Friday Feathered Feature
Showcasing a different bird species each week
Tiny transmitters can measure so much. Analysis of stable carbon isotopes in feathers and nails provides insight into the quality of the habitat and thus health of the bird. Peter Marra and his lab group have conducted research that has revealed the inner workings of American Redstart culture.
Photo by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren
While hiking up the hill from the Prairie Lane residence to the young oak savanna, I heard something new. It was like a thrush, pleasing and flutelike, but not as long, not as frequent, and certainly not in the right habitat. I made a mental note of this new sound, but didn’t think much more about it.
Photo by USFWS Mountain-Prairie
Our team took to the marshes, ponds, woodlots and prairies for the annual Great Wisconsin Birdathon that raises funds for Madison Audubon and the Natural Resources Foundation’s Bird Protection Fund. Here are stories from team members!
Photo by Mark Martin
Usually by this time of year there will have been days upon days with warblers indistinguishable from raindrops, being both numerous and falling out of the sky to rest in the trees. Others have noted a paucity of short-distance migrants, possibly linked to severe cold weather in the south.
Photo by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren
