justnorth posted on October 19, 2007 20:46 :: 1740 Views
Neotropical migrants have all but left the state after last week's strong cold front, but birders are still reporting a handful of warbler species in southern Wisconsin. Waterfowl numbers and diversity have picked up including a fair number of scoter reports of all three species on Chequamegon Bay, Lake Michigan and some of the larger inland waters.
The first Tundra Swans of the year were reported from Chequamegon Bay in Ashland and northern shrikes and snow buntings have moved into northern Wisconsin. Sparrow numbers are peaking with 8-12 species being seen in an outing in good locations. Dark-eyed juncoes and American tree sparrows have peaked in northern Wisconsin and are starting to be found across the southern portion of the state.
Rare birds seen this week include a plegadis ibis and American Avocets at Crex Meadows, an Anna's humminbird in Stoughton, spruce grouse in Iron county, cattle egrets at Horicon NWR, and whooping cranes near Necedah. This fall is shaping up to be a very good year for winter finches and canadian migrants. Birders are reporting good numbers of purple finch and red-breasted nuthatches across the state and northern observers have already noted early common redpolls, pine grosbeaks and bohemian waxwings. As always please report sightings to www.ebird.org/WI to help track bird populations across the state.
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