In the past several decades, researchers have become increasingly alarmed at dwindling numbers of North America's smallest falcon, the American Kestrel. But thanks to an expansive nest box program coordinated by Madison Audubon volunteers, 2016 may be a banner year for these little-but-fierce flyers.
Pileated Woodpecker
The “Reckless Wrens” Great Wisconsin Birdathon team included Jim and Kathy Shurts, Heather Inzalaco, and Mark & Sue Martin. The big day count was held on May 12th. We visited Madison Audubon’s Otsego Marsh where we found a good variety of warblers and saw a couple scarlet tanagers. However, we missed a family of barred owls that was found on May 13th.
Wood Duck
Upland Sandpiper
Wild Turkey
This spring we have been treated to numerous turkey sightings at Goose Pond Sanctuary. A flock of about 75 birds wintered 2.5 miles southeast of Goose Pond. Winter flocks spread out in early spring, and in the last week in April, we spotted a 11 gobblers in Hopkins Road Prairie near a stand of experimental elm trees on the UW Arlington Agricultural Research Farm.
