Bird & Nature Blog
A clutch of the latest stories from Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance
Exciting news: Snowy owls have begun to arrive in Wisconsin, with the first landing in Dane County! Lots of you may know this news already but the DNR link might be worth checking out because it reviews some basic information about snowy owls and some precautions to take in finding and watching them. Enjoy!
Photo by Ryan Brady
The next couple of blogs, you faithful 6 readers, will focus on reasons to be thankful in this dismal year.
One is Wildlife. The DNR just released an absolutely delightful report on Snapshot Wisconsin and a great wildlife photo from each of Wisconsin's counties. Many of the photos have additional links so you can learn more about different species.
Photo courtesy of WDNR
Back in late October, a rare visitor dropped into Madison—a black-throated gray warbler, normally found west of the Rockies. Everyone thought he would be a one-day-wonder, stopping for a quick pit-stop before continuing to ride the winds south on his journey to Mexico. But he stayed. And he stayed. And he stayed. Against all odds, he is still here.
For a new birder, seeing a rare bird like this can feel like a rite of passage. But unless you’re the one to stumble across a rarity, how would you even know it’s out there? How can you hear about these cool sightings, much less learn how to track them down? This week’s Entryway to Birding blog brings you the inside scoop on rarities, so you too can experience that special birding thrill.
Photo by Caitlyn Schuchhardt
In a recent blog, I opined that some conservation issues could serve as the basis for finding common ground in legislative arenas. No sooner had I written that, then, lo and behold, such an issue plopped in my in-box.
Conservation easements are a standard tool land trusts use in their business of preserving land and habitat. Madison Audubon has used them on occasion. A conservation easement is a legally binding and usually permanent restriction that prevents the landowner from developing a parcel of land or imposes strict limits on certain types of development.
Madison Audubon photo
Every year, on the second Saturday of November, a long-running citizen science program kicks into gear. Thousands of participants join Project FeederWatch and—from the comfort of their homes—begin collecting data on the birds that visit their yards or feeder setups. There’s no driving anywhere, no donning of winter clothes, no braving bitter winds or snow. There’s just you, a window, and a hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate. (The beverage is optional, of course, but why not?)
Project FeederWatch can be a great entrance to the world of birding. Maybe you’ve been following our Entryway to Birding series but have been unable to venture out on your own. Maybe the incoming colder weather is shifting your attention indoors. Or maybe you’re looking to refine your birding skills with some up-close study of some winter birds. No matter your experience level, Project FeederWatch has something to offer you—even if you don’t have any feeders at all! Here’s five reasons why you should join and start counting winter birds for science.
