Friday "Fur" Feature: Muskrats

A Muskrat House from a Muskrat Perspective, Photography by Drew Harry

“The wonderful thing about muskrats in my book is that they cannot see very well, and are rather dim, to boot. They are extremely wary if they know I am there, and will outwait me every time. But with a modicum of skill and minimum loss of human dignity, such as it is, I can be right “there,” and the breathing fact of my presence will never penetrate their narrow skulls.” —Annie Dillard from Pilgrim at Tinker Creek

Faville Marsh moat, showing the band of ice on the periphery, Photography by Drew Harry

It's hard to know a mammal that's hardly seen, but then again it's hard to know most wild mammals. Birds are easier with songs and calls, less likely to disappear underwater, like a muskrat. Perhaps flight makes birds less wary of being seen, but then again a bird always seems to fly away just before one catches a marker of identification.

I've had a few chance encounters with muskrats, but they appear on the fringes and vanish underwater within seconds. I've chased them in kayaks, only for the muskrat to amble through the water, up a bank, and out of site, as if I were no more concern than a fall breeze.

In winter, muskrats take center stage. Faville Marsh's peripheral moat is covered with muskrat houses. Trapped under the ice for the winter, these muskrats become as evident as walruses atop the ice. Yet they remain unseen.

Sphagnum used for insulation, Photography by Drew Harry

Each lodge houses on average five muskrats, and can house up to twenty. High overwintering densities of 35 muskrats per acre have been recorded. The density helps keep muskrats warm over winter, along with their rich walnut fur coat. Another method is the use of sphagnum in the construction of their houses. Here, the muskrats parallel the people of the Russian Taiga who insulate their winter hunting cabins with sphagnum.

Muskrats follow the ecological rule of bigger litter sizes in higher latitudes. Wisconsin muskrats average two litters of 14-15 offspring per year and will mate from early spring until fall. Remarkably, it is estimated that 87% of a population will die in the first year, with only 2% surviving past year two.

Muskrats cycle in 10-14 year periods, and it seems that they respond to water level fluctuations. Drought and disease can decimate populations, whereas high water years can see exploding populations. It's difficult to know for sure, but perhaps the wetter than normal fall this year bolstered the population of muskrats at Faville Grove. 

Otter tracks featuring Drew's Glove for scale, Photography by Drew Harry

I've noted a few sets of tracks leading out from muskrat houses, often considerable distances. Typically muskrats will wait under the ice all winter, ranging a mere five meters from their house, feeding on stored cattails and bulrushes in their lodge and pondweed and arrowhead beneath the ice. It's possible that these muskrat wanderers were booted from the house and forced to find shelter elsewhere. These exiled muskrats will often make shelter in the dens of other mammals.

Muskrats need water in winter to feed and drink. A cover of ice is desirable for cover from predators and for insulation. The ice also can come crashing down on a population. If the ice freezes through, the muskrats will wander elsewhere, vagabonds for the mink, coyotes, bobcat, foxes, and owls. Faville Marsh presents an interesting study because the water depth is no more than three feet, and one would presume this moat would freeze through. However, within Faville Marsh's complex of tamarack are groundwater seepages. This relatively warm groundwater does not freeze, and may provide aquatic habitat for muskrats.

Written by Drew Harry, Faville Grove Land Steward

Breeding Bird Point Count Project at Goose Pond Sanctuary

Goose Pond Sanctuary - 2016 - 51 Breeding Species and 1,663 Breeding Pairs

Goldfinches, photography by Maddie Dumas

At the end of the year, the media reflects on the past year's highlights.  Looking back at Goose Pond Sanctuary, the highlight for 2016 was the breeding bird point count project that Heather Inzalaco, UW-Madison Environmental Studies, conducted for her master’s project. Heather can identify over 200 species by call and did outstanding work on this project. Our goal for many years was to learn the species and numbers of birds breeding at Goose Pond Sanctuary.

Song sparrows and eggs in a nest, photography by Heather Inzalaco

Heather conducted two rounds of point counts at our 660 acre sanctuary (1,542 pairs) and at the Manthe’s 65 acre farm (121 pairs) located east of Goose Pond Road and north of the “east” pond, and now restored to prairie.  She also surveyed Erstad Prairie and Otsego Marsh. Heather developed the point count protocol that included 10 minute stops 77 yards apart, in all habitats except for open water. We added data from our waterfowl pair counts and other observations including birds around the residences. Heather also prepared detailed maps for all parcels. Males were counted as pairs. If Heather observed 3 pairs and 2 singing males it was counted as five pairs. The highest number from the first or second counts was counted for each survey block. Species like the sedge wren, dickcissel, and American goldfinch had higher numbers on the second count. This summer’s survey provides a baseline for future breeding bird surveys.

Heather also recorded species that she confirmed nesting (nest with eggs, feeding young, or fledged young are in bold) and we also added confirmations from atlas work in 2015 and 2016. If a nest was found photos were taken to document the nest for the Breeding Bird Atlas II project. Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) are designated by the Department of Natural Resources.

Red-wing blackbird nest, photography by Maddie Dumas

51 Species and 1,633 Pairs –

Geese and ducks included Canada geese 1 pair, mallard 93, blue-winged teal 7, northern shoveler 3, green-winged teal 4, hooded merganser 1, and ruddy duck 1.  Female mallards usually return to where they were hatched and with very successful nesting many females are returning. A brood of hooded mergansers jumped from a nest box at Sue Ames Prairie.

Wetland birds included sandhill crane 2, marsh wren 7, yellow warbler 14, and swamp sparrow 15. The nesting pair of cranes on the west pond raised one young.

Shrub, fence row, savanna and woodland species included wild turkey 6, mourning dove 8, northern flicker 1, alder flycatcher 7, willow flycatcher (SGCN) 15, eastern kingbird 6, warbling vireo 3, American robin 39, gray catbird 16, brown thrasher (SGCN) 11, field sparrow (SGCN) 1, northern cardinal 5, indigo bunting 3, orchard oriole 1, and Baltimore oriole 2. There may have been more than 8 pairs of mourning doves since Sara Kehrli, Columbia County Wildlife Biologist, banded 88 doves at Goose Pond this summer.

Species found mainly around the residences, in nest boxes, and in miscellaneous habitats included killdeer 10, rock pigeon 2, American kestrel 6, eastern phoebe 1, tree swallow 64, barn swallow 40, house wren 11, eastern bluebird 2, European starling 2, chipping sparrow 3, common grackle 8, house finch 1, and house sparrow 8. The 40 pair of barn swallows nested in our barn at the Kampen Road residence.

Over 460 acres of restored prairie were surveyed and this large acreage accounts for the bulk of the birds. Grassland birds found included ring-necked pheasant 28, northern harrier (SGNC) 2, sedge wrens 62, common yellowthroat 212, clay-colored sparrow 128, savanna sparrow 1, song sparrow 302, dickcissel (SCGN) 23, red-winged blackbird 365, eastern meadowlark (SCGN) 46, brown-headed cowbird 17, and American goldfinch 47. This is the first time that two harrier pairs nested at Goose Pond and both fledged young. All the dickcissels were found at the 80-acre Ankenbrandt Prairie. One of our favorite birds that are increasing in numbers is the eastern meadowlark, and we enjoy hearing its call.

Eastern meadowlark photo taken in the Browne Prairie by Arlene Koziol

Almost 50 years have passed since Madison Audubon acquired the first parcel at Goose Pond, a gift to our feathered friends that keeps on giving. The birds thank all of our members, donors, volunteers, and interns who have been involved with land acquisition and habitat restoration at Goose Pond. Thanks to Heather for all her research work.

Written by Mark and Sue Foote-Martin, Goose Pond Sanctuary Managers, and Maddie Dumas, Land Steward, Goose Pond Sanctuary - goosep@madisonaudubon.org

Bald Eagle

Bald Eagle, Photography by Ben Bawden

A national emblem, a conservation success story, and scorned by Ben Franklin, the bald eagle resonates throughout the popular conscience of the United States. A bird of many misconceptions (especially noted by Ben Franklin) the bald eagle is not a voracious predator. Rather, the bird voraciously scavenges, even stealing fish from osprey and otters. In southern Wisconsin, a popular winter meal for bald eagles is fish carcasses from ice fishermen and deer carcasses.

Imagine the bird's fierce call echoing through the pineries of northern Wisconsin. Here, another misconception...the call of the bald eagle more resembles that of a gull. The characteristic screeching heard in Hollywood belongs to the red-tailed hawk.

Look at the eagle's bald head as it reaches for skyward, catching an updraft. Well, you probably know that the eagle isn't actually bald.

In Wisconsin, bald eagles nest throughout the state, in 69 of 72 counties based on Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources aerial surveys in 2015. The state hit a low number of recorded occupied nests in 1974 at 107, mostly nesting in north central and northwestern Wisconsin. Low numbers were a result of habitat destruction, shooting, and toxic chemicals like DDT. In 1972 the bird was placed on the Wisconsin Endangered Species List, and in 1978 the bird received federal protection as an endangered species in most states, though it received threatened status in Wisconsin. Since then, the population has soared. By 1994, over 500 nests were found throughout the state. By 2005, over 1,000 nests. 2015 saw an estimated 1,465 nests throughout the state, as the bird has expanded its range farther into southeastern Wisconsin.

In 1963 there were an estimated 487 nesting pairs in all of the United States. In 2015, 497 pairs of bald eagles nested in zone 2 of WDNR surveys, an area that includes all or parts of ten counties in north central Wisconsin, thought to be the highest concentration of bald eagles in the world. Not coincidentally, this area is also home to some of the highest densities of lakes in the world.

Open water beckons bald eagles because of abundant prey opportunities. Throughout winter, you can see bald eagles congregating along open water of the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers. Enjoy Eagle Watching Days in the Sauk City area January 13th and 14th.

Bald Eagle in-flight, Photography by Ronald Woan

Here at Faville Grove Sanctuary, we are lucky to have an occupied bald eagle nest this winter. Located about two thirds of the way up a big cottonwood, near the base of the tree, the large nest stands out against the treeline. Follow Prairie Lane down to where it turns north, and look east towards the Crawfish River and you will see the big nest, probably 5-6 feet in diameter and over two feet tall. Please view the nest from Prairie Lane, as it is located on private property.

The eagles occupying this nest could begin laying eggs as early as mid-February, and we are excited to follow their progress!

Written by Drew Harry, Faville Grove Land Steward

Friday Feathered Feature

Bird Feeders

A black-capped chickadee waits for an opportunity to feed at the sunflower fines feeder being used by American goldfinches.  In the background a red-winged blackbird enjoys a seed mix at the hopper feeder.

The feeders have only been up for a week, but already I have bird feeding fever! Though we always had a bird feeder in my parent’s house growing up, this is the first home I’ve lived in as an adult that has allowed me to have feeders of my own. Aaron and I are really enjoying the experience.  

The first thing we do when we wake up in the morning is peek out the window on the north side to see who is already up and eating breakfast. In the evenings, I can’t stop myself from fussing with the feeders before I head in for the night, making sure the seeds aren’t stuck in the tubes, scattering some seed on the ground for the pheasants and mourning doves, seeing who I can surprise as I approach.  The species are what you expect this time of year, black-capped chickadees, American goldfinches, American tree sparrows, mourning doves, a pair of Northern cardinals, and a skittish hairy woodpecker.  

One species I didn’t expect was the opossum that was buried snout first in the large hopper feeder Tuesday evening.  He has adopted a nearby former woodchuck hole as his winter home, and I couldn’t be more pleased to have the opportunity to observe him (and hopefully keep him well fed) over the coming months.  I hope your winter bird feeder will provide you with your own surprises and delights this winter!

Goldfinches squabble over a spot at the sunflower fines feeder, while in the background, a red-winged blackbird enjoys a seed mix.

American goldfinches at one of Mark and Sue’s feeders.

HOW TO CREATE A SUCCESSFUL WINTER BIRD FEEDING SEASON?

Courtesy of National Wildlife Federation  

In the northern states that get consistently cold or have extended periods of snow and ice on the ground, you may be surprised to learn what a huge difference you can make by feeding wild birds right outside your own door or window.  A large-scale winter storm, with deep snow or ice cover, cuts off many birds from their natural food supplies and can actually cause them to starve. Backyard bird feeding can make a real contribution to their survival and even thriving during the winter months.   Here are ten pointers for a successful winter bird feeding season:

1. Put out feeders with good size capacity:  And/or use multiple feeders to provide ample food especially during snow and ice storms.  
2. Provide nutritious winter seed foods: For most birds theses often include seed mixes of: black oil sunflower seed, sunflower chips, cracked corn, and white millet seed.  Avoid mixes that contain milo, wheat, and other fillers.
3. Offer fatty food too:  Birds need to burn more calories in the winter just to stay warm.  Suet is considered a high energy food because it consists of fat that has 9 calories per gram compared to 4 calories per gram for carbohydrates or protein. Suet cakes that contain seeds and peanut butter are also popular with our flying friends but is more expensive than suet. Suet feeders are a favorite of woodpeckers and other insect-eating birds
4. Keep your feeders full: Winter birds need to stock up on calories especially for those long, cold winter nights.
5. Be consistent and keep feeding through the winter: Birds grow accustomed to your feeders especially in severe weather when the snacks you offer may mean their very survival.  If you leave home for an extended period, try to have a neighbor or friend keep the feeders going.
6. Remember water: Birds can become dehydrated in winter even if surrounded by ice and snow.  Putting out a pan of water near the feeder on warmer days is a terrific idea.
7. Stamp down the snow below: Ground-feeding birds such as dark-eyed juncos, doves and many sparrows will be able to gather up the seed that drop from the feeders if they don’t have deep snow to try to manage.  
8. Hang feeders in cat-safe locations: Place bird feeders in locations that do not also offer hiding places for sneak-attacks by cats and other predators. Think of placing the feeders ten to twelve feet from shrubs or brush piles.  This gives the birds some time to react.
9. Remember feeder cleanliness: Your feeders can get a little grimy. Because natural food sources are scarcer in the winter, more birds may be attracted to backyard feeders and those feeders will need to be cleaned with some hot water and bleach dried a few times during the season.
10. Save some money and stock up on seed: Bird feeding veterans say it is best to stock up on birdseed in the Fall when many lawn and garden centers are discounting it to make way for winter merchandise. Stored properly, (in cool dry places and protected from mice) seed can easily last for months, particularly seed mixes and sunflower seeds.

The first days or winter are a great time to start feeding birds.  Once you have bird feeders, some water sources, some shrubs and trees for habitat cover you are well on your way to qualifying for certification as a backyard habitat with 135,000 other U.S. residents.  Learn more about NWF’s Certified Wildlife Habitat™ program and see if you might like to join up.  The winter birds surely need you.

A mourning dove guards the hopper feeder. 

A mourning dove pecks through the shell corn we threw out for the rabbits. 

Other important advice found on the National Audubon website includes reminders to clean your feeders thoroughly with bleach water when needed and especially at the end of the season, to rake up spilled seed in the spring, to be sure to hang feeders at all levels to attract different species, and to hang feeders within three feet of windows to help prevent window collisions.  It is also advisable to hang netting across windows near feeders to make windows visible to birds. http://www.audubon.org/news/bird-feeding-tips

We have a seven-acre food plot at Goose Pond that is dominated by sunflowers, sorghum (milo), buckwheat, and weed seeds.  A couple days ago I saw a flock of over 100 American goldfinches feeding on the sunflower seeds.  Birds have been using the food plot since September and there appears to be plenty of seed remaining.  It will be interesting to see if birds are attracted to feeders at the two MAS residences or instead feed solely in the food plot.

I hope your winter bird feeders will provide you with your own surprises and delights this winter!

Written by Maddie Dumas, Land Steward, Goose Pond

Photography by Maddie Dumas