2011 Messages

Entered 12/19/2011 10:35:43 PM__________________________________________
Were there any Grackles on the Christmas Count? I do believe I saw one today, also 15 Ruddy Ducks, an immature female Sharpshin Hawk, Belted Kingfisher and a few others.

Entered 12/19/2011 9:28:51 PM__________________________________________
At least 280 Tundra Swans feeding in groups and spread across the north end of Lake Mendota, counting individuals from Governor Nelson beach with binocs (big birds are easy:). This continued into another concentrated flock of est 100 to 150 more (likely Tundra Swans) in the far north end of the bay near Mazonette Marina but too far away to count individuals. Quite a sight and quite a racket! The lower lake level apparently suits their migratory feeding requirements and you have a good chance of seeing them until things ice over. The only 2 Mutes I've seen lately were hanging around Tenny Locks.

Entered 12/19/2011 7:49:46 PM__________________________________________
Anxious to see final results of the Madison CBC, including number of individuals (NOT locations, NB) of birds like Saw-whet and Long-eared Owls, also which spp. of Icterids were found...thanks.

Entered 12/19/2011 10:29:14 AM__________________________________________
Thus far over 350 Tundra Swans have been reported on the Madison CBC. Only 3 Mute Swans have been reported. So, any swans seen in Madison until the lakes freeze over are most likely Tundra. Aaron

Entered 12/19/2011 9:20:35 AM__________________________________________
I dont have my binocs with me...but there appears to be a flock of Tundra Swans on Lake Mendota near Six Mile Creek. Can anyone confirm? Heddy

Entered 12/18/2011 12:08:20 PM__________________________________________
We're up to 6 pine siskins now at the backyard finch feeders.

Entered 12/18/2011 11:45:10 AM__________________________________________
This might be a tad off topic but I was really floored by the incredible pictures of these barn owls in San Francisco) in the Palace of Fine Arts (which is an open sort of giant gazebo made of very beautifully molded concrete). Check out those 'extra' feathers on the wings. [[http://birdlightwind.com/tag/barn-owl/]] The structure emulates the original temporary structure built in 1915 for an exposition. Apparently the barn owls will nest in some odd locations: [[ http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2011/06/17/barn-owl-rescued-from-mothball-fleet-on-suisun-bay/ ]] We might have been able to see these when we were in SF last summer if we had known: [[ http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Owl-Families-Make-Home-in-Park-Palace-of-Fine-Arts-120505814.html ]] I have yet to see a barn owl despite always being on the lookout where they are found. The other owl I never see in the wild either: [[ http://birdlightwind.com/tag/burrowing-owl/ ]]

Entered 12/17/2011 8:23:11 PM__________________________________________
Could the person that sighted the Snowy Owl on 12/14 please contact me (agstutz@sbcglobal.net). I just need a few details about the observation to include it in the count week total for the Madison Christmas Bird Count. Thanks! Aaron Stutz Madison CBC Compiler

Entered 12/17/2011 8:19:46 PM__________________________________________
The species total for the Madison CBC stands at 91 species (93 count week species). A few areas have yet to report their totals. The record high for the count is 95 species (we are so close!). Highlights & Locations (as best as my sleep-deprived mind can recall): Red-necked Grebe--south of Gov. Island Greater White-fronted Goose--Shorewood Hills Snow Goose--Lake Monona Merlin Sandhill Crane Iceland Gull (Adult, Lake Waubesa) Gray Catbird--residential area in Monroe St. area Yellow-rumped Warbler (Arboretum) Red Crossbill (Pheasant Branch) Horned Grebe Long-tailed Ducks (Lake Monona) Long-eared Owl Northern Saw-whet Owl Carolina Wren Winter Wren Eastern Bluebird Fox Sparrow Get-able misses thus far: Wilson's Snipe--the group that typically reports this species has yet to report Horned Lark Brown-headed Cowbird Pied-billed Grebe Short-eared Owl Lapland Longspur Snow Bunting White-winged Crossbill Scoters Glaucous Gull (currently a count week species) Thayer's or Lesser Black-backed Gulls--gull numbers on Mendota were very low today--anybody have time for a trip to the dump tomorrow? Snowy Owl (count week, if I can find the person that anonymously reported one to the Madison Audubon Message Board--Laws Park on 12/14) Pileated Woodpecker (Are they still in the Arb?) Aaron Stutz Madison CBC Compiler Lake Mills, WI Jefferson County

Entered 12/17/2011 4:06:31 PM__________________________________________
I would surmise those were the cranes that had been staging just north of the Wisconsin River between Portage and the Dells (see the message below from Dec. 11)

Entered 12/17/2011 8:33:21 AM__________________________________________
Those cranes must've sensed the impending snow!

Entered 12/16/2011 12:05:18 PM__________________________________________
I live in the western part of Sun Prairie and have had an awesome experience with thousands of cranes flying right overhead this morning. Never ever have there been so many. Surreal! They would get to a point, slow down, circle, and regroup...many times...then more would come.. My assumption is that they were coming from Goose Pond (?).

Entered 12/16/2011 11:35:27 AM__________________________________________
Correct: I incorrectly said to turn right (east) on Hwy. 51. I should have said to turn right (east) on Vinburn Road. -- Diane Harvey

Entered 12/16/2011 11:22:37 AM__________________________________________
Crane alert! This morning, individual flocks of cranes keep coming over our farm, and then wheeling around each other in a big noisy congregation before flying on. We estimate we've seen 1,000 cranes -- no exaggeration! -- literally flock after flock after flock, and they're still coming! Don't know if you want our location, but we're at the corner of Vinburn and Portage Roads, 1 mile east of DeForest. (go north out of Madison on Hwy. 51, past Windsor, and just as you get to the Club 51 tavern outside of DeForest (you'll see it on the left), turn right (east) on Hwy. 51. The racket is deafening, and it's an unbelievable thrill! -- Diane Harvey

Entered 12/14/2011 11:43:51 PM__________________________________________
Sighted Snowy Owl Law Park in Madison, WI 12/14/11 10:42pm

Entered 12/14/2011 7:30:26 PM__________________________________________
Madison birds: today a Merlin, yesterday two warblers, the day before that three Zonotrichias...

Entered 12/13/2011 10:57:21 PM__________________________________________
I did see a couple of Song Sparrows today, but no Whitethroated

Entered 12/13/2011 8:32:37 PM__________________________________________
I seen a snowy owl sitting on top of a telephone pole this morning. It was in Dunn co. the first one I have ever seen, very cool. 12/12/2011

Entered 12/12/2011 5:04:01 PM__________________________________________
Has anybody in Madison seen any species of sparrows lately BESIDES these: Junco, American Tree, Song, Swamp, White-throated?

Entered 12/11/2011 6:30:24 PM__________________________________________
I returned today to the spot where I'd seen a male Common Yellowthroat on December 1st, but couldn't relocate it. Nearby were a Flicker and a male Kestrel. Biked on to a couple other places and saw Golden-crowned Kinglet and Horned Grebe.

Entered 12/11/2011 5:49:20 PM__________________________________________
Regarding binoculars. It particularly makes a difference if people wear glasses or not. If a child wears glasses they really have to try the binoculars out in the store to tell if the "eye relief" is correct or not. I would check out the Wild Birds Unlimited and Eagle Optics as two places where you could hopefully try various models and ask them what they think. This looks promising: http://www.eagleoptics.com/binoculars/eagle-optics/eagle-optics-kingbird-6-5x32-binocular

Entered 12/11/2011 5:18:44 PM__________________________________________
Lake Monona near bicycle shop: coots and gulls. The lake seems to be open. I tried very hard to imagine a large gull perched near one of the yellow plastic things near the outflow from the electric plant to be a snowy but it insisted on looking like a gull. Lake Monona south of turville point: a lot of canada geese. Some shovelers, goldeneyes, hooded mergansers, ruddy ducks. Some ice in the bay was popular for geese and gulls to stand. Lake farm park: some tundra swans in various places. The lake is partly frozen. Some swans were standing on the ice napping, others were swimming. There was a flock of coots near the shore south of the boat launch. Then we saw 4 eagles come in and perch in tall trees right overlooking the coots. Poor coots!

Entered 12/11/2011 2:49:35 PM__________________________________________
Hello, I would like to get my kids binoculars. They are 7 and 9. We are going to Costa Rica in the spring, but also would love to start birding at Pheasant Branch. Does anyone have a low-price option that would work for kids?

Entered 12/11/2011 11:08:09 AM__________________________________________
On December 10th there were hundreds and hundreds of sandhill cranes feeding and resting above Portage WI in the area between Hwy O, Hwy 16, and Hwy 127 above and along Weyh Rd. There was so many one could not count them. It was a beautiful experience watching the birds lift up by the hundreds close to sundown to fly to river bottoms to rest for the night. If you go take your time to meander around the side roads to take in the viewing of the birds. Sandy Paske

Entered 12/9/2011 6:46:54 PM__________________________________________
It came up ok for me, but we are checking it out.

Entered 12/9/2011 6:03:07 PM__________________________________________
I just tried to view the December CAWS on-line here, and got a Malware alert. Is this site compromised?

Entered 12/8/2011 1:30:43 PM__________________________________________
Got a pine siskin at the backyard finch feeder.

Entered 12/7/2011 10:44:34 AM__________________________________________
Yesterday morning between 5:30 am and 6 am while running along John Nolen Bike Bath I viewed a Snowy Owl sitting on a sign post. The owl flew off and landed on the roof of the Sheriff's Baothouse at the end of the park. I got within 20 feet of the building and was able to watch it for quite a while. What a beautiful bird.

Entered 12/7/2011 10:21:45 AM__________________________________________
Webmaster Update: The "BirdList Lookup" link above and on the home page bring up [[http://madisonaudubon.org/audubon/birdlist/]] with lists of birds. This is a quick lookup designed to work on phones and tablets as well as PC's. The default list is the Wisconsin Checklist. Other lists can be selected and new lists can be added. Clicking on a bird name links to eNature pictures and sounds. Clicking on # links to eBird maps showing recent sightings in Wisconsin. Changes: There was a bug in the # link due to a recent eBird update, this should now be working again. The BirdList link to eBird has also been updated to show sightings in Wisconsin in the last two months by default rather than the whole year. Once in eBird you can select other timeframes and map areas. Also the eBird sightings maps now appear correctly on Android phones and pads, this didn't used to work. If you have an iPhone or iPad, please let us know if eBird sightings maps are working. Thanks! - webmaster@madisonaudubon.org

Entered 12/7/2011 8:22:46 AM__________________________________________
House Sparrows belong to the genus Passer (the true sparrows), which are Old World sparrows and related to weaver finches. North American sparrows, which belong to the family Emberizidae are genetically more closely related to buntings than they are Old World sparrows.

Entered 12/6/2011 10:59:26 AM__________________________________________
There are lots of birds on the Madison lakes, all of which are entirely open except for some of the bays on a cold morning. At this time of year the Common Mergansers are just arriving, they will be one of the most abundant birds on the lakes until just before they freeze over. I think there was only one year where Lake Mendota never froze over at all.

Entered 12/6/2011 10:26:18 AM__________________________________________
Wisconsin Birding on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wisbirdn/

Entered 12/5/2011 8:20:48 AM__________________________________________
Yeah, sounds good, the only two sparrow species present in numbers from now on are Junco and American Tree. House Sparrows are not sparrows

Entered 12/4/2011 8:17:17 PM__________________________________________
Checked out picnic point today. Some goldeneyes, buffleheads, coots, no swans. A shrike was seen at the "bottom" of the prairie to the east and north of the Gardens. If you were looking north toward the lake from the compost piles, the general area was in small trees in front of area where you can see the lake as the trees on the lakeshore are not that thick there. The shrike moved from tree top to tree top then we lost sight of it. In the dead plants standing in the water in the marsh at picnic point, not far from the stone building, were a great many sparrows. They had red on the top and central breast spots. Light was very poor and I'm no good at sparrows. I'm guessing American Tree sparrow.

Entered 12/4/2011 7:34:33 PM__________________________________________
See the list of Christmas bird count coordinators on our home page madisonaudubon.org in the box on the right side of the page.

Entered 12/4/2011 8:56:08 AM__________________________________________
When is the Christmas bird count giong to take place this year?

Entered 12/3/2011 9:45:09 PM__________________________________________
Checked out Gov Nelson park late this afternoon when it quit raining temporarily. Quite a few tundra swans off the pet beach area. Some black and white diving ducks but didn't get a good look. The party is over in our back yard. A cooper's hawk is hanging around the feeders. She is a beautiful bird though. Had 2 tufted titmice visit today. And then Coopie showed up. Hope there's still two titmice.

Entered 12/3/2011 11:09:55 AM__________________________________________
Where on Dike road is it best to look for Snowies? we're desperate to see them!

Entered 12/2/2011 6:00:02 PM__________________________________________
The pictured swan looks like a Bewick's Swan, which is the European race of Tundra. Lots of yellow! but not pink or "knobbed" like a Mute would be

Entered 12/2/2011 11:23:41 AM__________________________________________
your link to tundra swans is a picture of a mute swan

Entered 12/1/2011 10:48:07 PM__________________________________________
many tundra swans 11/30/11, 8:30am, lake monona between cottage grove rd and the east side club. noisy bunch!

Entered 12/1/2011 9:37:09 PM__________________________________________
Re prairie planting msg below, we will meet at Goose Pond Fri Dec 2 at 12:30 and go plant until about 4. If necessary we will continue planting on Sat.

Entered 12/1/2011 11:53:07 AM__________________________________________
Notice of Public Event: Prairie Enthusiasts invites Audubon members and the public to attend their annual banquet, see [[http://www.ThePrairieEnthusiasts.org]] for details and make reservations.

Entered 12/1/2011 9:40:52 AM__________________________________________
Yesterday Nov 30: tundra swans at Gov Nelson park in Madison. Right off the swimming beach.

Entered 12/1/2011 9:18:09 AM__________________________________________
UPDATE RE PRAIRIE PLANTING - This may be changed to Fri Dec 2 instead of Sat Dec 3 if weather indicates rain on Sat. See message below for details and contact info to confirm date.

Entered 11/30/2011 6:21:59 PM__________________________________________
We live 3 miles south of McFarland in wooded subdivision and I was backing out of my driveway yesterday morning at 0745 and just happened to notice a LARGE, white bird perched on the roof of the house-drove back into the driveway and got out of my car-talk about unbelievable-it was a HUGE snowy owl. It proceeded to watch me walk along the side of the house and it just sat there-I was running late and couldn't go back into the house to get the camera-called my husband and he checked the roof 2 and 1/2 hours later and it was still sitting there-by the time he went back in and back outside with the camera, he was too late to snap a photo, but was able to see it fly away. According to most of my bird books, the snowy owl doesn't get down this far south unless it is looking for food. But reading the message below from someone who said he had seen one at Horicon Marsh I am convinced that indeed it was a snowy owl. Again, it was unbelievable. Hope we see it again. malesch@charter.net

Entered 11/30/2011 1:35:22 PM__________________________________________
VOLUNTEER PRAIRIE OUTDOOR FUN THIS WEEKEND SAT DEC 3! Join us to help with hand planting 10- acres at Empire Prairies - Hagen Prairie Unit State Natural Area. Hagen Prairie is part of the Mud Lake State Wildlife Area east of Poynette. We will meet at Goose Pond - Arlington at 9:30 a.m. or at Hagen Prairie at 10:00 a.m. If we have enough volunteers we should be done planting early afternoon. Let me know if you are are planning on attending. I can also provide you with more information. Bring a lunch. Contact: Mark.Martin@wisconsin.gov, work phone 608-266-8916; home phone 608-635-4160; cell phone 608-333-9645. The weather looks good at this point. Link with more info, see map 2 for Hagen Prairie [[http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/er/sna/index.asp?SNA=146]] Thanks

Entered 11/26/2011 6:45:36 PM__________________________________________
Far afield: 11/25: We visited western wisconsin friends for the holidays and the suggestion was made to go to Brownsville, Minnesota to see the swans. Yes there were thousands of tundra swans and a tremendous number of eagles. A lovely area we have never before visited. Crossing the Mississippi on 90 at LaCrosse we saw eagles standing on islands. There were many more south of there. Never saw so many bald eagles. Many standing on islands, many soaring, many sitting in trees, they were everywhere. Saw entertaining skirmishes of the one eagle has a fish and other eagles want it variety. And never saw so many swans. South of Brownsville there are 2 turn offs off hwy 26 one of which is very very good with telescopes and a bathroom. There was a friendly learned Federal employee to field questions about wildlife. I overheard someone say they saw a snowy owl north of there, Caledonia? We were looking but saw no owls. There were many ducks and coots on the mississippi but the light was very poor and mostly we did not id them (except the coots :-)

Entered 11/25/2011 8:10:36 PM__________________________________________
Biking in Madison today, saw a Great Horned Owl, at least four adult Bald Eagles (that many were in sight simultaneously), Northern Shrike, Merlin (going south), adult male Cooper's Hawk less than 20 feet away, half a dozen Redtails, Horned Grebes in a couple places, one group of several hundred Northern Shovelers, group of about 200 Gadwall, others. It felt good not to be in a car.

Entered 11/25/2011 12:46:09 PM__________________________________________
Snowy owls at horicon on dike road, fantastic

Entered 11/24/2011 6:19:29 PM__________________________________________
11/24/11 cherokee marsh flock of 10 or more eastern bluebirds lu's marsh. they had flown over the grasslands area. between 1 and 2 pm thomas kozlovsky

Entered 11/24/2011 8:24:49 AM__________________________________________
I have some suggestions about the message software. First of all, could it stop removing carriage returns? Secondly if it must remove them, and I don't think it should, it should replace them with a space. thanks! Also the algorithm for dealing with square brackets is not quite right. Thus if one puts two cases of double square bracketted items next to each other, it merges them. One would need to go from 2 right square brackets backward until one found 2 left square brackets and consider that a url.

Entered 11/24/2011 8:17:59 AM__________________________________________
http://www.burpee.org/ Burbee (Rockford, ILL) has now Hoo Haven. Museum Hours 10:00-5:00 7 Days a Week $10 Adults $9 Children (4-12) Children under 3 & under: FREE Museum Rates Includes Ice Age Mammals Members: FREE Hoo Haven: Live Birds of Prey hoo haven Friday November 25, 2011 FREE with museum admission Looking for a fun post-Thanksgiving activity for the whole family? "Hoo" Haven Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Center will be at Burpee Museum on Friday November 25th from 11am-3pm presenting their "Raptor Ambassador Programs." Hoo Haven volunteers will be available between 11:00am and 3:00pm in the Riverview Room, and the live raptor programs, also in the Riverview Room, will be held at 11:30am and 1:30pm. About Hoo Haven: Karen & Steven Herdklotz have been providing licensed wildlife rehabilitation for nearly three decades. "Hoo" Haven, Inc. became a 501C3 not for profit in January 2000. The facility serves all of Northern Illinois, Southern Wisconsin, and Eastern Iowa for rehabilitation of North American wildlife. Hoo Haven also serves as the only "Regional Eagle Recovery Center" for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service within an 80 mile radius. Hoo Haven provides this community service (wildlife rehab) at no cost to the public as the center is supported 100% with volunteers, donations, and grants. Each year, Hoo Haven rehabilitates 400-800 animals and birds annually and its education team provides about 150 Raptor Ambassador Programs to teach the public about wildlife.

Entered 11/18/2011 2:34:15 PM__________________________________________
Does anyone have any suggestions for places to visit with an eight year old obsessed with owls? Or maybe are there owling groups in the winter? Thanks. amschneider8@me.com

Entered 11/17/2011 8:54:44 PM__________________________________________
Great Horned Owls are active hooting, here's some interesting info [[http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Great_Horned_owl/lifehistory]]

Entered 11/15/2011 4:56:01 PM__________________________________________
HORNED GREBES: yes, they are on all of the Madison lakes right now, white with a blackish "flattop." They dive for fish. Other black and white birds out there could be diving ducks such as Bufflehead (most common), Hooded Mergansers or Common Goldeneye.

Entered 11/15/2011 4:08:24 PM__________________________________________
Today, I saw "Horned Grebes"??? in Lake Monona off of Olin Park. Smaller than Western Grebes but similar. Can someone confirm this is the bird I saw? Thanks.

Entered 11/14/2011 2:57:13 PM__________________________________________
Re: bird IDs. The first is a Palm Warbler (note the yellow at the base of the tail and the non-finch bill. The bird was very likely wagging its tail constantly); other one is a partially-leucistic female House Finch (leucisticism is similar to albinism, and seems to be pretty common in House Finches.)

Entered 11/14/2011 12:19:56 PM__________________________________________
Ok I would guess the first one is a goldfinch in winter plumage. I would guess the second ones are house finches.

Entered 11/13/2011 10:49:41 PM__________________________________________
Hello birders. I am a newbie who can't identify these two birds. If you could help, that would be great! Bird one [[http://picasaweb.google.com/102025252285785884770/General#5674706978220806594]] has a white eye line and yellow rump and I saw him in September in Verona. Bird two [[http://picasaweb.google.com/102025252285785884770/General#5591200113317100242]] looks like a finch but has white patches on his forehead (partially albino perhaps?). He was in Verona in Spring. Thank you everyone.

Entered 11/9/2011 4:34:53 PM__________________________________________
Laura from the Sunday MAS field trip to Lake Michigan - you left your binoculars in Georgia's car. Please contact the office or me (pfissel@library.wisc.edu or 608-226-0260) and I'll get you in touch with Georgia. Peter Fissel - MAS Field Trips Coordinator

Entered 10/25/2011 1:42:07 PM__________________________________________
Migrating waterfowl continue to make their long journey south. Join us at Goose Pond Sanctuary on Sunday, Oct. 30th from 2:00 - 4:00 to wish them well as they catch their breath at Goose Pond. Meet the volunteers on Prairie Lane by the kiosk and permanent scope on the south side of the pond, which is located on Goose Pond Road south of Kampen road. Twenty species of birds were found there among the hundreds of Canada geese last Sunday. The Tundra swans, which usually are among the last of the migration flocks, had not arrived yet. -joe from the office

Entered 10/23/2011 11:52:26 AM__________________________________________
10/22/2011 We stopped at a very small park off 78 (just east past the intersection of 113 and 78) near Merrimac. The road was Walleye Ln. The park is past the wayside. There were a large number of birds bathing in the river water in the sun. Saw many many yellow rumped warblers, various sparrows, yard birds... This was the only place we saw yellow rumps. There might have been poison ivy there. We have previously determined that yellow rumps were crazy about poison ivy berries.

Entered 10/23/2011 11:42:57 AM__________________________________________
Went hiking at the Merrimac Riverland Conservancy. [[ http://www.riverlandconservancy.org/Trailmaps.pdf ]] [[ http://www.wisconsinbirds.org/trail/sites/Riverland.gif ]] Actually didn't see a huge number of birds but wonderful scenery of Devil's Lake, the Devil's nose and the Devil's crown. Tremendous amounts of prairie, lots of marshland, pools, streams, sandy uplands. There's a very scenic stone cabin back there. One would think all this grassland would attract similar birds to the Spring Green preserve. Some very beautiful bluebirds checking out holes in a dead tree trunk, cedar waxwings, juncos. Fish darting out from under the overhanging grass in the crystal clear Mankey creek. There are at least 2 really nice boardwalks on the trail. We only did half of the trail. We were having doubts about the route so went back the way we came and it turns out we had gotten halfway (the way that goes clockwise on the orange dotted trail). Also there are some nice views off the Marsh Rd. Really a lot of trails back off the road some of which look traveled enough to risk tickwise. Plus the Southern Devil's Lake Ice Age Trail which we have not hiked yet. Definitely would visit again. BTW we saw a sign in one place that said it was closed Nov 6 (sorry forgot the 2nd date) for hunting. That's a sad thing about the ice age trails and most any woodland trails as hiking stops with deer season. This is like the only time for us to go hiking because in the summer we go boating and the spring has too many ticks to dare set foot on grass trails.

Entered 10/17/2011 10:29:23 AM__________________________________________
winter is SO near. Saw today a white-throated sparrow and a white crowned sparrow in the backyard.

Entered 10/17/2011 10:10:29 AM__________________________________________
FYI bird song identification computerized: [[ http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/education/campus_connection/article_2aeb64c2-f6a8-11e0-b0e2-001cc4c002e0.html ]] UW-Madison ornithologist Mark Berres has developed a smartphone application that can record a bird's call, send it wirelessly to a server in his office and, within seconds, receive an ID on the species chirping away. ... Berres says the computing power needed to drive this program is "pretty substantial" and adds it's currently being run on one server in his office. The reason he hasn't released the app publicly is he fears if too many people sent queries into the system at once that it would grind to a halt and turn off frustrated users.

Entered 10/15/2011 9:06:59 AM__________________________________________
Seen today 10/15/2011: a junco! Beautiful little bird but shows sadly that winter is just around the corner. Two not-adult-male rose breasted grosbeaks. From a non-enhanced-vision distance they look like very large house finches but the eye stripes give them away. A male rufous-sided towhee on the ground under the feeders. Gorgeous. Never see them except during migration. A kinglet in the branches above. It was very talented. At that moment the wind was extremely strong and gusty. But the little kinglet could grip a branch then let go and fly to another branch and latch on and keep doing this without getting blown out. I wonder how they can hop around confidently in a gale? And a tufted titmouse. (Actually the titmouse was here all summer but I really like titmice.) This was the first year we had titmice all summer. They have many distinctive calls. Once I learned them from "our" titmouse, I found titmice are a lot more common than I thought. A lot of "chickadees" turn out to be titmice.

Entered 10/14/2011 7:38:33 AM__________________________________________
IT'S PRAIRIE PICKIN' TIME! Good news from Goose Pond - 1.3 inches of rain today will help set seed for the late blooming species. Stiff gentians are still in peak flower. Help with seed collecting - Volunteers Welcome! Tom and Kathie Brock and Sue Slapnick will coordinate seed collecting at Goose Pond on Saturday Oct. 15 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Don Schmidt may also need some help seed stripping Indian grass. Oct. 22 - We will collect at Goose Pond in the morning of Saturday Oct. 22. In the afternoon of Oct. 22 we will go to Faville Grove and help Karows collect seed for a 40 acre prairie restoration on their land near Fort Atkinson. If you would like to participate in collecting at Faville Grove we could eat lunch at Culvers and then head to Faville. If you would just like to collect in the afternoon you could also meet us at the MAS house on Prairie Lane at Faville Grove at 1:30 p.m. Mark's cell is 608-333-9645 if you have questions. Faville has many species to collect and Karows will appreciate the help. Karows have an adjacent prairie wetland with over 260 native species. Oct. 29 - We will collect at Goose Pond from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

Entered 10/4/2011 4:41:56 PM__________________________________________
2012 Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy Phenology Calendar The Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy is again offering an informational and well-presented Phenology Calendar. The calendar will feature photographs from the Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy photo contest and will include a checklist for seasonal animal and plant events, sunrise, sunset and weather data, and monthly nature notes. These calendars make great gifts! Order yours now by downloading an order form at www.pheasantbranch.org.

Entered 9/28/2011 2:47:00 PM__________________________________________
SPOTS OPEN! Due to a couple cancellations we have several spots open for this Saturday's popular evening field trip to watch and learn about Saw-whet Owl banding at the research station south of Stevens Point. It's amazing, and a great event for kids as well as adults. We're especially looking for someone willing to take a couple riders who might otherwise not be able to go. Please call Paul at 608-698-0104 for more info and to sign up right away if you want to get in on this great trip!

Entered 9/28/2011 9:03:25 AM__________________________________________
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY - The shingles are all off the old cattle shed at Goose Pond, thanks to all the folks who like to scramble about on roofs. Now we need those of you who prefer to stay earth-bound, to volunteer to get these shingles picked up and tossed into a dumpster. Please come and help this Saturday, Oct. 1, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the house on Kampen Road just west of Goose Pond Road south of Arlington. The more hands, the faster the work! Be sure to bring leather gloves and good boots for protection from all the nails. To volunteer, contact Curt Caslavka, our Facilities chairperson, at caslavka@wisc.edu or 608-836-1865 (evenings).

Entered 9/28/2011 8:57:10 AM__________________________________________
INVITATION - On Saturday, October 1, there is a 1:00 p.m. dedication at Westport Drumlin Prairie (on Bong Road, east of Highway 113 between Madison and Waunakee - click here for more details [[http://www.nhlt.org/page.asp?page=westportdrumlinday]] and a map [[http://www.dnr.wi.gov/org/land/er/sna/index.asp?SNA=146]]. Westport Drumlin Prairie is on the south edge of the Empire Prairie. Westport has about 1,400 prairie bush clover plants and the prairie bush clover plants at Goose Pond were from Westport seed. Three years ago the natural area was only 15 acres in size. The dedication is to recognize partners especially Natural Heritage Land Trust who purchased three parcels totaling 200 acres in the past three years. They have installed a kiosk and the Brocks helped prepare signage. The purchase included about 10 acres of high quality prairie that The Prairie Enthusiast have managed for over 20 years. There is also about 188 acres of cropland that will be restored using local genotypes. Contact Heidi Habeger at heidi@nhlt.org or (608) 258-9797 to register for this event.

Entered 9/28/2011 8:50:36 AM__________________________________________
Friday Seed Collecting Volunteers Needed - We will be collecting seed at Goose Pond on Friday September 30 and will meet at 9:30 a.m. at the house on Kampen Road, just west of Goose Pond Road south of Arlington. We will collect until noon and then begin again seed collecting from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Bring a lunch if you would like to collect all day or just in the morning. We will also be collecting at UW Farms and also marking out prairie gentians.

Entered 9/27/2011 9:12:22 AM__________________________________________
Hawk-watching by bike: last Thursday in Madison, 295 Broadwings over, going mostly SSW.

Entered 9/26/2011 9:06:36 AM__________________________________________
Broad wing hawk migration. Last Tuesday, September 20th, Elkhart Lake, WI. Top of the hill at Road America race track. Watched two kettles - first one 75+ hawks about 9:30 AM and the second one about 25 hawks about 10:15 flying from the north east towards the south west. Liz Wessel, 608.238.9934.

Entered 9/25/2011 3:11:47 PM__________________________________________
The popular field trip to watch Saw-whet Owl Banding near Stevens Point this coming Saturday Oct 1 7:30-9:30pm still has some openings! It's great for bird lovers and for families - each participant gets to help release an owl. More details are at [[http://madisonaudubon.org/audubon/fieldtrips/2011fieldtripdetails.htm]] and driving directions are at [[http://raptorresearch.org]]. A $7 fee and reservations are required, contact paul_noeldner@hotmail.com or call 608-698-0104 to get on the trip list and to confirm driving or carpool arrangements.

Entered 9/23/2011 5:59:46 PM__________________________________________
Bill McKibben and his wonderful crew at 350.org are organizing for the MOVING PLANET events to be held on Saturday (September 24th). There are several in Madison, including one at Brittingham Park. To add YOUR event, or get details, go to www.350.org We can stop climate change!

Entered 9/21/2011 7:40:10 AM__________________________________________
Tuesday September 20, 2011 5:35 p.m. 3 Whooping Cranes in Marsh area just outside Loganville, WI off Hwy 23!!!

Entered 9/16/2011 8:36:37 AM__________________________________________
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: Like to bird Devil’s Lake State Park?? “Devil’s Lake State Park Centennial, 1911-2011”. Presented by Susan Johansen, Wisconsin DNR. Spend an entertaining evening learning about the fascinating history of one of Wisconsin’s premier state parks. Tuesday, October 4, 2011, 7:00 PM @ West Point Town Hall (Hwy. 188 & Rausch Rd.) N2114 Rausch Road, Lodi, WI 53555. For more info call 608-592-7059.

Entered 9/16/2011 8:11:59 AM__________________________________________
09/17/2011 Alert: Please Ask Dane County Board to Continue Bonding for Conservation Fund. See [[http://madisonaudubon.org/audubon/alerts]]

Entered 9/16/2011 7:46:46 AM__________________________________________
Prairie Seed Collecting Opportunities - Volunteers welcome, no experience necessary! Great for scouts and other groups. Seeds are used to restore additional prairies and wetlands. Madison Audubon does seed collecting at Goose Pond every Saturday morning now thru October, see the CAWS article at [[http://madisonaudubon.com/audubon/news/2011September.pdf]] for details., Volunteers are also welcome to help collect seeds of Joe Pye weed and boneset to use in a wetland restoration in Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park this coming Saturday, Sept. 17, 1-3 pm. Bring short pruning loppers if you have them. Meet at Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park North Unit, 6098 N. Sherman Ave. Head north on N. Sherman Ave to the main parking lot at the end of the gravel road. If you have questions, call Jan Axelson 241-5828 in advance or 215-0426 on the day of the event.

Entered 9/5/2011 3:12:34 PM__________________________________________
Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory Invite: "Our Hawk Weekend festival is Sept 16-18! Private raptor photography workshop with Mpls wildlife photographer Stan Tekiela featuring live hawks with handlers, Saturday Sept 17, 1-4 pm. Multiple field trip options, advanced hawkwatching workshop. Saturday evening social with live music, silent & live auction with plenty of cool items. Hope to see you here! [[http://www.hawkridge.org]]

Entered 9/5/2011 9:01:51 AM__________________________________________
Good Morning - I am the owner of a small shop in Cambridge, WI and would like to carry Audobon products, but am having a hard time figuring out who to contact. If anyone could help me out, that would be great! I'm the mom of an adult disabled son and he works with me and bags some of his own seed, but I would love to carry their seeds, chocolate bars, books, etc...and support the cause:) Thanks for your time and attention! Oh...and yesterday...on my way to open the store...between Rockdale and Cambridge, I thought I was coming upon a horrible accident as traffic came to a screaching halt and everyone was out of their cars and snapping cellphone pics, and I got out to see what had happened and their was a magnificent bald eagle sitting on the side of the road, having a very fresh 'brunch'. It was a sight to behold! Sara - Owner of Wild Things, Cambridge, WI - wildthings2010@yahoo.com - 608-764-3111

Entered 8/26/2011 12:50:20 PM__________________________________________
Biking today, saw an Eastern Kingbird (soon to be gone south) attacking a passing Crow -- possibly for no good reason other than "hormones" -- and a Hummingbird simultaneously buzzing the kingbird! It is to laugh. Carbon-footprint: none.

Entered 8/22/2011 11:34:27 PM__________________________________________
Hi all, I shore-birded Zeloski Marsh and 2 spots along the Crawfish River this morning. I had 14 species and 600+ individuals at three stops today. The bulk of the shorebirds were at Zeloski--I spent at least an hour and a half along a 50 yard stretch of trail picking through the flocks of shorebirds. Visiting Zeloski right now is definitely worth your time. When entering from London Road (the closest entrance to the shorebirds) you must hike for approximately a mile to get to good habitat. All the shorebirds are north of the east-west trail. Budget at least 2.5 hours. Zeloski Highlights: American White Pelican 120 Great Blue Heron 20 Great Egret 70 Green Heron 1 Peregrine Falcon 1--While scanning shorebirds, oblivious to my surroundings, I heard a whooooosh and caught a blur out of the corner of my eye. On its approach to the shorebird area the falcon flew in at eye level less the six feet from my head! I'm pretty sure I felt a breeze from its wings as it passed me. Very exciting! This type of approach also makes sense strategically--on a relatively flat landscape I was the tallest object around. The peregrine used me for cover until the last minute and then ambushed the shorebird flock (unsuccessfully). Virginia Rail 2--1 juvenile mixed in with shorebirds Sora 1 Common Gallinule 12--only a few adults--mostly juveniles in various plumages marching around amongst the shorebirds. American Golden-Plover 1--westbound flyover--stirred up by the Peregrine Semipalmated Plover 1 Killdeer 50 Greater Yellowlegs 20 Lesser Yellowlegs 150--conservative estimate Semipalmated Sandpiper 12 Least Sandpiper 80 Baird's Sandpiper 6 Pectoral Sandpiper 40 peep sp. 100--large numbers are too far north to id to species--the Peregrine was helpful mixing up the flocks from time to time allowing me to see more individuals. BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER 1--juvenile--provided good views, did not flush when the Peregrine passed over--always on the drier portions of the mudflats often near Baird's Short-billed Dowitcher 1--juv. Wilson's Snipe 6 Red-headed Woodpecker 2--south of London Road 19& Crawfish River Highlights: Killdeer 10 Greater Yellowlegs 2 Lesser Yellowlegs 10 Semipalmated Sandpiper 10 Least Sandpiper 20 Pectoral Sandpiper 5 YESTERDAY: Sanderling 1 Olson Road & Crawfish River--My first visit to this spot. Mudflats are south of the boat launch. You need a scope. Spotted Sandpiper 4 Solitary Sandpiper 2 Greater Yellowlegs 1 Lesser Yellowlegs 40 Semipalmated Sandpiper 5 Least Sandpiper 30 Baird's Sandpiper 1 Pectoral Sandpiper 10 Short-billed Dowitcher 2 Aaron Stutz Lake Mills, WI Jefferson County

Entered 8/20/2011 3:59:01 PM__________________________________________
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY - BE A BIRD MENTOR - Hello All Bird Mentors! We are gearing up to start a new year sharing the joy of birding with kids and adults! Please respond if you will participate on the Bird Mentoring Team for 2011-12 . The Madison Audubon Bird Mentor program helps provide materials and equipment. The kids and adults that are part of the presentations really appreciate learning and sharing time with the birds. Please email dwylie@chorus.net if you would like more info. Thanks! Dee :-D

Entered 8/20/2011 3:40:52 PM__________________________________________
INTERESTING VOLUNTEER OPPPORTUNITY - Curt, our Facilities chairperson, needs some volunteers. Please consider helping out - the more the merrier! Madison Audubon is looking for volunteers to help remove shingles from a cattle shed which we are demolishing at Goose Pond Sanctuary. The building is located at the farm residence of our sanctuary managers, Mark and Sue-Foote Martin, W7503 Kampen Rd., just south of Arlington, Wisconsin. Suggested items to bring with you include leather gloves and thick-soled hiking boots or other heavy boots. We plan on meeting at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, at the sanctuary. The building has a low arched roof and it should be relatively easy to remove the shingles. You must contact Curt Caslavka, MAS Sanctuaries Facilities Committee Chairperson, if you want to help, so he can have enough snacks on hand.E-mail Curt at caslavka@wisc.eduanytime or if you have questions, or call (after August 27 only, please) 608-836-1865 (evenings).

Entered 8/14/2011 10:53:59 PM__________________________________________
Several carloads of enthusiastic birders joined me for the Shorebirds of Southern Wisconsin field trip this morning. While it was a bit cloudy and cool to start, things cleared off just as we got up to Harvey Rd. north of Hwy 60 in Columbia County (Harvey/Wangsness is completely drained and cultivated this year.) Unfortunately, the sun glare made viewing the pond east of Harvey a real challenge. We got a bit excited when we spotted four large shorebirds huddled in a cluster, but they eventually began to feed with another Greater Yellowlegs and looked a lot more like that species once they were moving around. Since we were so close, we went up to Schoeneberg Marsh and walked out on the road past the curve (supposedly soon to be removed.) While we couldn't find the hoped-for Red-necked Grebe, we did see an amazing number of Common Gallinules (upwards of a dozen, with quite a few young.) Also had a few Yellow-headed Blackbirds (not living up to their name this time of year,) and a probable Willow Flycatcher by the willow thicket (it never vocalized for us.) Also had a Solitary SP working the muddy edges. Goose Pond and the DM/I ponds were pretty much devoid of birdlife. Patton/V/Schumacher complex was better, with a few Black Terns, the resident Bald Eagle, and a nice little mix of shorebirds (Lesser YLs, Pectoral, Least and Spotted Sandpipers.) The Schumacher/Cuba Valley Rd. west pond is looking good, and had scads of Killdeer, Lesser YLs, Pectoral and Least, and a couple of Semi-palmated Plovers. We left there around 11:00 and missed the Red Knot that Bill Brooks and Jane Dennis had later... nuts. Both that location and the Hwy V ponds bear watching this week, but mind the traffic. Both roads are busy, and Schumacher is narrow, so get as far off to the side as you can and watch out. Drivers are NOT inclined to slow down (that goes double for County V, but the shoulders are wider there.) Peter Fissel - MAS Field Trips Coordinator

Entered 8/11/2011 11:18:53 AM__________________________________________
There is still room in my two fall courses for teachers interested in biology professional development. These courses are: Wisconsin Tree ID (2-week online and field course): Join UW-Madison ecologist and outreach specialist, Catherine Woodward, for an online and field based course on Wisconsin Tree Identification! September 19-October 1. See http://www.wistep.wisc.edu/treeid.html for more information. Also, immerse yourself in the tropics with this online professional development course for teachers, or anyone interested in learning more about Rainforests and Coral Reefs. Earn up to 2 UW-Madison credits! For more information visit: http://www.wistep.wisc.edu/rainforests-reefs.html

Entered 8/11/2011 10:45:16 AM__________________________________________
Hi! I'm new here and looking for some great horned owl expertise... If someone would be willing to advise me on where/how to spot them, or perhaps take me owling, I would appreciate it!!! Or if you can tell me where they have been sited/ nested in previous years, I'd love to hear about it (this is for a thesis project,not planning on disturbing them). My email is lorenzsonn@gmail.com Thank you!

Entered 8/10/2011 10:38:44 PM__________________________________________
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES - There are two opportunities for volunteers at Goose Pond on Friday Aug 12 and Saturday Aug 13 from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., come any time and stay as long as you can. There is a lot of seed collecting, weeding, and building cleanup including painting to do. On Saturday (9:30 a.m. to noon) we will be collecting golden Alexander and maybe checking out the UW Farm. If you have any questions call us at 608-635-4160 or cell at 608-333-9645. Mark and Sue Foote-Martin, Goose Pond Sanctuary, W7503 Kampen Road Arlington, WI 53911. Thanks for helping!

Entered 8/7/2011 7:40:26 AM__________________________________________
There are now two shallow ponds at Owen Park that would make good toad "nurseries," maybe check there for tadpoles next May.

Entered 8/6/2011 2:51:13 PM__________________________________________
We never saw a toad the whole time we've lived in our near west side suburban location on the side of a very very large hill. I always thought it was just not damp enough or something. We could however hear toad singing if the wind was coming from Owen park the correct time of the year. It'd be a very long "hop" from there uphill to our house. So we were very surprised when we came back from a trip out of town (7/13 -- 7/19) to immediately find small toads in our yard, everywhere. All very small and very dark brown. They are still around especially where we are watering things but are getting a bit larger. So apparently they were baby toads and not really small adult toads. I just thought this was very interesting and it reminds me of all the old legends about toad rains. [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raining_animals]] Actually it's hard to imagine where around here any toads were hatching. But I haven't snooped in everyone's yard. Maybe someone has a fish-free pool of water and some toads. I don't know.

Entered 7/31/2011 9:06:26 PM__________________________________________
Interesting NYTimes video on successful habitat restoration [[http://video.nytimes.com/video/2011/07/29/nyregion/100000000971842/on-the-edge.html]]

Entered 7/29/2011 2:39:42 PM__________________________________________
Grosbeaks Galore! How to Create an Oasis for Migratory Birds On Your Property - Sign Up Now! Saturday, Oct. 8 at Forest Beach Migratory Preserve (old Squires Golf Course) north of Port Washington. This event, which is open to the public, costs only $5, which includes lunch; keynote speaker Dr. Doug Tallamy, author of Bringing Nature Home; and much, much more, click here for more info: [[http://www.owlt.org/news/72]] AND [[http://midwestbirdmonitoring.ning.com/events/birds-and-your-landscape]] Organizers are hoping to draw at least 100 participants, but have room for up to 200. Let's help them exceed their goal! Please share this announcement with groups, contacts, bird clubs, or other organizations to which you belong. To help them plan, you must preregister with Kim Grveles at Wisconsin DNR (608-264-8594; Kim.Grveles@Wisconsin.gov). Please do so soon. Speakers include Dr. Doug Tallamy, author of “Bringing Nature Home”, Kim Grveles - Wisconsin DNR: Stopover ecology, Craig Thompson - Wisconsin DNR: Orioles to Ocelots, Vicki Piaskowski - formerly of Birds Without Borders – Aves Sin Fronteras, Zoological Society of Milwaukee, Mariette Nowak - author of “Birdscaping ithe Midwest”, Bill Mueller & Scott Diehl - Western Great Lakes Bird & Bat Observatory and Wisconsin Humane Society - Eliminating Threats to Birds, Dr. Noel Cutright - Western Great Lakes Bird and Bat Observatory - Connecting Migrant Birds with the Landscape. In addition to these speakers, there will be activities both indoors and outdoors, native plant vendors and restoration consultants, displays and presentations on the Bird City Wisconsin program, invasive plants and how to deal with them on your land, water features for birds, a bird-banding demonstration area, and guided walks around Forest Beach Migratory Preserve, which is being developed specifically for migratory songbirds. Come look at our preserve, learn what we are doing, and how you can attract many more bird species to your land or yard and provide habitat for them!

Entered 7/29/2011 11:18:51 AM__________________________________________
Re Chimney Swift question - there's an upcoming Swift Night Out field trip, note that it has been rescheduled from Aug 5 to Sept 9, see home page calendar and click on Field Trip Details

Entered 7/29/2011 11:08:55 AM__________________________________________
Canoe Outing - Birding and Education - Saturday, August 6, 8:00 am – 11:00 am - Join Conservation Resources Supervisor Russ Hefty on a tour of Madison Parks' wetland restoration project on the upper Yahara River at Cherokee Marsh. This is joint tour with the Friends of Cherokee Marsh, Madison Audubon, the Wisconsin Wetlands Association, and Madison Parks. Bring your own canoe or kayak. Meet at the School Road Boat Landing, 5002 School Rd. Heading north on Northport Drive/HWY 113, turn right on School Rd. Where the road curves right onto Wheeler Rd. take an immediate left into Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park. Follow the gravel road to the boat landing.

Entered 7/29/2011 11:06:59 AM__________________________________________
Re Chimney Swifts - someone reported a church on Regent Street, I think they said St Andrews, that has a big chimney with a large active flock most evenings

Entered 7/28/2011 11:42:18 AM__________________________________________
Where is a good place (chimney) to count a lot of CHIMNEY SWIFTS in Madison?

Entered 7/1/2011 10:58:56 AM__________________________________________
Action Alert: ATC Transmission Line Could Split Goose Pond Sanctuary Public input is being requested, and your comments are important. Please click this link to review related Action Alert information and the many reasons to oppose this proposal [[http://madisonaudubon.org/audubon/alerts]]. Then take just a moment and send your comments to ATC at localrelations@atcllc.com. Thank you for helping!

Entered 7/1/2011 7:55:00 AM__________________________________________
Feather mites!

Entered 6/30/2011 8:07:14 PM__________________________________________
I've had two pairs of cardinals in my yard the last few days that have an odd defect. One of the males is completely bald [[bald cardinal male 2.jpg]] and his mate is partially bald. Of the other pair, only the male is showing any loss of feathers. Anyone have a clue to what might cause this? Frank, Beaver Dam frank@mittelstadtart.com

Entered 6/21/2011 8:28:06 AM__________________________________________
While a few non-breeding Common Loons usually summer on the large Madison lakes, I would be stunned if it was more than two or three - not a "raft" of a dozen or so. Those were almost certainly immature Double-crested Cormorants.

Entered 6/20/2011 1:26:45 PM__________________________________________
Unlikely to be any other loon species. Not Cormorants, right?

Entered 6/20/2011 9:19:28 AM__________________________________________
Out sailing on L Mendota 6/18, mid-lake, north of Second Point saw raft of ~a dozen loons. Looked like commons in winter plummage (white neck and under chin). That seemed odd. Could they have been another loon species (adult non-breeding plumage) in late migration? Betsey Day

Entered 6/17/2011 5:45:36 PM__________________________________________
The Decorah Eagle Cam chicks are just about to fledge! Over 100 million people have watched and become attached to these incredible birds in a new and intimate way via live 24 hour webcam. If you've been following them (or if you have missed it so far) you can watch the show at [[http://www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles]], or use the link on the [[http://MadisonAudubon.org]] home page. We'll continue to provide webcam links to help bring you birds and nature up close.

Entered 6/17/2011 1:09:03 PM__________________________________________
I can't review that recording (no sound on this computer) but I've been told that the yellow billed cuckoo does the sharp "cow cow cow" song and the black billed does the softer coo coo coo song.

Entered 6/15/2011 5:20:12 PM__________________________________________
Does anyone know all the calls of the two CUCKOO species that nest in Madison? This is a Cornell recording, labelled as Yellow-billed, but it sure sounds more like Black-billed: http://macaulaylibrary.org/audio/49710

Entered 6/13/2011 4:57:15 PM__________________________________________
Action Alert! The State Budget (SB 27/AB 40), passed recently by the Joint Finance Committee, severely sets back conservation in Wisconsin. It is being fast-tracked, with the State Assembly vote set for tomorrow, Tuesday, with the Senate right behind. Now is your last chance to weigh in. Please read the points below from the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters, then call or e-mail your State Senator and Representative [[http://legis.wisconsin.gov/w3asp/waml/waml.aspx]] and ask them to reject this anti-environmental budget and start over.

Reject an Anti-Conservation Budget (SB 27/AB 40) - The most anti-conservation pieces of this budget include:

• Allows water polluters not meeting public health standards two more years to comply with the Clean Water Act;
• Cuts the public out of critical stages of the water pollution permitting process;
• Reduces Stewardship Bonding by 30% for the next 10 years and doesn’t allow unused bonding from one year to be used in the next;
• Eliminates the Office of Energy Independence in statute;
• Raids 40% of local recycling program funds;
• Allows developers to sell prime farmland meant to be protected without penalty;
• Eliminates the Green Space grants program in statute;
• Eliminates the Environmental Education Consultant position at DPI in statute;
• Stalls development of clean energy in Wisconsin by eliminating the Green to Gold and Renewable Grants and Loans programs in statute.

Entered 6/11/2011 4:32:07 PM__________________________________________
I don't appreciate all the FLEDGLING STARLINGS that are out and about now -- they are louder than Rush Limbaugh! Makes it hard to expand the "heard only" part of the Yard List...

Entered 6/8/2011 3:45:39 PM__________________________________________
Tour Cherokee Marsh in a Voyageur canoe - and a great way to watch birds and cool off! There is still time to sign up for this event, Thursday, June 9, two tours: 5:00 pm - 6:45 pm AND 6:45 pm - 8:30 pm. Tour Cherokee Marsh in replicas of the vessels used centuries ago by French voyageurs to cross Lake Superior and other large North American waters. Each canoe holds 10 paddlers. No experience needed. Paddles and life preservers provided. Paddlers in their own canoes and kayaks are also welcome to join the tour. Reservations required for the Voyageur canoes. To reserve a spot in a Voyageur canoe, send the paddlers' names, ages of any children, and which time your prefer to susan.josheff@wisconsin.gov. You'll receive an email message if the trips are canceled due to weather. Sponsored by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources as part of Dane County's Take a Stake in the Lakes days (http://www.danewaters.com/events/tslSchedule.aspx). Meet at the School Road boat landing, 5002 School Rd. Heading north on Northport Drive/HWY 113, turn right on School Rd. Where the road curves right onto Wheeler Rd. take an immediate left into Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park. Follow the gravel road to the boat landing.

Entered 6/5/2011 10:25:53 PM__________________________________________
Lake Cherokee: saw 2 pelicans fly over. Also saw an adult bald eagle sitting in a tree.

Entered 6/5/2011 10:09:13 PM__________________________________________
I do not recall having seen an orchard oriole before. When I saw this dark oriole I jumped to the conclusion I was seeing a dark baltimore. This evening I was looking again at some photos I took of the bird and had a great idea, look in the your guide books. There are only about 20 of them. What do you know, it's an Orchard Oriole. What can I say? This time I will only use initials. RW

Entered 6/4/2011 10:04:13 AM__________________________________________
It's high time to guard your fountains from Crows. There is some time period when the crow parents have to soak the food for the baby crows in water before they give it to the youngsters. The crowlets do not have saliva or something like that. This food soaking can result in a most horrifying mess. bleah! If your backyard is crow country my current thinking is this: give the crows a nice big bird bath of their own out in the open where you can just dump it over every day and refill. If you have a hard to clean fountain, put some kind of stakes or poles around it. You could also run some string around here and there to make it less inviting. Crows are much bigger than most yard birds. They like a water source they can just swoop down to, not one that is an obstacle course where they have to land and walk in. So it's possible to make it uninviting to crows but your other yard birds can still visit. So far so good for me anyway.

Entered 6/3/2011 2:58:51 PM__________________________________________
Join the Midwest Renewable Energy Association June 17-19, 2011 for the 22nd Annual Energy Fair. The Energy Fair features hundreds of workshops and exhibitors on renewable energy and sustainable living. Also the Energy Fair features inspirational keynote speakers, music, kids’ activities and local food and beer. Join us for the largest and longest running event of its’ kind in the US. Tickets and details available online at www.midwestrenew.org or call (715) 592-6595. Our address is MREA, 7558 Deer Road, Custer, WI 54423

Entered 6/3/2011 9:49:00 AM__________________________________________
I forgot to mention we were amazed to see fireflies at Perrot on May 30+. I didn't know they could come out that early. I thought I was seeing things at first. (Like an airplane :-) They were high flyers and single blinkers. No fireflies in our backyard yet in Madison.

Entered 6/2/2011 7:00:11 PM__________________________________________
phantom crane fly: yes that's it!

Entered 6/2/2011 5:47:50 PM__________________________________________
Ah, so the white stripe was on its ABDOMEN! Re the "dragonfly" described, perhaps it was instead a PHANTOM CRANE FLY: http://www.whatsthatbug.com/2009/05/22/phantom-crane-fly-5/ What's That Bug is a great website for identifying insects of all kinds.

Entered 6/2/2011 9:59:35 AM__________________________________________
The hawk moth somewhat resembled this except I don't know if the wings are totally the same. It had its wings folded when I saw it. Anyway the white band is there: Titan Sphinx or White-banded Day Sphinx [[http://www.silkmoths.bizland.com/atitan.htm ]] that is a great website with hawk moth photos for wisconsin!

Entered 6/2/2011 9:45:14 AM__________________________________________
oops regarding the dark moth I meant to say it was some kind of Hawk Moth. The large body had a big white horizontal bar across its "lower back". We also saw some very amazing dragon flies. They had very distinctive black and white barred legs. Large sections of each leg where black and then white. They flew with these legs spread out. so they appeared like flying spiders except that they had 6 legs and not 8. Never saw these before. By the Mississippi near Trempealeau.

Entered 6/2/2011 7:11:51 AM__________________________________________
There are so many moths, it would be hard to say what that was. Moths and butterflies have four wings, called forewings and hindwings. Terms like DORSAL (upper) and VENTRAL (lower) surfaces of wings can be helpful in a description. The moth's body is its ABDOMEN. A size-estimate is also helpful. "Eastern Moths" by Charles Covell (Peterson fieldguide series) might aid in identification. There are about ten times as many moth species as butterflies, so it ain't easy.

Entered 6/1/2011 6:55:49 PM__________________________________________
I found a moth a few days ago that probably had been hit by a car on a road. It was a very dark brown with folded wings that seemed to be designed to look like bark. They were ruffly. Possibly trying to look like dark lichens if there is such a thing. The back was black and across its lower back it had a wide white stripe. A most amazing looking creature. I was going to take it back to show someone but it revived and flew. I hope it survived.

Entered 5/31/2011 8:02:08 PM__________________________________________
re JUNE BUGS: they are eaten by birds, including Screech-Owls. And the grubs, those fat white things you find when digging in your lawn, are a great bird-food, eaten by Flickers among others. June Bugs are Scarab beetles. Take a look at their antennae...

Entered 5/27/2011 1:04:29 PM__________________________________________
To my ear, Orchard Orioles don't sound much like Baltimores. Definitely "harsher" and a longer series of notes. Here are three photos: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/orchard_oriole/id

Entered 5/24/2011 8:22:17 AM__________________________________________
Yes, Orchard Orioles sound like a Baltimore Oriole, only burrier. They will readily visit nectar sources. An adult male is very dark burnt-orange and black, while first-year males are rather bright yellow with a black hood and throat. Females are greenish-yellow.

Entered 5/23/2011 11:56:57 PM__________________________________________
Is anyone else noticing a really scary number of "june bugs"? I just looked at the screen and I have like 20 of these on the other side tonight. Yikes. There's going to be a lot of grubs..

Entered 5/23/2011 9:33:37 PM__________________________________________
re dark oriole. I wonder if it could be an orchard oriole. They often look like they are all black. But I don't know what they sound like nor if they feed at oriole feeders. They tend to be a bit smaller than the baltimore oriole.

Entered 5/23/2011 8:46:36 PM__________________________________________
A very dark Baltimore Oriole has been feeding at my Oriole and Humming bird feeders for the last week or so. From a distance it appears almost totally black but when observed from closer range I can see a very dark hint of the orange. It sings like an Oriole and it feeds like the other Orioles. On the Humming bird feeder it sits atop of one of the "flowers", bends over and feeds from one of the flowers that is missing the mesh guard. Robert Wallen Twn of Windsor

Entered 5/23/2011 12:49:49 PM__________________________________________
Possibly, but be aware that the red of a Ruby-throated's gorget (throat) is refracted light, not pigment, so it can look entirely black at a certain angle.

Entered 5/23/2011 8:31:21 AM__________________________________________
I believe we have a Black Chinned Hummingbird at our feeders in Oregon Township! kelleyptr@yahoo.cm

Entered 5/23/2011 5:34:34 AM__________________________________________
Re the 'flowering grass,' check blue-eyed grass.

Entered 5/22/2011 10:07:50 PM__________________________________________
Heard first pewee of the season at Blue Mound State Park chert nature trail. Some mighty big pieces of chert there. Very interesting. The layer of chert over the West Blue Mound protected it from erosion. Heard lots of rose breasted grosbeaks and rufous sided towhees but not a lot seen. Nice plants and ferns in the woods there. Pleasant valley preserve: saw a male and a female scarlet tanager together. Blue gray gnatcatchers. Some interesting looking sparrows but I'm no good with sparrows. Many indigo buntings. A bluebird. One red headed woodpecker seen. Numerous orioles. Probably would've seen a lot more but for the ferocious gusting winds from a passing storm system. Wonderful flowers there. Shooting stars, columbines, lupines, unusual little blue flowers that were like flowering grass, pulmonaria...This place is a real plant showcase. The more you look the more unusual things you can see. Likewise the closeby Rettemund prairie is a must see. [[ http://www.theprairieenthusiasts.org/chapter/empire/blackearth.html ]] Last year I heard dicksissels there. Haven't checked this year for them.

Entered 5/21/2011 7:36:16 AM__________________________________________
Wow, that is great! especially after reading about the banning of bikes from Picnic Point. Biking should be encouraged, car use not.

Entered 5/20/2011 10:48:20 PM__________________________________________
Re question below, there are two teams doing most or all of Big Birding Day by bike, team Sustain Crane and the Peddling Pewees. To donate to a specific team, select the team in the pledge form pop-down, here's a shortcut [[http://tinyurl.com/bbdpledge]]. Pledges are accepted at any time including after the event.

Entered 5/20/2011 3:19:11 PM__________________________________________
I heard that one BBD team is doing it by bike? That team gets my personal thanks in advance. If someone wanted to donate to that particular team, how would they do it?

Entered 5/20/2011 11:14:06 AM__________________________________________
Hi Bird Lovers! Tomorrow (Sat May 21) is Big Birding Day (BBD)! In our 7-county area, a number of Madison Audubon teams will be 'blitzing' a county of their choice from 4am to 5pm rain or shine (yes probably rain :) All the data goes into eBird for critical climate change and bird and habitat related research and advocacy. BBD is also a Madison Audubon fundraiser. Help motivate the teams with a small pledge (eg 10 cents) per species found! More info and an online pledge form are at [[http://madisonaudubon.org/audubon/bigbirdingday]]. Thanks!

Entered 5/19/2011 3:24:15 PM__________________________________________
I've seen hummingbirds that looked very dark. And almost any bird seems to have an ability to look very dark or very light under the right conditions. It's amazing how feathers reflect light. If you had a bird from the west it could be dark e.g. [[ http://www.wildlifenorthamerica.com/Bird/Magnificent-Hummingbird/Eugenes/fulgens.html ]] Most likely though a wet ruby throat? Keep looking to see if it comes back.

Entered 5/19/2011 5:12:49 AM__________________________________________
There are some very big Sphinx Moths, such as White-lined Sphinx, that feed at flowers by hovering and look very much like hummingbirds.

Entered 5/18/2011 7:46:41 PM__________________________________________
Today, May 17,2011, I saw what appeared to be a hummingbird hovering around the purple flowers on silver dollar plants in my backyard. I watched as he approached and came to our hummingbird feeder in our rock garden. It appeared to be black with a white band across its back. It was bigger than the ruby throated hummingbird that appears at our feeder. It hovered for a few minutes and then rested on the brances of the rose bush next to the feeder. I was on the phone and summoned my husband who said - it's a BLACK hummingbird! I checked in my Peterson's Guide as well as in the Reader's Digest of North American Birds. I contacted my cousin who also follow birds to see if he knew of such a bird. He indicated that he was unaware of any kind of hummingbird. I don't know what I saw but I am certainly glad to have seen it. Please help me with this bird. I am located in Cudahy on Bottsford avenue, two blocks west of Lake Michigan and the Oak Leaf Trail.

Entered 5/17/2011 10:16:40 PM__________________________________________
We had reasons to travel out of town and in doing so came upon a couple great sites to visit if you are in this area. 1. Mosquito Hill Nature Center 2 miles east of New London. (New London is an interesting town and and of itself with the Sturgeon Trail on the Wolf River, a confluence of numerous scenic rivers,historic buildings and has some motels should one want to visit.) So we happened by a sign to Mosquito Hill and visited it Sun May 16. There is the very high wooded sandstone Mosquito hill with trails around it and trails down to the oxbow stranded from the wolf river. There is a lovely prairie. And a center with exhibits including live turtles and most importantly bird feeders. Seeds and nectar. There were a ton of birds there when we visited. Orioles, red breasted grosbeaks, hummers, indigo buntings .... And I saw an unusual apparent red-winged blackbird that had instead of red and yellow epaulets, all orange epaulets. Never saw that before. We climbed up the hill and it was a lovely trail, nice rock formations and we saw a lot of scarlet tanagers. Even 3 at a time! It was a great birding location because the trail went all around the hill so no matter what way the wind was from you could find a sheltered area. We visited the oxbow where there was a pontoon platform to view the oriole-laden lake area. I don't remember everything we saw there but if you are around there, do go visit. Wonderful trails, wonderful birds, cheap birdseed, tshirts... 2. Kaukauna Thousand Islands Environmental Center was recommended to us by some hikers at Mosquito Hill. They were right. This was fabulous. (Note the center is behind a ball field in a sporting complex off 55 on Dodge street, below a dam.) We were immediately struck by the white pelicans and cormorants flying about. And the smell. The wind was from the northeast, a veritable gale should that make a difference. There is such a smell there I have to warn you. (paper mill?) Wow! It made me sick to my stomach and I don't mean maybe. I have no idea what anyone can do about the smell but be forewarned. The Fox river there was a raging torrent with more water than usual I imagine. It was amazing that the center had put in boardwalks that could withstand the flow so you could walk out over the torrent rushing under the boardwalk. For some reason there were a lot of warblers around there. Cold, windy and smelt terrible but they loved it. We really saw a lot of warblers there. There were white pelicans out on the river and soaring about and many Caspian terns. From a distance I thought they were gulls. This seemed to be quite a hot spot for terns, pelicans and cormorants. Perhaps there was an electric turbine back at the dam?(leading to the demise of fish which is highly appreciated by fish eating birds.) And out on an island was an eagle nest. Saw both bald eagles. [[http://www.1000islandsenvironmentalcenter.com/trails.html]] The geological layout of the place gave very very good viewing. We only walked a fraction of the whole trail area around the fox river and then there was a section up the grade to the south that looked very interesting. Also there were many exhibits in the center including numerous taxidermy specimens and some live animal displays.

Entered 5/17/2011 7:51:25 PM__________________________________________
All those warblers were easily seen in Madison today.

Entered 5/17/2011 3:07:17 PM__________________________________________
Baxter's Hollow May 15 - Around 6:00pm I parked by the baracade blocking the road and walked in about a half mile and back without seeing much. When I got back to my car, the treeline along the road was filled with warblers (Black and White, Canada, Magnolia, Chestnut Sided and Red Starts).

Entered 5/16/2011 9:51:15 AM__________________________________________
I sent the photo link to Ryan Brady, Chair of the Rare Birds Committee of the Wis. Soc. of Ornithology, who lives up in Ashland and is very familiar with northern finch species. He agrees with me that the bird looks good for a White-winged Crossbill. This would not be totally wacky, as crossbills are known for being widely nomadic. It would be helpful to submit at least a Short Form documentation to the WSO (http://www.wsobirds.org/wso_forms.html) Also, please consider putting the sighting into eBird (see our homepage for a link and a tutorial on using eBird.) You could simply enter it as a "Casual Observation", but do include a description in the Comments box (you'll have to click the Show Rare Birds link to get the crossbills to show up on the list, and you'll have to "Confirm" it, since the automatic filters will be set and won't think it's an expected species in our region.) If you have any questions, you can backchannel me (pfissel@library.wisc.edu) - Peter Fissel, MAS Field Trips Coordinator

Entered 5/13/2011 11:30:41 AM__________________________________________
Ok here goes ufo pictures: [[https://picasaweb.google.com/100925895054610985039/Migration2011#]] In the fountain shot the bird was on the top of the fountain where the hose comes in. In the other 2 shots the bird was in front of the wooden suet feeder.

Entered 5/13/2011 10:33:16 AM__________________________________________
I did get some (lousy) pics of the alleged crossbill yesterday but I can't upload them to the message board: Request object error 'ASP 0104 : 80004005' Operation not Allowed /audubon/messages/upload/outputFile.asp, line 12 Is there a free bad bird pics web site out there? So far have not seen the bird today. Maybe he decided to fly north. I did see Mrs. baltimore oriole at the orange halves today. Yesterday 2 male indigo buntings in the yard.

Entered 5/12/2011 1:20:31 PM__________________________________________
To the Madison Audubon Society--Our library is hosting a showing of a film which may be of interest to you. Please contact me if you have any questions. Jane Henze, Adult Programming, DeForest Area Public Library jhenze@scls.lib.wi.us or 846-5482. Thursday, June 9 at 6:00p.m.— Library Community Room Film Showing— Green Fire: Aldo Leopold and the Land Ethic in the 21st Century The film Green Fire introduces us to famed conservationist and writer Aldo Leopold. It will frame his life in the historical context of the American environmental movement, while tracing his legacy in conservation projects today. The film will encourage audiences to think about Leopold’s land ethic idea and how it may apply to the environmental problems we face today. Leopold's legacy lives on today in the work of people and organizations across the nation and around the world.

Entered 5/12/2011 10:42:13 AM__________________________________________
Regarding the alleged crossbill: we're not having good luck with our camera. The bird comes back now and then briefly. It really has a crossed bill. It is amazing that it can eat from the feeder. It has to turn its head sideways. It most resembles the "variant first year male" Red Crossbill in Sibley or the adult male White Winged crossbill. (When I said red crossbill I meant a crossbill that was red. Sorry for any confusion. Beats me which kind it is. It has white on the wings but not a huge amount.

Entered 5/11/2011 9:04:41 PM__________________________________________
The Friends of Lake View Hill County Park on Madison's North side are looking for a few good birders to help with their annual bird survey. They've been doing the survey since 1999. Saturday, May 14 6:30 am to 7:15 am at Lake View Woods (Lake View Hill) County Park 1202 Northport Dr. Madison, WI 53704. Meet by the water tower at the top of the hill. If you come by car, you can park behind the Department of Human Services building (the big building you see on the hill from Warner Drive). Contact: Nelson Eisman at (608) 217-5512

Entered 5/11/2011 2:22:11 PM__________________________________________
Occam's Razor: are you pretty familiar with House Finch and Purple Finch? House Finches are here year-round. Purples mostly in winter, but there are still a few around this week. Can you get a photo?

Entered 5/11/2011 11:46:56 AM__________________________________________
We totally blew it on the grosbeak-like id. The bird has come back a number of times and we now think it is in fact a red crossbill. Who knew crossbills could feed at a finch feeder? (The stokes kind with 3 holes at each station.)

Entered 5/11/2011 10:42:49 AM__________________________________________
5/10/11 Rose breasted grosbeak in our yard this afternoon. Lots of orioles along University Bay. Hoyt Pk area

Entered 5/10/2011 5:52:31 PM__________________________________________
Last year we put up feeders and saw not one single oriole. Today we have orioles. Actually there's two and they're fighting. They don't like the jelly I put out. They have eaten some peanut butter. Won't even touch the sugar water. It's oranges they like the most here today. (They were good. I tried them myself. Very sweet.) So entertaining to watch one oriole trying to get another oriole through a clear plastic dome. I'd rather they not fight but they seem bent on it.

Entered 5/10/2011 9:50:42 AM__________________________________________
super yard bird day owen park area. Male pine grosbeak on finch feeder! First and only one I ever saw. Very gorgeous bird. Could hardly fit on the finch feeder. Also saw a nashville warbler at the fountain. And a male indigo bunting at the feeder. Some beautiful and way too fast warbler with a bright yellow crown. This must be a high migration day.

Entered 5/9/2011 2:12:36 AM__________________________________________
Big birding day is May 21, at least 2 teams so far are doing it by bike. See home page links to join a team, and make a pledge to support the teams, thanks!

Entered 5/8/2011 7:04:17 PM__________________________________________
Birdwatchers are encouraged to try local birding this month. Why drive an 80-mile roundtrip, when you can see all of those birds within a few miles of your house. When is the international bird day fundraiser, and is ther anyone doing it without a car.

Entered 5/7/2011 9:17:05 PM__________________________________________
I also forgot to mention I heard an oven bird at Baxter's hollow.

Entered 5/7/2011 8:55:30 PM__________________________________________
Oh I forgot to mention I heard a warbling vireo today.

Entered 5/7/2011 8:40:24 PM__________________________________________
Devil's Lake: thousands of yellow rumps. A few yellow warblers. South East picnic area: saw two male orchard orioles and one 1st year male orchard oriole. Check ash trees close to the water. Those were quite popular with orioles. Saw Baltimore orioles. A few king birds and blue gray gnatcatchers. Some thrushes. Baxter's hollow: for any place where the road is closed there sure is a lot of traffic on that road. People were not even afraid of driving over the 1st bridge which looks quite bad. This was quite good birding despite being late in the day. We saw a magnolia warber. Canada warbler. One or two black and white warblers. A couple blackburnian warblers. A couple male redstarts. Saw 2 waterthrushes. One yellowish one patrolling a shore and one without yellow sitting in a tree. (They constantly bob their tail even when perched in a tree.) Heard, in 2 different areas what I think was a scarlet tanager. Heard what I think were grosbeak squeaks. Saw a winter wren investigating fallen wood. The best areas today were near the residence and the second bridge area. Some spring peepers called. Nice cowslips in various places. Yellow trout lillies blooming very well. I see some trillium getting ready to bloom.

Entered 5/7/2011 5:42:25 PM__________________________________________
I've been hearing black-throated green warblers in southwest Madison on recent mornings. Male ruby-throat at feeder today, and two male rose-breasted grosbeaks.

Entered 5/7/2011 1:37:21 PM__________________________________________
first humming bird seen at feeder near west side. I put this feeder up last weekend and it seemed like maybe the level was going down but this is the first time I actually saw one.

Entered 5/7/2011 11:59:43 AM__________________________________________
backyard west madison: a male rose breasted grosbeak. Then he hung around for a while out of sight singing that robin-like song.

Entered 5/4/2011 8:52:54 PM__________________________________________
Pheasant Branch trail bridge east of Parmenter: waterthrush. Not certain which kind. The bird was feeding on a sort of a dam in the stream and then preening on a rock by the stream.

Entered 5/3/2011 9:15:34 AM__________________________________________
Yes, it was a first-spring male Summer Tanager. Three experienced birders saw it in the same location at Devil's Lake on Monday. All sorts of oddballs are showing up in the Madison area with the recent strong winds, including a verified Black-throated Gray Warbler at Pheasant Branch on Sunday (IDed by a California native who did his Masters thesis on that species, and well-photographed.) Also have been Prairie and Black-throated Blue Warblers at PBC recently, and a male Painted Bunting seen briefly (also photographed) near Dunn's Marsh on the weekend. Keep your eyes open and don't rule out anything this time of year, especially with the extreme drought in the southwest. Birds are moving out to find better habitat, and with strong winds will wander far.

Entered 5/2/2011 6:34:09 PM__________________________________________
Kingbirds: those would be eastern kingbirds. We are sure about prothonatory. At times you could see 3 at a time from very close up. They really wanted to eat those bugs. Actually it wasn't just midges on the lakeshore. They found some very large bugs they could hardly stuff down. Regarding the tanager it really did look exactly like the picture in the book of the young male summer tanager. I'll grant you they are not supposed to be here.

Entered 5/2/2011 2:47:24 PM__________________________________________
5/2/11 The horned grebe in breeding plumage is still off the path across or below Eagle Heights. It was near a flock of coots. Lake Mendota at Picnic Pt. 1 pm

Entered 5/2/2011 11:49:58 AM__________________________________________
A yellow, green and red tanager could also be a molting male Scarlet Tanager. How many kingbirds, what kind? Prothonotaries are not common; maybe they were something else? Otherwise all of the birds mentioned were also seen in Madison yesterday (Sunday).

Entered 5/1/2011 8:37:18 PM__________________________________________
Saw some white Pelicans in the Wisconsin River north of the hwy 12 bridge in Sauk City. Devils Lake: some great finds. An amazing looking red, yellow and green bird that only resembled one thing in the bird book, a first spring male summer tanager. Seen by the south side board walk and the boat launch area. Also saw a male scarlet tanager. Saw a baltimore oriole, a number of prothonatory warblers, nashvilles, orange crowned warblers, yellow warblers, palm warblers, blue gray gnatcatchers, kingbirds, yellow rumped warblers, black and white warblers. One blackburnian warbler, one blue winged warbler. Possible song of a winter wren. The lake flies were also hatching on the north side of the lake. Dutchman's breeches very good on north entrance. And we saw a black gray squirrel at the north entrance. An osprey seen again and a small flock of bonapart's gulls.

Entered 5/1/2011 4:29:55 PM__________________________________________
Pine Siskins sometimes nest in southern Wisconsin, including in Madison. Nests have been observed in pine and spruce trees. the nests are very hard to see since they are located in a clump of needles near the end of a branch. Best way to find might be to key in on calls/songs of adult siskins.

Entered 5/1/2011 12:29:50 PM__________________________________________
I was wrong. There are still some pine siskins here. But I do think the juncos have gone.

Entered 5/1/2011 11:03:08 AM__________________________________________
White crowned sparrow in the yard today! In with white throated and chipping sparrows. So check out each striped head.

Entered 5/1/2011 10:29:38 AM__________________________________________
Saturday the 30th of April (yesterday), picnic point, taking the side (North) trail back from the far end of the point instead of the main trail, there was a horned grebe in beautiful breeding plumage off the North side of the peninsula. About 2 pm.

Entered 5/1/2011 7:57:38 AM__________________________________________
Don't have a car, or don't want to use yours? Try local birdwatching -- especially now that so many birds have arrived. In just a few flowering Box Elder trees on Saturday in Madison, there were about 5 Nashville Warblers, a Pine Warbler, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Ruby-crowned Kinglets and a bunch of vireos -- multiples of Yellow-throated, Blue-headed and Warbling. This was within 50 feet of a creek, so maybe some aquatic insects had gone up into the trees, joining whatever was already there and making for a pretty good feast for these newly arrived birds. And oh beware the White-throated Sparrow Invasion!

Entered 4/30/2011 7:27:05 PM__________________________________________
In Arena, Baltimore & Orchard oriole at the grape jelly. Also, bluebird checking out the box.

Entered 4/30/2011 6:50:55 PM__________________________________________
We had a super fantastic birding day at Devil's Lake. There was some kind of small black lake flies hatching in huge numbers. And the birds were lovin' it. The south shore boat launch was fantastic. Loads of yellow rumps, yellow warblers, palm warblers, kinglets. Saw some nashvilles. There were 2 male orioles near the boat launch, and singing! This was incredible birding because the lake flies hung close to or on the ground so the birds came down to get them. (Instead of staying on the top of a tall tree as they would ordinarily.) I heard several times but did not see blue gray gnatcatchers. Also the board walk on the south east side of the lake was magic. Sometimes saw 6 warblers on the board walk at a time. There saw a black and white warbler and close up. Super! Over by the group camp bathroom the great blue herons were quite quiet. Just hunkered down on their nests. But we saw a golden winged warbler and a blue winged warbler there. Incredible. Those cruddy looking vines by the bathroom were good birding. On the ground, the first catbird of the year. Numerous white throated sparrows in many places. They were going for the lake flies also. Over the lake were 2 ospreys soaring now and then. And there was a flock of bonaparts gulls out there. (They are so small you'd not see them unless they flew which they did pretty often.) They'd fly around to and fro over the lake surface and then set down again. and we heard a house wren. I noticed in our yard today I did not see a pine siskin. I think maybe they flew. And did the juncos leave this week also? Now I don't remember the last time I saw one. I gotta get that hummer feeder up!

Entered 4/30/2011 4:14:48 PM__________________________________________
4/30/11 Hummer back! Twin Valley Rd Middleton. Wonderful!

Entered 4/30/2011 6:56:03 AM__________________________________________
For ivlarsen@wisc.edu regarding your plants: Friends of the Arboretum holds the annual native plant sale Saturday the 7th. Perhaps you could contact someone there and donate them to the sale.

Entered 4/29/2011 9:43:04 PM__________________________________________
checked out Indian Lake park tonight. The weather turned very cloudy. Saw many meadow larks in the grassy fields off the south west corner of the lake. Some bluebirds. Heard at least a pair of barred owls calling and even doing the monkey call. There's spring peepers in the marsh east of the lake. Some bluebirds. Was not very good birding weather but always a good time hiking up and down the hills.

Entered 4/29/2011 2:42:40 PM__________________________________________
I have native prairie silphium cup plants that grow over 8 ft tall. They have taken over my back yard and they got pretty big roots. Whomever wants them for their prairie plantings let me know. I can set out by my house once I know if anyone wants them. I am on the West side of Madison Univ and Capitol Ave ivlarsen@wisc.edu

Entered 4/28/2011 8:12:01 AM__________________________________________
Rescheduled! Evening Walk at Cherokee Marsh April 29 (Friday), 6:30 pm until dark Join the Friends of Cherokee Marsh and Madison Audubon to view the spectacular evening sky dance of the American woodcock. We'll also have a good chance of spotting sandhill cranes, snipe, and other early signs of spring. Meet at 6:30 pm in the main parking lot, Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park North Unit, 6098 N. Sherman Ave.

Entered 4/27/2011 5:10:25 PM__________________________________________
Spring Peepers don't occur any longer in Madison. Atrazine?

Entered 4/27/2011 12:44:33 PM__________________________________________
Interesting happening. We have a small patio area with a number of feeders,west side. A Brown Thrasher has been coming to our yard everyday since April 17th He/She is getting more comfortable with our movement through our patio door. Eats millet,peanuts & making it's self right at home.Have some great pictures. Has been here 10 days so far. Beautiful bird & so close. Jim

Entered 4/27/2011 8:26:14 AM__________________________________________
Spring Peepers are very much alive and still around - their calls are quite different from Chorus Frogs. (Peepers are the single, high-pitched "peeps" that really carry. Chorus Frogs are the ones you hear at most wetlands right now - more like "creeaaakkk", in great masses of sound.) See the various monitoring projects at this link: http://wiatri.net/cbm/InvMon/

Entered 4/26/2011 8:06:02 PM__________________________________________
That's right -- if the wind stays out of the south(west) overnight, there could be a lot of New Arrivals on Wednesday, never mind if it's sunny or not. Maybe a Great Crested Flycatcher?

Entered 4/26/2011 8:37:18 AM__________________________________________
great weather in Madison right now for frogs...or ducks. As soon as it lets up, look for birds in your backyard. All kinds of stuff is (over)due.

Entered 4/26/2011 5:46:17 AM__________________________________________
"Spring Peeper" seems to be another name for WESTERN CHORUS FROG. The late, great Jim Zimmerman said that actual Spring Peepers went extinct in Madison (not elsewhere) some decades ago. Does anyone know of a DNR website etc. where you can see locations where Spring Peepers have been found on frog surveys?

Entered 4/25/2011 10:01:00 AM__________________________________________
A photo program entitled "What's So Great About a Prairie, Anyhow?" , featuring the local prairie photos by Rich Armstrong and narrated by Dorothy Haines, will be shown at the DeForest Public Library on Wednesday, April 27, at 6:30 p.m.

Entered 4/25/2011 9:55:41 AM__________________________________________
Solitary White Pelican still on upper Cherokee Marsh lake Sunday, also an American Bittern standing in Lou's Pond, easy to see since emergent vegetation is not yet tall enough to hide it

Entered 4/24/2011 8:45:21 PM__________________________________________
Saw a water snake in Paoli mill race. Saw the first rail of the year, a virginia rail at cherokee park. What a beautiful bird.

Entered 4/24/2011 7:55:44 PM__________________________________________
The Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers are almost done migrating through Madison, it seems. Only saw one today (Sunday). Some of the other flycatchers (only Eastern Phoebes so far) should arrive this week.

Entered 4/23/2011 8:54:42 PM__________________________________________
walking iron park: the pasque flowers are blooming nicely. Some of them are even past. Make it soon if you want to see them. Prairie smoke just emerging. The dutchman's breeches however are hanging back a bit, not in full flower yet. Saw a brown thrasher there and heard several towhees. Very good blue bird spot. Saw a beaver in the marsh creek.

Entered 4/23/2011 12:28:58 PM__________________________________________
today in our west Madison yard, the rufous sided towhee is still here. He appeared during the snow storm this week during which he sang non-stop. I almost got the impression he wanted to sing the snow away. Also have quite a few white throated sparrows. And today saw the first (female) rose breasted grosbeak at the feeder. last weekend we visited Gov Dodge and saw a lot of thrushes and some pine warblers. The cox lake picnic area was the best warbler spot we visited. Birds are always crazy about that location. Beautiful hepatica and not quite blooming yet dutchman's breeches on the lost canyon trail beyond the waterfall. Mayapples were coming up down there already last weekend. I noticed that the domestic pasque flowers had been coming up but kinda quit growing as the temps cooled down in my yard in the past two weeks.

Entered 4/23/2011 12:32:48 AM__________________________________________
Are the White Pelicans still around the Madison area?

Entered 4/20/2011 3:25:49 PM__________________________________________
The Frog's Night Out field trip has been rescheduled for Thursday, April 28th. Meet at Mazomanie Wildlife Area at 6:45 p.m. This field trip is being made possible with a partnership with Natural Resources Foundation. NRF is asking for visitors to pre-register on-line at: http://guest.cvent.com/d/6dq6x9/1Q. There is also a $10 fee for adults and $5 for children under 15. Contact leader Bob Hay at (608)829-3123 with questions.

Entered 4/20/2011 12:13:29 PM__________________________________________
Earth Day activity - Help plant shrubs and seeds at Cherokee Marsh - April 23 (Saturday), 9 to 11 am. Celebrate Earth Day by planting an area with native shrubs and scattering seed in a restoration of an oak opening. Meet at Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park North Unit, 6098 N. Sherman Ave. Call Jan at 241-5828 if you have questions.

Entered 4/20/2011 12:06:53 PM__________________________________________
The Frog Walk field trip was flooded out last week, and the 'rain date' of Thursday April 21 has unfortunately turned into a 'snow date' so it also had to be cancelled. Please check back here for a possible reschedule next week, but for now it's cancelled pending further info.

Entered 4/20/2011 11:49:09 AM__________________________________________
Evening Walk at Cherokee Marsh - April 22 (Friday), 6:30 pm until dark. Join the Friends of Cherokee Marsh and Madison Audubon to view the spectacular evening sky dance of the American woodcock. We'll also have a good chance of spotting sandhill cranes, snipe, and other early signs of spring. Meet at 6:30 pm in the main parking lot, Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park North Unit, 6098 N. Sherman Ave. Jan Axelson - [[http://www.CherokeeMarsh.org]]

Entered 4/19/2011 7:17:24 PM__________________________________________
Quiz question (re the eagle webcam on the home page) - what is miigiiziiwig?

Entered 4/19/2011 11:45:35 AM__________________________________________
Our planned speaker for this evenings program will not be able to come because of the weather. She will do the September program instead. In her place, Jim Shurts will talk about his trip to Antarctica.

Entered 4/19/2011 8:41:08 AM__________________________________________
Was the 4/14 Frogs Night out cancelled because of the temp and now being held on 4/21?

Entered 4/17/2011 11:38:07 PM__________________________________________
Worth a trip to Lake Mendota. Frequent sightings of the American White Pelican near Mazanet Marina.

Entered 4/15/2011 3:43:08 PM__________________________________________
So it's been a month folks, what's the outcome with the 3/15 board election?

Entered 4/15/2011 3:28:45 PM__________________________________________
Friday, April 15 field trip to Erstad Prairie-Schoeneberg Marsh is CANCELLED due to high wind and heavy rain. Posted at 3:28 p.m.

Entered 4/15/2011 9:23:11 AM__________________________________________
Fun and educational things to do for environmentalists and families! Celebrate Earth Day by visiting the Madison Audubon booth - and about 150 more - at Isthmus Green Day, Saturday Apr 16 at Monona Terrance. If you want to help volunteer at the Audubon booth for an hour or two and get in free, call Paul at 608-698-0104. Then head across the South Beltline for the amazing Bat Festival at the Lussier Center in Lake Farm Park to see a bat with a 5 foot wingspan, and learn to make a bat house to help keep down those pesky 'skeeters without using pesticides. Looking ahead to next month, use the handy links on the [[http://madisonaudubon.org]] home page to make a pledge - or join - a Big Birding Day team, and start your summer on a nice note by signing up now for the 32nd Annual Madison Audubon Memorial Day Weekend Birding and Nature Retreat at beautiful Camp Lake Lucerne.

Entered 4/14/2011 6:39:42 PM__________________________________________
Spring clean-up! Madison Audubon needs volunteers to help work on our new property on Raymond Road on the west side of Madison. Don Ferber, a volunteer with Dane County Parks, has offered to lead work parties on weekends to clear out invasive plants and brush on the MAS Smithies property. Please contact Don at d_ferber@sbcglobal.net for dates and times if you can help. Thanks!

Entered 4/10/2011 11:52:08 PM__________________________________________
The April 13 meeting to discuss the past, present and future of Faville Grove has been postponed until further notice.

Entered 4/4/2011 9:03:25 AM__________________________________________
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: “Birds of the Lower Wisconsin River” The Lower Wisconsin River is a haven for birds. Designated one of Wisconsin’s Important Bird Areas, the area is critical for over 150 nesting species. Come and learn about this rich bird life, how the river provides for it and the conservation issues critical to its future. Presented by Mike Mossman, Wisconsin DNR Ecologist & Yoyi Steele, Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative. Saturday, May 7th, 2011, 1:30 p.m. @ West Point Town Hall (Hwy. 188 & Rausch Rd.) N2114 Rausch Road, Lodi, WI 53555. For more info call 608-592-7059.

Entered 4/3/2011 11:34:35 AM__________________________________________
Saw a fabulous fox sparrow in the back yard.

Entered 4/3/2011 11:22:14 AM__________________________________________
4/2 visited Devil's Lake. It's still frozen! Also there's snow hanging around in places. No frogs heard at Steinke Basin. Saw a song sparrow. Some unidentified small highly streaked bird eating buds on a small tree. Went to the group campground (S Side. Has bronze statue and very big white pines.) The great blue heron pairs are there in fine color. Saw a pair mating. Some look as if sitting on eggs on their nests. Even though it was near sundown the herons made their signature weird squawks, wails, screams and clicks. We have the impression they are more exuberant when the weather is warm and sunny but we might be wrong. Interestingly right next to the herons in some deciduous trees in the pine grove a lot of vultures were roosting. One heron was sitting on eggs right next to a tree full of vultures. Seemed to not be concerned. Don't walk on the outhouse trail through the grove right under the vultures. It scares them. They are more nervous than the herons who seem pretty oblivious to people since they are nesting between a popular parking lot, bathrooms and a campground. It'd be a fun thing for Audubon to create a group camp reservation there during the weird noise phase of the heron rookery. Should be a lot of fun. Also could sell some ring tones of heron squawks for fund raising :-)

Entered 4/2/2011 10:53:26 PM__________________________________________
Need identification help: Is this just an oddly colored female house finch - or something more interesting? Thank you! http://picasaweb.google.com/doublestack/General#5591200113317100242

Entered 4/2/2011 1:17:22 PM__________________________________________
One of the Decorah eaglets hatched. It could barely hold up its head but it seemed to be saying "feed me" a lot. Just when another one could be hatching the computer conked out :-) [[http://www.ustream.tv/channel/decorah-eagles]] Might want to check now and then to see if they fixed it. Wonderful landscape paintings [[http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/entertainment/118949894.html]]

Entered 3/30/2011 11:21:54 PM__________________________________________
Public invited - Yahara Watershed Celebration - March 31, 2011, 6:30-8:30 p.m. - COME CELEBRATE the Lakes Lussier Family Heritage Center, 3101 Lake Farm Road, Madison. Join us in thanking those that have worked to develop the Yahara CLEAN Report ([[http://www.yaharawatershed.org]]), learn how the lakes got to where they are, what’s been done and the many projects that are in the works to help the lakes. We want to hear from you. Be a part of this special initiative to protect and improve the lakes that make Dane County such a special place. Sponsored by the Dane County Lakes & Watershed Commission, reception sponsored by the Clean Lakes Alliance

Entered 3/28/2011 8:00:11 PM__________________________________________
Friends: Wild Warner is bringing John Robinson to work with our Bird Buddies club on Monday afternoon (April 4) and then he's giving a public lecture at UW at 7:00pm. The guy is great--one of the few African American ornithologists in the nation, author of five books, expert on environmental education especially with minority kids. He has a lot of great bird stories and wisdom to share. Click here for more info [[robinsonlecture.pdf]] All the best, Trish O'Kane [[http://www.wildwarnerpark.org]]

Entered 3/28/2011 3:17:56 PM__________________________________________
One or two Pine Siskins have joined the Goldfinches at my niger feeders in the last few days.

Entered 3/28/2011 3:06:47 PM__________________________________________
To the Madison Audubon Society-- Our library is hosting a showing of a film which may be of interest to you. Please contact me if you have any questions. Jane Henze, Adult Programming, DeForest Area Public Library jhenze@scls.lib.wi.us or 846-5482. Tuesday, April 12 at 6:30p.m.— Library Community Room Film Showing— Green Fire: Aldo Leopold and the Land Ethic in the 21st Century The film Green Fire introduces us to famed conservationist and writer Aldo Leopold. It will frame his life in the historical context of the American environmental movement, while tracing his legacy in conservation projects today. The film will encourage audiences to think about Leopold’s land ethic idea and how it may apply to the environmental problems we face today. Leopold's legacy lives on today in the work of people and organizations across the nation and around the world.

Entered 3/28/2011 11:07:19 AM__________________________________________
speaking of huge numbers, Coots are really starting to build up on the Madison area lakes. Sometimes there are several thousand in one place. Hunters sometimes kill and eat them, I've heard; one told me that "their inwards look like a bunch of thick black hair" and that they taste way better than a Mallard. Bald Eagles seem to agree...

Entered 3/28/2011 9:36:44 AM__________________________________________
"Huge number of loons" could also be Common Mergansers.

Entered 3/28/2011 9:24:45 AM__________________________________________
All the ducks and other waterbirds listed below can also be found right here in Madison. You can take a Metro bus or a bicycle to reach many different spots with open water. The viewing is actually very good right now, much better than it will be when all the lakes are completely open --birds are a lot closer right now. As lakes open up farther north, many of the birds that are here now will leave. I have already noticed a lessening in numbers of Common Goldeneye, for instance.

Entered 3/27/2011 9:26:51 PM__________________________________________
No I have not seen nor heard any frogs, toads, turtles nor snakes. Today we did a tour of Lake Koshkonong. First stop Bingham Road off 106 boat launch. This end of the lake was still frozen. But out there open water could be seen with a lot of birds. Many gulls flying and swimmming. Cormorants flying close over the water. Ring neck ducks. A great many Ruddy ducks. More Ruddy ducks than I've ever seen before. We could see way across the lake (north west) some pilings with lots of cormorants perched on them. Could not tell exactly where that location was on the map. next stop: Caracajou Rd boat launch. Didn't see too much from there. Next stop: heron rookery on 106 near where 106 goes under 26. The great blue herons are ready perched at the nests. Didn't look very perky. Occasional herons in the many marshes around there. Blackhawk island drive: lots of boats out in the river so if there were any birds they probably flew. You cannot drive all the way out to the end unless you have a big wheel vehicle. As usual most stuff there seriously threatened by water. Lorine Niedecker's house looks smaller and sadder than ever. Hope it was drier there when she lived there! The best bird watching location that day was the Vinne Ha Ha lauch north of the Ho Chunk burial mound park. From there we found that there were a huge number of loons out there. Never saw so many loons in one place. Some long necked grebes out there. Didn't get a good look at them. Many cormorants. And some White Pelicans at various locations. At the Royce Dallman boat landing (North Charley Bluff Road) saw a horned grebe in breeding plumage right off the boat dock. I never realized that Lake Koshkonong was so interesting. I saw several farmsteads with large gushing spring pools in their yards. So big springs must be a feature around there for some geological reason. I wonder if there are any good paddling locations around Koshkonong. It looks like a place where power boats would go crazy. Anyone ever try Koshkonong creek? Here is a list of paddling stops from the county [[http://www.jeffersoncountywi.gov/UserFiles/Parks/files/Canoe/Watertrails%20map%20descrption%20side.pdf]]

Entered 3/27/2011 6:27:21 PM__________________________________________
FROGS: well, I guess nobody has seen or heard any, YET, but that should change this week! How about TURTLES, have any showed up yet?

Entered 3/26/2011 11:23:59 PM__________________________________________
Today we found that Lake Monona had a significant chunk of open water from where the Yahara river enters northward towards Olbrich. Many canvas backs and red heads. Some ring necked ducks. And 2 loons. Also there was a gray and white grebe with a long slim neck. Front side of neck was white, and an illusion of some white in back too. In general a not so dark grey. We're thinking a non-breeding horned grebe? Now reading this I wouldn't stake my life on our ability to tell a horned from an eared grebe and we definitely weren't close enough to see the eye color. [[ http://creagrus.home.montereybay.com/ID-EAGRvHOGR.html ]] It was off a narrow lakeside park with indian mounds close to Lakeside and Schiller. We checked out Cherokee off Burning Woods Way and there were a lot of common mergansers out there. Lake Mendota off Gov Nelson was still ice except for a small patch where the creek comes in.

Entered 3/26/2011 4:05:49 PM__________________________________________
SATURDAY: right, the turn-off-the-lights event is sponsored by the WORLD WILDLIFE FUND, here is some more info on it: http://www.bcsea.org/blog/guy-dauncey/2011/03/25/ten-reasons-why-earth-hour-so-cool

Entered 3/26/2011 11:39:31 AM__________________________________________
There are definitely Goldfinches around now (and all winter too) -- just STARTING to get yellow. They are singing a lot more in just the past week or so, that's a good way to find them. Also they have a flight-call that sometimes is written as "poTAYtochip" as the accent is on the second syllable. I hope everything turns off their lights tonight from 8:30 to 9:30, a world-wide event. There's a "Buy Nothing Day," shouldn't there also be a "Drive Nowhere Day?"

Entered 3/25/2011 11:01:23 PM__________________________________________
Re: Egyptian geese. I saw these near the same location - Fish Camp - 4-5 years ago. Thanks for solving mystery of source! ?? bird. Please be patient - not an ace birder, but wondering. At Nine Springs today around 5:30 pm on boardwalk by MMSD saw a bird with a reddish-brown head, pale bill, and a pale 'helmet stripe' from its bill then up along between its eyes to top of its head. Looked it up at home and it looks like a Eurasian widgeon. Possible? Very enjoyable hikes last two days listening to and seeing so many birds at Lake Waubesa and Farm Park, diving, bathing, making a happy racket; the lake was like a promenade - Red breasted, common, hooded mergansers; ringnecks, green-winged teal, bufflehead, mallards, Canada geese, sandhill cranes. Red-winged blackbirds, some small striped birds diving in the reed canary grass. Muskrats out and busy as usual. At Olin Park today, while stopped to watch a robin make a long grab for one more berry, I flushed a woodcock. Great blue heron feeding along shore, chipmunk foraging in woods. Some big puddles on Lake Farm trails by lake. Waubesa open along river course, Monona at Olin still iced over except along shore Friday afternoon.

Entered 3/25/2011 9:50:35 PM__________________________________________
I haven't seen any American goldfinches at my thistle feeder for a couple months. Usually there are flocks of them and the males are turning bright yellow this time of year. Any thoughts on where they are?

Entered 3/25/2011 4:34:54 PM__________________________________________
Big Green Birding Year (aka BGBY, usually just written and pronounced as BIGBY). The rules are pretty simple, although there are variations. It's basically keeping a list of all the bird species you see in a given calendar year WITHOUT using a car. Some people go further and only keep track of what they see while on foot or bicycle (sometimes called a Green BIGBY, to differentiate one done without the aid of mass transit.)

Entered 3/24/2011 9:17:43 PM__________________________________________
Here's what I found by googling BIGBY followed by BIRDS: http://www.sparroworks.ca/bigby.html

Entered 3/24/2011 9:13:50 PM__________________________________________
Does everybody know what a BIGBY is? I think "G" stands for green...

Entered 3/23/2011 12:31:53 PM__________________________________________
From a previous message, it appears that a farm just north of Fish Camp Park is keeping exotic waterfowl (and Emus!), so the geese are most likely wandering down from there. This potentially is the source of the domestic geese at Babcock Park in McFarland, also, since they could easily work their way up the Yahara River.

Entered 3/23/2011 11:07:45 AM__________________________________________
Saw 4 Egytptian Geese at Fish Camp on the shores of Lake Kengonsa. Did they escape from a zoo nearby?

Entered 3/21/2011 2:45:40 PM__________________________________________
FROGS: which species have people heard so far in the Madison area?

Entered 3/20/2011 9:24:43 PM__________________________________________
Crane counters needed in Dane County for ICF's Annual Midwest Crane Count on April 16th from 5.30 - 7.30 a.m. If interested please contact Amy at amyforsyth@tds.net.

Entered 3/18/2011 10:25:39 PM__________________________________________
Regarding those exotic geese at Fish Camp, they resembled Egyptian Geese [[http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/e/egyptiangoose/index.aspx ]]

Entered 3/18/2011 10:15:03 PM__________________________________________
A couple things: pond north of hwy 138 just 1/2 mile west of Stoughton: lots of white fronted geese. This is the first time I ever saw these birds with their pink bills and if they stand up out of the water you can see the tiger stripes on their tummies. There was one Ross's goose in the mix. Speaking of geese, at Fish Camp boat landing on the lawn there were 5 of the most amazing looking geese I've ever seen. Definitely looks like some birds from a zoo. North of fish camp a herd of emus can be seen and some other exotic looking geese. East of fish camp were quite a lot of common mergansers and other birds. Mud lake had a huge number of water fowl of many kinds including tundra swans. Also saw a Northern Harrier patrolling the shore.

Entered 3/18/2011 10:20:02 AM__________________________________________
Always be careful when trying to clean out bird boxes. They may be inhabited. We found a wren house with a very fast southern flying squirrel in it. Maybe best to jostle or tap the box for a while to see if you get any eyes looking at you through the entrance before opening it up? They're very cute but I wouldn't want to be bitten or scratched by one. Another box was filled with sun flower seeds so something of the rodent persuasion was using that for storage apparently.

Entered 3/16/2011 11:20:29 PM__________________________________________
Nolen Centennial Project - Public Meeting - All are invited, Saturday, March 19 – 10 a.m. to Noon Alliant Energy Center Exhibition Hall. This is your chance to provide early input on a plan to “create a world-class lakefront park and event destination. The heart of the project is to maximize public access and use of the area’s beautiful, but underutilized assets; it will connect and enhance the natural, cultural, and recreational resources of the John Nolen Drive corridor. The plan, which is a vision of Tim Metcalf, has many fine elements. See the invite and several drawings (but no map or details) at [[http://www.nolencentennialproject.com/]]. An area of environmental concern is a proposed paved bike path that borders the entire shoreline of Turville Point, the only wooded shoreline on Lake Monona. Please help make this the best plan possible: Speak up for the conservancy park at this early stage.

Entered 3/16/2011 4:36:45 PM__________________________________________
I, too, am interested in the outcome of the annual membership meeting on 3/15.

Entered 3/16/2011 1:35:06 PM__________________________________________
As a member of the Madison Audubon society, I am requesting that any information concerning the March 15th board election be posted to this site as soon as possible.

Entered 3/15/2011 2:28:35 PM__________________________________________
DNR Seeks Observation Reports of Migrating Trumpeter Swans News Release Published: March 15, 2011 by the South Central Region Contact(s): Becky Roth, DNR Biologist, (608) 588-3432 MADISON - Spring officially arrives in Wisconsin on March 20, but the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway and some sloughs are already open, and the migration of birds has begun. With the migration, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking observation reports of trumpeter swans along the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway. There are a number of migrating birds already in the area. Listening closely the distinct call of the sandhill crane can be heard. Geese are flying over head and a variety of ducks can be spotted in the backwaters, including mergansers, goldeneyes, mallards and buffleheads. The careful eye can see North America’s largest native waterfowl, the trumpeter swan. This is one large white bird, with males sometimes weighing in over 30 pounds. Not only is the trumpeter swan large in weight for a flying bird, but they have a wingspan of more than seven feet and they stand about four feet tall! There are a few other white birds that migrate through, but a good way to identify the trumpeter swan is the reddish band along the lower beak, looking a bit like lipstick against its otherwise black bill (unlike the mute swan which has an orange beak). DNR wildlife staff investigates observation reports, bands some of the trumpeter swans to follow their movement. This creates another opportunity for identifying the bird. Unlike most other birds this waterfowl is not huntable. As such, they have either large bands around their necks or tags on their wings that are visible from a distance. If a trumpeter swan is spotted, particularly a banded trumpeter swan, there are two simple ways to report them. A swan observation report can be filled out and submitted online. Or the observation report can be submitted over the phone by calling the DNR wildlife management office at 608-588-3432. Please be sure to note the color and any numbers that are written on the band. More information about trumpeter swans, a species of concern in Wisconsin, is available on the DNR website or visit www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Trumpeter_Swan/id (exit DNR).

Entered 3/15/2011 1:35:29 PM__________________________________________
Watch "Our Birds", An In Wisconsin Special, 7 p.m. Thursday, March 17 on Wisconsin Public Television - Every spring and fall more than 240 species of birds travel to and through Wisconsin as they migrate between summer breeding grounds in the north and wintering grounds in Latin America. Neotropical migratory birds, neo-trops, can fly more than 3,000 miles one way, and often arrive at their destination exhausted and in need of proper habitat. Find out how people in Wisconsin, Costa Rica and Panama are working to save these tiny travelers.

Entered 3/11/2011 2:44:21 PM__________________________________________
Dear Faville Grove Volunteers - Sat Mar 12 work party cancelled - Conditions are very muddy in all our restorations and our snow cover is vanishing quickly. As a result, we won't be able to burn brush piles tomorrow and any walking around on the restorations may cause more damage than it's worth. However, stay tuned for opportunities to get involved with prescribed burning later this month and next. Happy Spring! - Lars

Entered 3/10/2011 10:02:27 PM__________________________________________
This link is a live Eagle Cam in Decorah, Iowa - both male and female are tending eggs. Reportedly the male likes to put the eggs in a row, and the female puts them in a circle. [[http://www.ustream.tv/channel/decorah-eagles]]

Entered 3/10/2011 2:57:11 PM__________________________________________
I've seen Sandhill Cranes in Madison too, first on March 3rd this year. An adult Whooping Crane would have black on the outer third or so of the wings. Ditto for American White Pelican. Swans are another possibility...

Entered 3/9/2011 9:26:44 AM__________________________________________
saw a crane (sandhill?) soaring over west side of madison today. In this lighting it actually looked from underneath like it was white but I imagine it was in fact a sandhill.

Entered 3/6/2011 7:42:24 PM__________________________________________
Seattle Audubon member will be visiting Wisconsin on family business in early June and has one day set aside for some relaxed target birding. From the Wisconsin Birding Trail website it appears Adams County is a great place for many of the birds I'd like to see(midwestern Warblers and Sparrows, etc). Can someone recommend a local guide in that area? Many Thanks! Ed Deal eadeal1 AT aol.com

Entered 3/6/2011 4:19:16 PM__________________________________________
Just saw a vulture soaring over west side of Madison. Nothing says spring like a tv!

Entered 3/4/2011 3:38:18 PM__________________________________________
Reminder about the first "spring" field trip of the year tomorrow (Sat. March 5) at Lower Mud Lake in McFarland. Meet at the south end of Lewis Lane (off Exchange St., which is the first left turn after you cross the bridge at Babcock Park on Hwy 51) at 7:00 a.m. Steve Thiessen and Max Witynski will co-lead. The lake is opening up quickly and there are lots of waterfowl, so bundle up and come along!

Entered 3/4/2011 1:46:20 PM__________________________________________
News from Wild Warner - Calling all Wood Ducks: Two homes available in Warner Park. Free. Waterfront view. Ladder for kiddies. Click here for pix and a short video [[http://wildwarnerpark.org/blog/?p=1396]]

Entered 3/3/2011 10:25:16 PM__________________________________________
2 Peregrine Falcons spotted circling low over northside Madison

Entered 3/3/2011 3:18:01 PM__________________________________________
Just sending along this reminder that Aldo Leopold Weekend is this weekend in Lake Mills! We'll be starting on Friday night with a few short films on the life of Leopold and his connection to the Lake Mills area followed by reading aloud from A Sand County Almanac all day Saturday at various locations in downtown Lake Mills. Lastly, weather permitting, we will be holding a joint work party with the UW Arboretum on the Faville Prairie buffer on Sunday. A detailed description of the events is available in the attached document. Also, there are a few openings still available for people who want to read, call Liesa at 920) 648-8005 if you'd like to sign up.

Entered 3/3/2011 2:51:43 PM__________________________________________
Over Madison today: Sandhill Cranes, at least spp. of geese, flock of 5 Killdeer, trio of Turkey Vultures, several Bald Eagles...so far!

Entered 3/1/2011 9:10:54 AM__________________________________________
That's a little GAL, a female House Sparrow.

Entered 2/28/2011 9:23:04 PM__________________________________________
I need identification help with this little guy I just saw yesterday in my yard in Verona. He is definitely new to me :-) Thanks! http://picasaweb.google.com/doublestack/General#5578945966603791890

Entered 2/24/2011 8:37:20 PM__________________________________________
Dear Volunteers - Just a quick reminder that we will be having a work party at Faville Grove on Saturday, February 26 from 9:30-noon. Meet along Prairie Lane and be prepared for a brush burning extravaganza! Unfortunately I will be out of town for a conference but one of our core volunteers, Jason Daley, has offered to lead the work party. Feel free to call me (608) 220-9563 or Jason (608) 334-6351 with any questions. Hope you can make it there. - Lars

Entered 2/24/2011 11:46:52 AM__________________________________________
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks aren't here in the winter, they usually come back in late April about the same time as the Indigo Buntings and Baltimore Orioles.

Entered 2/24/2011 9:57:53 AM__________________________________________
I have not seen any "Rosebreasted Grosbeaks" lately. A few years ago we even had a flock of "Evening Grosbeaks". Is there a logical explanation? Carl Arneson, Barneveld, WI 53507 "cfalma@charter.net"

Entered 2/21/2011 1:48:05 AM__________________________________________
Good news: Madison Parks has extended the deadline to March 4 for taking a survey of YOUR interests and goals for the parks. Also, hard copies of the survey are available at local libraries and neighborhood centers, if you or others you know would rather fill it in that way. Please let others know about this opportunity. If you think Madison parks should have: ** more habitat for birds (and fewer mowed areas) ** more opportunities for children to learn about nature ** more natural corridors and lakeshore connections ** more school and neighborhood citizen science opportunities - then take 10 minutes (or less) and fill in the survey at [[http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/parkandopenspace]] The deadline is Friday, March 4. Your answers will be used for planning for all Madison parks for the next five years (for their 2011-2016 Park and Open Space Plan). Thanks!

Entered 2/20/2011 11:35:40 PM__________________________________________
Great Backyeard Bird Count is still underway through Monday - anyone can join the fun, it only takes 15 minutes. Just count the highest number of each species seen at one time, and report your counts at [[http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc]], and check out the amazing counts pouring in. Those on Madison's north side will be excited to know a Bluebird was spotted in a Bluebird House just off County CV by Cherokee Marsh.

Entered 2/20/2011 10:26:36 AM__________________________________________
They weren't starlings. These had long tails (like red-wings or grackles). Starlings have short tails. E-bird is showing thousands of Red-Winged Blackbirds in the Chicago area so some might be coming up here. My view of them was from underneath while they flew overhead, so I could never get a good view of their wing. When they landed in trees, they were too far away to get a good ID on them with my scope. They weren't making any sound.

Entered 2/20/2011 10:10:08 AM__________________________________________
Maybe Starlings?

Entered 2/20/2011 7:34:41 AM__________________________________________
My wife and I saw a single Sandhill Crane landing at sunset at Nine Springs Nature Area. There were also a good number of black birds (100-200) but we couldn't tell for sure if they were red-winged black birds or not. All of the ponds Nine Springs are still frozen.

Entered 2/20/2011 7:03:18 AM__________________________________________
I went to the website ( www.aldoleopold.org ) and don't see the information. It's unclear whether the survey is a paying proposition or volunteer only...

Entered 2/18/2011 10:02:10 AM__________________________________________
Leopold – Pine Island Important Bird Area Breeding Bird Survey: The Aldo Leopold Foundation in Baraboo, WI needs moderate to experienced birders to help this spring/summer to re-survey the 15,000 acre Important Bird Area (IBA) located along the Wisconsin River. The IBA is home to over 100 species of breeding birds and unique habitats that provide exceptional bird-watching opportunities. A training session and distribution of materials will be held the second weekend in April. Other birding opportunities include joining ALF staff in conducting Red-shouldered Hawk, amphibian, owl, marshbirds and woodcock surveys along designated routes. If interested in helping to survey the IBA or adopting a route, please contact Jen Simoni at jsimoni@aldoleopold.org or (608)355-0279 ext. 32. Check out our website www.aldoleopold.org for more information on the Leopold-Pine Island Important Bird Area.

Entered 2/14/2011 9:54:46 PM__________________________________________
Bird-smart Wind Power - Please take action to promote bird-smart wind power. The federal government has or will release wind development guidelines for public comment very soon. Here is an action you can take now: Sign the American Bird Conservancy petition on the ABC homepage at [[http://www.abcbirds.org]] (less than 5 minutes)

Entered 2/14/2011 6:10:43 PM__________________________________________
If you think Madison parks should have more habitat for birds (and fewer mowed areas), more opportunities for children to learn about nature, more natural corridors and lakeshore connections, and more school and neighborhood citizen science opportunities, please take 10 minutes (or less) and fill in the city parks survey at [[http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/parkandopenspace]] The deadline is Tuesday, Feb. 15. Your answers will be used for planning for all Madison parks for the next five years as part of the 2011-2016 Park and Open Space Plan. Sorry for the short notice, this was apparently not as well publicised as might be desired. Please check the boxes related to the above items and mention them in your comments. Thank you!

Entered 2/12/2011 8:56:37 PM__________________________________________
re Ferruginous like hawk, I have often seen what I call "white red tails", redtails that are very light colored. I've recently seen one in Madison in the vicinity of the golf course in Shorewood Hills as an example. It will perch on poles along University Ave or the entrance ramp from Old Middleton Road. Despite living around here for many years we managed to not ever visit the Pheasant Branch bike trail. Today acting on a tip from a friend we wanted to visit part of this trail. Wow it was really nice! There's a beautiful ravine with a lovely stream open in various places. Even some little waterfalls and some "weir's" that create a rapids-like effect in the stream. Some lovely signage in some parts about wildlife. All kinds of very large trees especially monster cottonwoods with a lot of holes. Very very nice bridges that looked like new. Yes it's in the city and surrounded by houses but one great thing about it is the City did a wonderful job of plowing this blacktop trail. I give it two thumbs up for being walk-friendly. If you want to see the ravine, head for Parisi Park and if you find Ravine drive then take it. [[ http://www.visitmiddleton.com/documents/MiddletonVGMap.pdf ]] There seemed to be quite a few tufted titmice around the ravine. Saw where a beaver had chewed off a lot of willow branches west of Hwy 12. You could walk for miles and miles on those trails. Dog walkers were not terribly good at cleaning up after their pets but that's kind of the not-a-skiing-only- trail tax. I don't think walkers have to have trails plowed necessarily although that would be best for bikers and people with wheelchairs,strollers etc. I'd like to see the idea promoted to do something to groom some trails for people to walk on. I just think it's weird that it is considered perfectly acceptable to groom trails for snowmobiles and skiers but walkers often get absolutely nothing but a forest of signs telling them they are not welcome. If there is a trail one is allowed to walk on it's typically one that goes by no features of any kind in the least used part of the park and it's termed a snowshoe trail. Middleton's bike trail is a great example of making walking possible in the winter.

Entered 2/11/2011 4:19:06 PM__________________________________________
Results of the 2010 Christmas Bird Counts are available now on the National Audubon website: http://cbc.audubon.org/cbccurrent/current_table.html For Madison's count, enter WIMA under Option C, then the blue Enter bar. Make sure to highlight (by clicking on) WIMA when it appears in the box to the right, then click on "Make a Table" and you should see all the data, in an easy-to-read format.

Entered 2/10/2011 6:43:58 PM__________________________________________
If you scroll down to the bottom of this page, you MIGHT still be able to see the results from the latest (Dec.18 2010) Madison Christmas Bird Count, which shows that 15 Eastern Bluebirds were counted. With the current south winds bringing more Bluebirds in, it will harder from now on to definitively say whether a given observed Bluebird overwintered or arrived just recently.

Entered 2/10/2011 11:57:22 AM__________________________________________
Male Bluebirds flying around UW Madison Hospitals and clinic in Madison; landing on low-flat, snow-covered roof, looking in many office windows; perching on the office window ledges, and on pyramid-shaped glass sky windows on that roof. First seen 1/24/2011

Entered 2/9/2011 6:20:53 PM__________________________________________
After looking at pictures again, and checking out the range of each bird, I think it's more likely that the Ferruginous Hawk I thought I saw was actually a Rough Legged Hawk.

Entered 2/9/2011 6:10:28 PM__________________________________________
Is it possible the I spotted a Ferruginous Hawk around 12:30pm today in Sun Prairie? It was definitely a bird of prey, and I first noticed over the car dealership at Main and O'Keefe. It traveled generally south from there; I caught up with it again over a field at Bailey Rd and Forward Dr.

Entered 2/7/2011 3:31:45 PM__________________________________________
Black-Capped Chickadees have been singing their mating song for a while already. Today I saw a pair working in one of my backyard nest boxes. Signs of spring being not too far away. Also saw an interesting group of 2 Red Tailed Hawks and 6 American Crows in very close proximity in a low deciduous tree next to the Cottage Grove Road ramp onto Hwy 51. Oddly enough the Crows weren't pestering the heck out of the Hawks, maybe waiting to see if they had a nest in nearby pines.

Entered 2/6/2011 1:18:03 PM__________________________________________
Yeah could be I was wrong. If someone else goes there check it out.

Entered 2/6/2011 8:41:02 AM__________________________________________
Common Mergansers are more likely right now than Red-breasted.

Entered 2/5/2011 8:35:01 PM__________________________________________
Poynette sewage plant discharge to Rowan Creek: a whole flock of male bluebirds! There were like 15. For some reason they would fly down and land on the snow. Apparently there was something they could eat on the snow. Also would perch on branches right over the water. There is nothing more beautiful than male bluebirds in the snow. Amazing! Also saw a winter wren very very well on a branch right over the stream. The best look at one I ever had. Seemed like it was chirping like as if it thought it was communicating with another bird. Then we got a glimpse of a second small bird diving under a tree trunk over the water. A second winter wren? I couldn't be sure. Also some very interesting streaky sparrows that like to stick right close to the water or even walk on the vegetation in the water. I'm not so good with sparrows. Fair sized sparrows had very narrow and rather upright tails, similar to how wrens can hold their tails. Not tree sparrows, not white throated; that's all I can saw. Checked Lake Columbia, Portage. Not very good walking through snow to the water as the public driveway not ploughed. The dikes around the lake were plowed. Saw an eagle soaring in front the plant. Some red breasted mergansers swimming out there. A very large number of canada geese. Lake Columbia doesn't smell very good. If you want to visit try to find a day when the wind is from the south. Very algae smell. Bleah.

Entered 2/1/2011 11:16:16 AM__________________________________________
Dear Sanctuary friends - In Wisconsin, Aldo Leopold Weekend is officially celebrated the first weekend in March. Renowned conservationist and writer Aldo Leopold had a strong working relationship with the people and lands at Faville Prairie just north of Lake Mills. For the first time, Lake Mills will join the statewide festivities this year with local events planned for March 4-6. We’ll celebrate Leopold’s work and connection to Lake Mills through film, presentations from experts, community readings and conversation, and a hands-on work party. The attached flier [[ALWbrochure.pdf]] provides more information about Aldo Leopold Weekend in Lake Mills. A detailed schedule of events will be out soon, so please stay tuned and tell your friends. We are also looking for Volunteer Readers to read essays on Saturday, and Work Party Volunteers on Sunday. Contact Liesa at (920)648-8005 to volunteer as a reader, or Lars at (608)220-9563 to volunteer for the work party. We look forward to seeing you at some or all of the Aldo Leopold Weekend events! - Aldo Leopold Weekend Planning Committee: Jim Kerler, Lars Higdon, Rae Rediske, Liesa Kerler

Entered 1/25/2011 10:54:54 PM__________________________________________
Here's a chance to help stand up for the environment - Wed 1/26. There will be a hearing on Wetlands Deregulation Bill AB 10 by the Assembly Natural Resources Committee Wednesday, Jan. 26, at 9:30 a.m. Room 412 East, State Capitol. Please attend and testify or register against the bill. In order to benefit just one developer in Brown County, AB 10 would deregulate any wetland in the county that is 3 acres or less. It would exempt all such wetlands from NR 103 wetland protection regulations and from chapter 30 regulations. And it would allow the filling in of wetlands located on the beds of lakes and streams in the county without any DNR approvals. Conservatively, more than 1000 acres of wetlands would become deregulated under this bill. In addition, if adopted, the bill would become a model for other counties to seek similar wetland protection exemptions from the Legislature. As mentioned in a previous alert, 3 acres is a large area for small, but important creatures, such as frogs, salamanders, freshwater shrimp, and many more, and those that depend on them, especially herons, shorebirds, and ducks. For more information, see the Wisconsin Wetlands Association website: http://www.wisconsinwetlands.org/alerts/alert_20110114.htm - Karen

Entered 1/25/2011 9:59:25 AM__________________________________________
It was confirmed by local DNR officials that DRC 1339 was used in Dane county to control starlings on local dairy farms!!! This explains the dead starlings found in the last week.

Entered 1/24/2011 3:11:26 PM__________________________________________
The UW Nelson Institute is encouraging everyone to report any sick or dead wild animals on the new Wildlife Health Event Reporter website: www.wher.org They say that "monitoring and reporting these kinds of wildlife health events at any scale, large or small, that involves sick/ dead wild animals is important."

Entered 1/24/2011 3:08:22 PM__________________________________________
Artist Notification - We are now accepting applications for the Madison Audubon Art Fair at Warner Park, Madison, Saturday May 7. The application deadline is February 15, 2011. All applications are being handled on the web using Zapp.com. To apply, please see instructions at [[http://madisonaudubon.org/audubon/artfair]]

Entered 1/24/2011 7:06:52 AM__________________________________________
We found nearly a dozen dead starlings under our pines near Windsor. Many other species are using nearby birdfeeders without a problem. Has anyone else see this happening?

Entered 1/23/2011 6:20:59 PM__________________________________________
Monroe street arb: a couple fox sparrows in the honeysuckle shrubs north of the mallard pool. A mink spotted on the north bank of the mallard pool. Some type of hawk Cooper's? hanging about. Never got a real good look at it. A few pairs of gadwalls in the lake wingra pool.

Entered 1/22/2011 8:59:08 PM__________________________________________
Whoever called (Cary?) from the westside YMCA and left a message on the birding hotline, asking about Picnic Point field trips - we can't quite make out the phone # you left. If you call the regular MAS office number (255-2473) during the week, someone should be able to help you. And by the way, the 2011 field trip list is posted now!

Entered 1/21/2011 10:19:13 PM__________________________________________
Dear Faville Grove Volunteers - Tomorrow's Sat Jan 1/22 work party at Faville Grove Sanctuary is canceled due to the cold temperatures. Several anticipated volunteers have backed out because of the cold so I'm expecting a pretty low turnout. Sorry to get your hopes up but I look forward to seeing you at one of our next work parties which are held every second and fourth Saturday and every Wednesday from 9:30-noon. Stay warm, Lars

Entered 1/18/2011 10:54:19 PM__________________________________________
DNR Seminar - Public is Invited: Lead as a Wildlife Conservation Issue - Jan 25 1-4pm, at the State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2), Room G09, 101 S. Webster St, Madison, Wisconsin. A panel lead by Scott Craven and other scientists will discuss the use of lead by hunters and anglers, which has recently been brought back into the spotlight. Despite the large body of scientific information regarding the deleterious impacts of lead, a great deal of misinformation still exists. The purpose of this session is to provide factual information regarding lead and its potential impacts to the WI Natural Resources Board (NRB), the Department of Natural Resources leadership, and the public. There will be opportunity to submit written questions to the panel.

Entered 1/18/2011 10:19:56 AM__________________________________________
Experienced Birders NEEDED! The Aldo Leopold Foundation in Baraboo, WI needs moderate to experienced birders to help this spring/summer to re-survey the 15,000 acre Leopold-Pine Island Important Bird Area (IBA) located along the Wisconsin River. The IBA is home to over 100 species of breeding birds and unique habitats that provide exceptional bird-watching opportunities. A training session and distribution of resources and materials will be held early spring at a date still undetermined. Other birding opportunities include joining ALF staff in conducting Red-shouldered Hawk, amphibian, owl, marshbirds and woodcock surveys along designated routes within the IBA. These routes begin earlier in the season than the IBA survey and are a great way to get to know the organization and become familiar with the IBA before the re-survey commences. If interested in helping to survey the IBA or adopting a route, please contact Jen Simoni at jsimoni@aldoleopold.org or (608)355-0279 ext. 32 for details. Check out our website www.aldoleopold.org for more information on the Leopold-Pine Island Important Bird Area.

Entered 1/16/2011 8:20:45 PM__________________________________________
Sorry if this is off topic. I was wondering if anyone knew what the word REM meant, when the Wisconsin Dnr uses it. I've been exploring this interactive map service which is interesting. http://dnrmaps.wi.gov/DNRManagedLands/ But often this are listed as REM-Something and I'm wondering what that means. Basically I want to know if we can go there. (Hiking and bird watching.) We used to really hit the state/city/county parks but in recent years many of them got too walk-unfriendly. The best trails became either ski-only or snowmobile only or hunting only... more and more reasons you can't walk somewhere. Walkers come last on the priority list, despite that I am quite sure there are WAY more people that can walk than can ski. And how come all these land owners allow snomobiles to run over their land, clear trails and build bridges but if you wanted to WALK there they'd have you arrested for trespassing? What is so bad about walking and so good about noisy polluting snowmobiles? Well whining aside we're looking to find locations that do not have the good stuff closed to walkers.

Entered 1/16/2011 6:58:35 PM__________________________________________
West of Montfort area, we saw dark morph rough legs and a light morph. Our first pair of horned larks. (Where have they been?) A pair of eagles touching talons, one red tail attacking another red tail, and a shrike. It was so calm that none of the wind turbines were turning. On the way back a few of them were turning, slowly. Never saw it so calm there.

Entered 1/16/2011 12:13:52 PM__________________________________________
During our winter walks on Lake Mendota around Farwell's Point, I observed 3 to 4 small open areas of water along the rocky beach that is created by the lower lake level. I assume these open areas are created by underground springs coming off the sandstone cliffs above. A flock of robins find these open areas a great winter source of water & possibly worms. The robins appear to roost & find fruit in the Farwell's Point woods which lies above, between the cliffs & Mendota Mental Health grounds.

Entered 1/15/2011 7:19:08 PM__________________________________________
Near Waterloo we saw a shrike at the very top of some smallish trees in a wildlife area where the road is very close to the level of the surrounding marsh. The shrike was closing in on some sparrows in some shrubs. I got only a brief glimpse of the sparrows but probably tree sparrows.

Entered 1/15/2011 7:13:42 PM__________________________________________
We stopped in at Faville Grove and saw about 7 shorteared owls hunting (from around 4:40 to dusk) So beautiful. But viewing was a lot better before a car stopped behind us and the people got out. Then the owls fled. Stay in your cars people! It is very very rude to come to where other bird watchers are watching out of their cars and get out and scare the birds away. This is bird watching manners 101 and many people have not attended the class.

Entered 1/14/2011 2:27:46 AM__________________________________________
Amazing to see 17 Cardinals on the feeder at one time, northside Madison near Cherokee

Entered 1/10/2011 4:29:23 PM__________________________________________
Re: Bohemian Waxwings - it's entirely possible you did see one in Poynette, as this winter seems to be an "invasion year" for that species. Large flocks are being seen in Door County (along with Pine Grosbeaks,) and they've been seen as far south as Appleton and Sheboygan in recent weeks. Any flock of Cedar Waxwings should be checked for larger, grayer ones. In addition to the chestnut undertail coverts, they have a prominent white mark on the wings, & the vocalizations are lower and burrier than the high-pitched ones of Cedars.

Entered 1/10/2011 1:24:00 PM__________________________________________
I know it's not that unusual but it's always fun to see Robins in winter. These were hanging around by Maple Bluff Country Club and chirrupping like it was spring.

Entered 1/9/2011 6:10:31 PM__________________________________________
We visited the Rowan Creek park directly west of Poynette. A great place with lots of springs and open streams, open water even now. I thought I saw a bohemian waxwing not far from the sewage plant, in the flood plain area with a bunch of cedar waxwings that were eating buckthorn berries. The most direct route would be head towards the water tower, then find the sewage plant and then find the old mill pond dam relic which is also where the trail starts. The reason I thought it was Bohemian was because of the redbrown undertail feathers. (Also it was larger than the others.) But light can play tricks and I definitely could be wrong. It didn't stay in view for so long I could really agonize over it. At the dam north of Sauk City a lot of eagles. Several on the ice, many in the threes. Also many diving ducks Common and red breasted mergansers.

Entered 1/8/2011 9:18:34 PM__________________________________________
You know it's the middle of winter when ... you are excited to see voles :-) "There's one; there's another one!" Close to sunset we walked around the gardens west of picnic point and through some of the prairie area east of the gardens. There were voles aplenty. At least that's what I think they were. Black furry fast little animals without long trailing tails skittering about. Nothing like a patch of raspberries for a vole or some real thick big bluestem. But we saw not a bird of any kind not even a junco or a redtail. It's fun to see something alive out there this time of year! Especially if it's not running over my foot in the house :-) We also checked out the arb by monroe street. Open water getting smaller but the gadwalls still hang on. Some white throated sparrows by the mallard spring pool. Also some sparrows with a central chest spot. (Yes I am weak on sparrows.)

Entered 1/7/2011 11:01:48 PM__________________________________________
Faville Grove - Saturday Volunteers - Just a quick reminder that we will be having our first Saturday work party of the year tomorrow from 9:30am-noon. We'll be burning up several large brush piles around paradise pond behind Buddy's farmstead at N7710 highway 89. Please meet directly on site, not at Prairie Lane. Below is a link to a map from I-94. Bring something to drink and make sure to wear clothing that can get dirty or damaged from falling embers. [[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=WI-89+N%2FCo+Rd+G&daddr=WI-89+N&hl=en&geocode=FSCSkQIdNl2z-g%3BFRYPkgIdVD-z-g&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=13&sll=43.090328,-88.909092&sspn=0.093017,0.201015&ie=UTF8&ll=43.118277,-88.909092&spn=0.092975,0.201015&z=13]] - Lars 608/220-9563

Entered 1/6/2011 9:55:17 PM__________________________________________
Yes regarding starlings and their vocalizations they are amazing. Once we lived in an apartment building where it seemed like starlings lived in the roof somehow. So we got to know them. They often sang the cuckoo song (of the European cuckoo). Now did they know the cuckoo song because they heard a cuckoo clock or did they have some kind of spooky genetic memory of cuckoos from their homeland... or something else? They mimicked a lot of things. Very entertaining birds soundwise.

Entered 1/6/2011 7:12:25 PM__________________________________________
Wisconsin Wetlands Association alert - wetlands are threatened by changes to allow degradation of wetlands less than 2 acres. Two acres are about the size of two football fields - a large area for small, but important creatures (frogs, salamanders, freshwater shrimp, and many more) and those that depend on them (especially herons, shorebirds, and ducks). Go to this link for more info [[http://www.wisconsinwetlands.org/alerts/alert_20110104.htm]]

Entered 1/6/2011 9:55:07 AM__________________________________________
Ironically, European Starlings and House Sparrows are both "Species of Concern" in England, due to habitat loss, etc. (sound familiar?) Would that we could send some of ours "back home"...

Entered 1/4/2011 9:58:42 PM__________________________________________
Don't forget that amazing Starling repertoire of sci-fi-sounding swooping whistles and calls for which they were initially imported (and unfortunately released - see [[http://www.wbu.com/education/starlings.html]]). They are truly an underrated bird in some respects, even tho a problem where invasive - see [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starling]]

Entered 1/4/2011 12:01:38 PM__________________________________________
You know it's the middle of winter when... you see a pair of european starlings in your yard and you hear yourself saying "oh what beautiful feathers they have!" :-)

Entered 1/3/2011 2:22:51 PM__________________________________________
Our first chickadee feebee call of the year heard in our backyard today.

Entered 1/3/2011 2:19:23 PM__________________________________________
Oops I forgot to mention. jan 2,2011: Hwy 12 south of Devils Lake, before the ordinance property, directly east of the historical marker: a gorgeous rough leg was seen hovering and perching in the tip top of a small tree.

Entered 1/3/2011 10:09:59 AM__________________________________________
1/2/2011 we hit Sauk City around 2 pm. Sunny, temp around 22 or so. Many eagles there. Right from the hwy 12 bridge 2 adult bald eagles were harassing common mergansers north of the bridge. (Dive mergansers dive! :-) 7 eagles perched on the eagle island with trees. Below the eagles were some common mergansers and goldeneyes, which was a rather precarious spot to be a duck. We did not go down to the dam as it was horribly icy. Visited Honey Creek. A couple farmsteads with eagles perched nearby along C. Honey Creek had some Tree sparrows in the marsh north of the road. Otherwise little there except one excited tufted titmouse who seemed unhappy we were intruding. There was blood all along the trail increasing toward the scene of the crime as someone had killed and drug a deer out of there very recently like that morning. As a vegetarian, bleah! I would prefer my trails blood free thank you. As always you'd have to be an otter to get across the stream so we stopped there. (didn't there used to be bridges on that trail? Too bad they got washed out.) Several eagles came in to roost somewhere behind the WSO club house.

Entered 12/28/2010 10:26:47 AM__________________________________________
Saw a couple of bluebirds in Arena today.

Entered 12/27/2010 9:40:44 PM__________________________________________
Dear Volunteers - The moment you have all been waiting for has finally arrived! Now that the holidays are coming to an end I'd like to announce our winter work party schedule at Faville Grove Sanctuary. Please mark your calendars for the second and fourth Saturdays of January, February, and March from 9:30am-noon and every Wednesday morning at the same time. We will be meeting along Prairie Lane (W7480) and heading out to our work site from there. Look for a note on the kiosk to find out where we are if you arrive late. Make sure to bring leather work gloves, sturdy boots, and dress warmly in layers and wear clothing that can get dirty or damaged from falling embers. I'll try my best to have a mid morning snack for everyone but feel free to bring something tasty to share. We'll need plenty of fuel in our bellies as we continue working on clearing and burning brush from our restorations throughout the sanctuary. Wishing you a happy new year filled with fond memories of burning brush piles. - Lars

Entered 12/27/2010 12:50:38 PM__________________________________________
Hi all, The Madison CBC is final. We ended with 82 species on count day (plus two more count week species--Bufflehead & Greater White-fronted Goose for a total of 84. I believe the total of 84 species is quite good given the weather conditions. Interestingly 31 of the 84 species were represented by 4 or fewer individuals and 19 of the 84 species (22.6 %) were represented by only 1 individual. This type of species distribution reminds me of birding in the neotropics (except for all the snow, ice, sub-freezing temperatures and beer-drinking ice fishermen of course) where common species are rare and rare species are common . 21,791 individuals were recorded. This is on the low end for the Madison Count, but expected given the lack of open water. Totals of 40,000+ individuals are expected when the lakes are open and geese are still in the area. Record high species were Blue-winged Teal, Cooper's Hawk, Barred Owl and Saw-whet Owl. All of these species tied or barely exceeded past highs. Below is a list of all species observed from least to most common: cw Greater White-fronted Goose 1 Cackling Goose 1 American Wigeon 1 Canvasback 1 White-winged Scoter cw Bufflehead 1 Great Blue Heron 1 Northern Harrier 1 Northern Goshawk 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 1 American Kestrel 1 Pileated Woodpecker 1 Carolina Wren 1 Winter Wren 1 Eastern Towhee 1 Snow Bunting 1 Rusty Blackbird 1 Common Grackle 1 Brown-headed Cowbird 2 Ring-necked Duck 2 Merlin 2 Northern Saw-whet Owl 2 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 2 Common Redpoll 3 Common Merganser 3 Ring-necked Pheasant 3 Northern Shrike 4 Mute Swan 4 Blue-winged Teal 4 Rough-legged Hawk 4 Hermit Thrush 5 Wood Duck 5 Sharp-shinned Hawk 6 Belted Kingfisher 6 Swamp Sparrow 7 Barred Owl 9 American Black Duck 9 Ring-billed Gull 10 Herring Gull 10 Northern Flicker 11 Eastern Screech Owl 11 Purple Finch 13 Song Sparrow 14 Tundra Swan 15 Eastern Bluebird 18 Great Horned Owl 20 Golden-crowned Kinglet 20 White-throated Sparrow 22 Red-winged Blackbird 24 Hooded Merganser 24 Red-breasted Nuthatch 26 Horned Lark 27 Common Goldeneye 27 Bald Eagle 30 Tufted Titmouse 34 American Coot 35 Ruddy Duck 35 Cooper's Hawk 44 Brown Creeper 51 Gadwall 98 Hairy Woodpecker 109 Pine Siskin 125 Cedar Waxwing 152 Red-tailed Hawk 178 American Robin 184 Wild Turkey 196 Red-bellied Woodpecker 282 Blue Jay 331 Rock Pigeon 335 White-breasted Nuthatch 356 Downy Woodpecker 372 Northern Shoveler 623 American Tree Sparrow 721 American Goldfinch 765 Northern Cardinal 868 House Finch 972 Mourning Dove 1,303 Dark-eyed Junco 1,342 Black-capped Chickadee 1,401 American Crow 1,671 Mallard 2,545 House Sparrow 2,724 European Starling 3,516 Canada Goose Aaron Stutz Lake Mills, WI Jefferson County

Entered 12/27/2010 10:13:17 AM__________________________________________
It must be spring for titmice! Today our titmouse started calling. A high pitched seee-me? Actually quite distinctive. That was just the beginning. Seems like he has more kinds of calls, I'm hearing. Still have 3 pine siskins and a definite white throated sparrow. Yesterday saw a rough leg west of Morrisonville. Very beautiful bird. At mud lake wildlife area not much around other than some turkeys and a bald eagle. On christmas saw some gadwalls in the open water in the arb along monroe street.

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