Bird & Nature Blog
A clutch of the latest stories from Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance
Birds are the heart of Madison Audubon’s mission, and they always will be. Protecting and restoring habitats, reducing dangers to our feathered friends in urban areas, and creating spaces to share in the joy of nature together are essential. We need all the support, from all the people who care, to build a better future for the birds we love.
Photo by Mike Budd/USFWS Midwest
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel revealed yesterday what southern Wisconsin birders have known for several days. The Lake Michigan shoreline in Milwaukee is hosting a male Mandarin Duck, arguably the world's most spectacular and beautiful duck.
If you don't want to drive to Milwaukee and join dozens of other birders, check out the photos below. WOW, WOW, WOW.
Photo by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren
On Dec. 27, Governor Evers announced that he appointed Adam Payne the new Secretary of the DNR.
Mr. Payne might be appropriately named because he has a lot of that awaiting him. The DNR always has contentious issues and he'll step into two of the most controversial: wolf management and water pollution, PFAS immediately and agriculture-related run off soon thereafter. Powerful legislators and lobbyists for some business and agricultural interests don't want much, if anything, done about the pollution. Wolves always evoke passion; I don't know if any management plan will achieve a consensus among the folks for whom the plan is important. Plenty of other tough issues will arise.
Photo by Karen Viste-Sparkman/USFWS
Fred Prehn, who resigned from the DNR Board several days ago with the resignation effect on 12/30/22.
This ends a strange and sad saga with Dr. Prehn (he is a dentist) staying in his seat for almost two years after his term ended. Emails revealed that he had done so with the encouragement of Republican legislators and lobbyists. His presence sustained a conservative majority of four on the Board with what appeared to be opposition to Governor Evers' conservation and environmental agenda.
Photo by Arlene Koziol
