Wisconsin ranks 2nd in the nation in percentage of residents who birdwatch, and it’s easy to see why as evening grosbeaks and hundreds of other species put on a show. Photo by Ryan Brady.
Wisconsin is home to over 300 species of birds and has thousands of people who enjoy birds. Explore the links below for information on birds, bird identification, birding locations and how to get involved in bird conservation efforts.
Statewide Birding Report as of February 27, 2020
Although a few overwintered here, sandhill cranes have begun their return to southeastern Wisconsin and are expected to increase in numbers next week. Photo by Ryan Brady, map courtesy of eBird.
At long last, spring migration is here! Late February and early March typically bring the first push of migrants to southern Wisconsin, while central and northern Wisconsin see action by mid-late month. This year appears to be on schedule so far as the first sandhill cranes, red-winged blackbirds, robins, and greater white-fronted geese have trickled into the southeast toward Milwaukee and Madison. Expect more to move in there by early next week with southerly winds and milder temperatures in the forecast. Some may even reach central Wisconsin but most new activity will be in the southern and eastern tier as is often the case this time of year. Other early-season species to watch for include killdeer, meadowlarks, grackles, bluebirds, and song sparrows.
Waterfowl also migrate early in the year and will move north as open water allows. An estimated total of 1500 common goldeneye was tallied at Jefferson Park in Menasha on Feb 25. Several hundred mallards and various other species were reported in Dane, where 250+ tundra swans are being seen near Lower Mud Lake and Lake Kegonsa. A few trumpeter swans were also found in the south, with small numbers anxiously spreading across the north woods already. Waterfowl viewing on Lake Michigan can be excellent this time of year, making stops worthwhile from Kenosha and Racine through Milwaukee, Port Washington, Manitowoc, and Kewaunee for red-breasted mergansers, scaup, goldeneye, geese, gulls, and more.
Raptors also delight during the cold season, and we’re fortunate to host many species like red-tailed, rough-legged, and Cooper’s hawks, northern harriers, American kestrels, and bald eagles. Don’t miss out on great fun, info, and live raptors at Bald Eagle Appreciation Days this weekend in Prairie du Chien this weekend. While you’re there look away from the water to the upland bluffs for golden eagles. Southwest Wisconsin is a prime wintering area for them but now also marks the start of this uncommon species’ northward migration that will peak later in the month.
A few of the rare birds spotted since our last report include Barrow’s goldeneye in Kewaunee, northern hawk owl in Bayfield, Townsend’s solitaire in Ashland, harlequin duck in Manitowoc, and continuing red-throated loons at Port Washington harbor in Ozaukee. The week ahead looks to be relatively dry and mild across the state. Southwest winds Sunday through early next week should bring new migrants to southern Wisconsin, with mostly a continuation of the winter’s birds farther north. Help us track the migration by reporting your sightings to www.ebird.org/wi. Good birding!
– Ryan Brady, DNR Natural Heritage Conservation Program biologist