters - the web server hard drive quit working sometime Sunday and was replaced today. Things should be back ok now. We apologize for the downtime and appreciate your patience.

Entered 2/16/2007 12:59:06 AM__________________________________________
Cosponsors are needed for a Global Warming Bill that Representative Spencer Black will be introducing soon. The deadline for legislators to sign on is Friday, Feb. 23. Please contact your state legislators (both your assembly person and your senator) as soon as possible and urge them to sign on to Rep. Spencer Black’s global warming bill as a cosponsor. Sen. Mark Miller is the lead sponsor in the Senate. To find out who your legislators are and how to contact them, go to http://waml.legis.state.wi.us/

Entered 2/15/2007 10:49:43 PM__________________________________________
Good news for land conservation! Governor Doyle recently announced, as part of his budget statement, that he is recommending reauthorizing the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund at $105 million per year. He is also recommending an increase in the funding available to land trusts at $14.5 million per year. This means that the Stewardship Fund, first passed in 1989, is on the fast track for reauthorization. The first chance to send comments to support this and suggest any changes or improvements is now.

The Natural Resources Board's Stewardship Subcommittee, which will meet Feb. 27, is looking for written comments from the public by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 21. Send comments to Laurie Ross, Executive Staff Assistant, Natural Resources Board, P. O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707-7921 or email laurie.ross@wisconsin.gov

Entered 2/15/2007 8:45:18 PM__________________________________________
Black-capped Chickadees have started singing their mating songsps - love the detailed birding entries by Aaron

Entered 2/13/2007 5:56:53 AM__________________________________________
GRAY CATBIRD likely heard on Feb. 9 in the UW Arboretum, between Skunk Cabbage Bridge and the next spring to the west. This would be an overwintering bird, not a recent arrival.

Entered 2/11/2007 3:04:31 PM__________________________________________
I took a nice, long, leisurely hike through the UW-Arboretum this morning (about 5 hours) and found some unexpected birds and observed a variety of interesting animal signs.Before I left my house I spotted 1 WHITE-THROATED and 2 FOX SPARROWS alternating between my feeder and some of the roadside grit exposed by the snowplows. As I headed out the door I noticed all the birds leave my backyard, head for cover and start scolding something. This is not their typical response to me, so I started looking for the neighborhood COOPER'S HAWK. Within a few seconds it swooped down and landed in a stand of buckthorn immediately across the street from my house.A hike on the trail which parallels Martin Street turned up lots of Robins and signs of Coyote activity--scat, urine, and the remains of a turkey (nothing edible, mostly feathers) and fur from at least 1 squirrel.Hiking through the Lost City Forest to Curtis Prairie was pretty quiet--the highlight was finding a hemlock with small amounts of whitewash and a small owl pellet suspended from a branch (I am guessing Saw-whet Owl). There were no pellets visible on the ground, so this roost site probably hasn't been used since the last snowfall.Hiking the White Cedar stand next to Teal Pond turned up the real surprise of the day. I spotted a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK drop down from its perch and make an attempt at some critter beneath the snow (I'm not sure if it was successful). This bird was extremely shy and never allowed me to get a good long look at it. This is a rare species for the Arboretum. I can recall only seeing Red-Shouldered Hawks as migrants in the Arb--never even landing, just fly overs.In Wingra Woods, by the Big Spring I heard a PILEATED WOODPECKER. Standing still and patiently waiting I finally spotted a male high up in a tree. The male Pileated was being observed the entire time by a Red-Tailed Hawk that was clearly agitating some of the resident squirrels and raccoons--scolding sounds were heard coming from both mammal species. Eventually the male Pileated flew to the east and starting pecking away. After the male flew I thought I heard another Pileated call from the area he had just vacated. After hiking down the trail a little ways I spotted a FEMALE PILEATED WOODPECKER. Hopefully these 2 birds will try to nest this spring in the Arboretum!On the hike home I noticed that in many places the forest floor is heavily pock-marked from Squirrels digging up their caches.Final sightings of the day included a GREAT HORNED OWL perched in a stand of scotch pines and a TUFTED TITMOUSE or two near my house (Martin Street).Aaron StutzMadison, WIDane CountyE-mail: agstutz@sbcglobal.netPhotos: http://community.webshots.com/user/agstutz

Entered 2/3/2007 2:58:01 PM__________________________________________
For more information on birds and wind power see the presentations given at the "No Bird Left Behind" conference on October 13, 2006.www.madisonaudubon.org/audubon/umac/extra.htmIt was the first day of the Upper Midwest Audubon Conference.and an article in the September issue of Audubon Magazine.magazine.audubon.org/features0609/energy.html

Entered 2/3/2007 2:28:31 PM__________________________________________
I was searching on the web for information on the effect of wind power on birds and found a good article on "What Kills Birds" at www.currykerlinger.com/birds.htm

<Entered 2/1/2007 8:36:51 PM__________________________________________
The Blue Mounds Area Project announces the second of its 2007 Land Stewardship Information Seriesat the Mount Horeb Community Center107 N. Grove Street, Mount HorebThursday, February 8, 2007 7:30 PM,Dave Marshall explains "What do grasslands have to do with trout anyway?"Dave Marshall has recently retired from the Wisconsin DNR where he worked for many years. Dave describes a long term DNR study comparing fish community data for periods prior to and following establishment of CRP in driftless area watersheds. Turns out CRP is good for trout! An excellent talk for prairie and fish lovers alike. And pertinent as pressure builds to convert CRP to corn for ethanol.Now you birders might be asking, "What do I care from trout?". But water quality improvements affect all kinds of wildlife, and the loss of CRP will have a direct effect on grassland bird conservation efforts already underway in the driftless area. Hope to see you there. Free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.For information contact: Carroll Schaal (608) 437-6247 or (608) 261-6423email: info@bluemounds.orgThe Blue Mounds Area Project is a local nonprofit organization that promotes private land stewardship with an ecological perspective. The BMAP member landowners help preserve habitat for over 17 rare plants and 5 rare birds listed by DNR as endangered, threatened, or special concern. For more information about the events or BMAP, call 437- 6247 or go to www.bluemounds.org

Entered 2/1/2007 7:35:02 PM__________________________________________
What birds are in your home's backyard natural areas or neighborhood park's wildlife habitat? Send your observations to the Great Backyard Bird Count, February 16-19, 2007. It's fun, it's free, it takes as little as 15 minutes--and it helps the birds!People of all ages, from beginners to experts, are invited to join this event which spans all of the United States and Canada. Participants can take part wherever they are at home, in schoolyards, at local parks or wildlife refuges. Observers simply count the highest number of each species they see during an outing or a sitting.Enter your tally on the Great Backyard Bird Count website at http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/ If you need a field guide, check out the Cornell Bird Guide website at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/. And if you find you enjoy reporting birds you see and you want to contribute to valuable Citizen Science databases, use http://ebird.org.

Entered 1/25/2007 9:13:37 PM__________________________________________
ENVIRONMENT-FOCUSED CHARTER SCHOOLS WISCONSIN REGIONAL WORKSHOPS March 1 (Thursday) -- Oshkosh Environmental Charter School http://www.eecharterschool.comMarch 9 (Friday) -- Augusta / Fall Creek at Beaver Creek Nature Reserve http://beavercreekreserve.orgMarch 30 (Friday) -- Stevens Point at Schmeeckle Reserve - http://www.uwsp.edu/CNR/schmeeckle May 2 (Wed) -- Madison at UW Arboretum http://uwarboretum.org/about Students Learning & Connecting in Environment-Focused Schools Workshops supported in part by U.S. Dept. of Education dissemination grants awarded by the WI DPI to: Oshkosh Environmental Education Charter School -- http://www.eecharterschool.comWisconsin River Academy in Stevens Point -- http://www.wisconsinriveracademy.org/index.htmRiver Crossing Charter School in Portage -- http://www.wicharterschools.org/charter.schools.show.cfm?recordid=42Read about Green Charter Schools in “Wisconsin Trails” -- http://www.wicharterschools.org/news.main.cfm?id=106WORKSHIP PROGRAM 8:00am -- Check-In -- Coffee and Rolls 9:00am -- Unique Features of Environment-Focused Charter Schools10:00am -- Integrated Environmental Curriculum, Standards & Accountability 11:00am -- Charter Partners Supporting Sustainable Environment-Focused Schools Noon -- Lunch 1:00pm -- Options: Environment-Focused School Site Visit OR Planning & Implementing an Environment-Focused Charter School 3:00pm -- Workshop Concludes REGISTRATION: The registration fee in only $20 per person, which covers materials and lunch. To register send name(s), address, email and phone of all attendees, workshop site/date, and check payable to WCSA to: Wisconsin Charter Schools Association, PO Box 1704, Madison, WI 53701. WEB LINKS to 34 Green Charter Schools -- http://www.wicharterschools.org/news.main.cfm?id=55Representatives of the following organizations have been invited to participate as ECO-EDUCATION PARTNERS at one or more of the meetings: (invited) Wisconsin Waterfowl Association, Wildlands Charter School, Sustain Dane, Fox River Academy, Wisconsin Environmental Education Association, Urban Ecology Center, Ho-Chunk Nation; Midwest Renewal Energy Association, Jane Goodall Charter School, Wis. Dept. of Public Instruction, Center for Global Environmental Education, MN Association of Charter Schools, EdVisions Coop, Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Gaylord Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education, and others. WORKSHOP SPONSORS: Wisconsin Charter Schools Association (WCSA), Oshkosh Environmental Education Charter School, Wisconsin River Academy & River Crossing Charter School. Senn Brown, Executive SecretaryWisconsin Charter Schools AssociationTel: 608-238-7491 or 608-661-6946 WCSA: http://www.wicharterschools.org

Entered 1/25/2007 2:55:12 PM__________________________________________
As of 1/25/07, a peregrine falcon has been hanging around in downtown Madison. I've seen it fly by my west-looking 7th story window in the Churchill Building, across from the Capitol on Carroll St. I've seen the falcon several times over the past two weeks, occasionally being mobbed by crows, but otherwise perching and flying after food.-Charlie Higley-higley@wiscub.org

Entered 1/23/2007 8:25:58 AM__________________________________________
Hi!Thanks for helping!

Entered 1/21/2007 12:40:45 PM__________________________________________
While the areas below are not in the Madison-Area they can both be visited in the course of a single day. Bear Bluff, Sandhill Wildlife Area and Necedah represent a huge chunk of relatively untouched wildlife habitat. If you are looking for a Wilderness-type experience close to Madison (2hrs drive ) this is the place to go. Home to a variety of largest animals in the state--Both Eagles, Wolves, Porcupines, White-tailed Deer, Otters, Badgers (rare) Here is an account of my visit yesterday...Jim and Sharon Schwarz and I birded Buena Vista, Bear Bluff and the Necedah area today.At Buena Vista we had about 70 GREATER PRAIRIE-CHICKENS. 12 near W and Taft 40 on Taft North of W 18 in trees just off of W near the intersection with Townline RoadAlso at Buena Vista...a cooperative flock of about 60 LAPLAND LONGSPURS1 ROUGH-LEG1 accipiter species (cooper's or sharpy)1 KESTREL2 or 3 Red-tails3 Ravens200-300 Tree Sparrows1 Coyote7 White-tailed DeerIn the Bear Bluff Area we had....2 PURPLE FINCHES at the feeders near the trail head for the Sandhill Wildlife Area Auto Tour1 Red-Breasted Nuthatch at the same location.Ball Road was very quiet bird-wise, but had some good mammals 1 Porcupine--stripping bark high up in a tree. I don't know how Jim spotted it. 1 River Otter--bounding along one of the dikes and then diving into a hole/burrow along a frozen stream.Bear Bluff Road was quiet until the woods opened up near the Cranberry Bogs. A stop to check out a suspicious blob (which turned out to be an odd shaped branch on a white pine) was very productive. Further scanning of the horizon turned up 2 GOLDEN EAGLES and 5 BALD EAGLES. The Golden Eagles were observed soaring north and south of Bear Bluff. These birds provided distant, but diagnostic views when observed through a scope.Near one of the cranberry bogs were about 75 SNOW BUNTINGS.We returned to Madison via 3rd St. West in Juneau County. Along this road a stop to check out some soaring eagles provided us excellent looks at another GOLDEN EAGLE. This bird flew directly above us and provided knock-out views of every possible field mark! As we were getting out of the car a bird flew over generating call notes that sounded very much like a RED CROSSBILL.5th Ave N (the Western Boundary Road for the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge) had 1 GOLDEN EAGLE (probably the same bird we saw on 3rd St. West) and a few Ravens.On the return trip home we had 1 N. Shrike along highway 80.Aaron StutzMadison, WIDane CountyE-mail: agstutz@sbcglobal.netPhotos: http://community.webshots.com/user/agstutz

Entered 1/20/2007 7:27:47 PM__________________________________________
Hi!Looks like a nice site..aint been here for long but I like it already. Really good site, and a pleasant surprise.

Entered 1/20/2007 4:15:03 PM__________________________________________
Great Horned Owl on a nest today, saturday the 20th.

Entered 1/15/2007 5:56:06 PM__________________________________________
Saturday I led a Madison Audubon Field Trip along the Wisconsin River. We visited the Arena Boat Landing, Bakken's Pond, Ferry Bluff, and the Sauk City Area.Arena Boat Landing had...1 calling Red-shouldered Hawk1 Pileated Woodpecker1 N. Flicker3 Purple Finches3 Eastern Bluebirds1 Song Sparrow50+ GoldfinchesOn/near the river were 10+ Bald Eagles and Common MergansersIn the area that has been hosting Short-eared Owls (we saw none)...1 Northern Shrike1 Rough-legged HawkAreas between Arena and Sauk City were pretty quiet we found...2 E. Bluebirdsa small flock of Cedar Waxwingsa flock of 20-30 Robins migrating south along the river1 Rough-legged Hawknumerous Red-tails and KestrelsSauk City Canoe Launch9 Bald Eagles200+ Canada Geese40 Ring-billed Gulls5 Herring GullsIn the ag areas due west of the Canoe Launch we had 1 NORTHERN SHRIKE.Sauk City/Prairie du Sac Dam were quiet...a few Bald Eagles1 Lesser ScaupNO Common Goldeneye1 Belted Kingfisher1 Herring Gull--this is extremely low for this location at this time of year. Hopefully as other local areas of water freeze the gulls will begin to concentrate in this area.This weekend I have been hiking the UW-Arboretum and watching my feeders closely...Good feeder birds:1 FOX SPARROW--first time observed since before the Madison CBC1 WHITE-THROATED SPARROW30+ CardinalsWhile walking the dogs this evening...150-250 Robins2 CAROLINA WRENS--at 2602 Marshall ParkwayTufted TitmouseAs for Northern Shrike numbers in South Central Wisconsin, I would say numbers observed have been pretty typical. I was a bit surprised to see 2 individuals in 1 day, but I was in good habitat for this species in locations separated by several miles.Good birding,Aaron StutzMadison, WIDane CountyE-mail: agstutz@sbcglobal.netPhotos: http://community.webshots.com/user/agstutz

Entered 1/14/2007 10:46:24 PM__________________________________________
Real nice pictures of a snowy owl at horicon 1/14/2007 as noted by wisbirdnhttp://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/WISBIRDNhttp://www.pbase.com/universal_images/image/73083130You can just feel how the owl is enjoying that snow and ice.

Entered 1/8/2007 11:58:43 PM__________________________________________
pair of bald eagles soaring over east end of lake mendota and sherman avenue around noon, white heads strikingly bright in the sun

Entered 1/8/2007 10:05:48 PM__________________________________________
01/08/07 @ approx. 2 PM I saw by eye what I believe to be an adult bald eagle soaring just North of Farwell's Point on LakeMendota. This is on the eastern edge of the Yahara River where it broadens & empties into the Lake.

Entered 1/8/2007 9:55:13 AM__________________________________________
01/08/07 Saw snowy owl sitting on roadside on Hwy 49 in Horicon marsh about 830am it was still there an hour later. Thought it was possibly injured, but it then flew to middle of the ice to continue the hunt.

Entered 1/7/2007 5:12:20 PM__________________________________________
P.S. Ummm, by Mallard comparison I meant a more rotund shape to body, not slender. And wings had a shorter, stubbier "rounded" appearance. Thx.

Entered 1/7/2007 5:09:18 PM__________________________________________
Woodcock, not Snipe....have seen it's ariel display at Middleton Dog Park, every Spring for the last 3 years. Spring flight is exactly as described in SAND COUNTY ALMANAC. Spirals, trills and warbles exactly as described. Sorry to sound petulant, but when I described an equally unusual sighting of a male Mourning Dove with variant colorations ( large white patches on wing tips, white patches on tail and large white throat patch ), all the comments here were equally dismissive, telling me I saw a pigeon. The photos of that Mourning dove are in a collection in the possession of a dove expert, and expert in genetics, in Iowa. I know I saw the woodcocks, so I suppose your collective disbelief is just confirmation that this was a rare sighting, perhaps. I have great respect for serious birders, so maybe I'll keep my camera more at hand. Middleton Dog Park is an excellent site to see some unusual birds...like a Mountain Bluebird ( no, not Indigo Bunting!! ) and an unidentified Blackbird ( LARGE yellow epaulets, no red or white bars, and LARGE yellow, downward-pointing triangle patch on the back of it's head. No other markings on it's black body. )Happy New Year to all, btw.

Entered 1/6/2007 6:33:12 PM__________________________________________
How prevalent are Woodcocks and Snipe on Wisconsin Christmas Bird Counts (CBC'S)? Woodcocks are quite rare, only 4 found state-wide (on about 100 separate Counts) over the last 20 years...whereasan average of 15-20 Snipe have been recorded EVERY YEAR in the same period. Go tohttp://www.audubon.org/bird/cbc/hr/index.html and go to Historical Results, then click on "By Species" etc. Fun!

Entered 1/5/2007 5:00:48 PM__________________________________________
Probably snipes

Entered 1/5/2007 4:50:47 PM__________________________________________
Without having seen these birds, I can't even venture an opinion (although the comparison in size betwoeen a Woodcock and a Mallard seems curious to me...) However, I just saw a report of overwintering Snipe in Olmstead County, MN, so anything is apparently possible - if they can find some unfrozen ground (like around a spring, as the Minnesota Snipe apparently do) to grub for worms, why not?

Entered 1/5/2007 1:48:51 PM__________________________________________
Re: Most certainly not woodcocks. I am familiar with Woodcocks; there is always a Spring mating display ( flight, calls ) at the Middleton Dog Park/ Dunn Marsh every March or so. Definately not Snipe or Morning Dove...these 6 birds were identical to Woodcock male seen at Dog Park, as large as Mallards, with short ( in relation to body size ) wings and same "twinkling" appearance to its flight....I just am surprised to see them at this time of year, and in such a large grouping. Is that unusual behavior for these birds?Thanks.

Entered 1/5/2007 11:26:58 AM__________________________________________
bald eagle sighting on lake mnona, 2 days in a rw i saw a bald eagle fly past my house south east shorwhere would they be nesting?

Entered 1/5/2007 9:13:07 AM__________________________________________
I have a question. We raise various breeds of ducks on our small farm. We would like to introduce a couple of adult swans to the flock. Will they all get along okay? Please let me know as soon as you can. Thank you! Robin Leonard, Pinckney, Michigan. Phone: 734-878-2920. Email: robin@gardenpatchfarm.com

Entered 1/5/2007 5:14:01 AM__________________________________________
At 4:45am I spotted what appeared to be a Snowy Owl in front of the City/County Bldg in downtown Madison, WI (210 Martin Luther ing, Jr. Blvd) swoop down to pluck a mouse or rat from the street. It then circled about near the Monona Terrace before finally landing atop the Johnson Bank (attached to 10 E Doty) and having its well caught dinner. I saw this while on break from my employment at the Dane Co Public Safety Communications (aka 911 Center) and even pointed out the owl to my supervisor as it feasted. It was still there while I had to return to work, but I was later informed that reports had been circulating about this strange visitor and felt I needed to share it with you. - E Vannoy - Communicator - Dane Co. PSCC

Entered 1/4/2007 7:11:24 PM__________________________________________
The birds were almost certainly NOT woodcocks. Most likely shorebird is Snipe. If not shorebirds, maybe Mourning Doves?

Entered 1/4/2007 2:57:36 PM__________________________________________
1/4/07 Yesterday evening in mid-day, was amazed to see what appeared to be 6 Woodcocks, flying in a roughly linear formation, all abreast, roughly from N Lake Mendota toward Wisconsin River ( passedover Pheas.Branch Conservancy. ) Is this sighting common this time of year? Identification is tentative, but they had that "twinkling" appearance as they flew ( short triangular wings, silvery underbody in the low late morning light. )Comments? Is this warmer-than-usual weather producing unusual sightings?

Entered 1/2/2007 11:23:50 PM__________________________________________
Interesting news item re environmental impact of global warming - it hasn't frozen in Amsterdam yet this winter, the warmest in the Netherlands in 300 years of recorded history.

Entered 1/2/2007 12:09:13 PM__________________________________________
There currently is an owl sitting on the back of the AT&T building.

Entered 1/2/2007 12:03:58 PM__________________________________________
Hi! happy new year birders! Has anyone seen the snowy owl since Friday? if so...where? thanks

Entered 1/2/2007 10:53:13 AM__________________________________________
Whoops, my typing error on previous message. The website referred to is Amazilia

Entered 1/2/2007 10:47:04 AM__________________________________________
For those of you, like myself, who have never heard of a slaty backed gull and and wondering what all the fuss is about, a good website for images is www.amzilla.net/images/Birds/Gulls/SlatybackGull.htm

Entered 1/2/2007 9:35:34 AM__________________________________________
I have a question for birders. I participated in the Christmas Bird Count for the first time this year, and am wondering if there is some type of etiquette involved, or if anything goes to find and count birds. Is it considered okay to flush birds with dogs, use recording devices and go off the trails, etc. Perhaps I should have been more aggressive in finding birds to count. Any opinions?

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