Marsh Wren

Marsh wren by Mick Thompson

The marsh wren is histrionic, bouncing from one cattail to another, calling out with its trill and rattling voice.  A whirring vector of motion and sound, the marsh wren frenetically builds anywhere from 5 to 22 nests per year.  The male is tasked with building these nests, showing the female around each cattail-down lined nest.  However, the female often builds the nest that will become occupied.  She steals materials from nearby nesting marsh wrens further along in the nest cycle.

Expending such energy to construct nests likely has the benefit of deception.  Marsh wrens will destroy the eggs of other marsh wrens and red-winged blackbirds, while the blackbirds will return the favor.  These dummy nests serve as decoys for predators, structure for fledgling young, and mark the male’s territory.  

Marsh wren by Arlene Koziol

The marsh wren loves marshes.  The first Breeding Bird Atlas in Wisconsin found 79% of marsh wren records in open lowland marsh.  An excellent place to find the marsh wren this summer is the Snake Marsh at Faville Grove Sanctuary. The intern crew has discovered numerous nests throughout the Snake Marsh, seeing up-close the wren-crafted nests and wren wrought chattering.

Written by Drew Harry, Faville Grove Sanctuary land steward

Pied-billed Grebe

The pied-billed grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) is a small, stocky, grayish brown grebe with a stout chicken-like bill. The sexes appear similar, although females are slightly smaller than the males. The name “pied-billed” describes the bird during the breeding season when it sports a white bill with a vertical black stripe (i.e. “pied”). It is also called: dabchick, hell-diver, and water witch. It is rarely seen flying, as it prefers to escape danger by diving, and migrates at night. Only once have I seen one fly.

A breeding pair of pied-billed grebes on Goose Pond. Photo by James Otto

Young grebes feasting on fathead minnows. Photo by Richard Armstrong

It feeds on aquatic organisms including insects, small fish including fathead minnows, tadpoles, and crustaceans. The pied-billed grebe is the most wide-spread of the American grebes, occurring throughout much of North, Central and South America. In 1991 Samuel Robbins wrote that in Wisconsin it is a rare winter resident, a common migrant, and a common summer resident. It nests in Wisconsin wetlands having both emergent vegetation and open water areas. During the second Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas project pied-billed grebes were recorded as possible+ nesters in 293 (23%) of the 1283 priority blocks of the study. They were confirmed to nest in 150 (12%) of the state-wide priority blocks. Columbia County is a pied-billed grebe hotspot with 50% of the 18 priority blocks having nesting confirmations of pied-bills.

Recently hatched pied-billed grebe chick. Photo by James Otto

The pied-billed grebe is my favorite species of bird. Although not colorful like wood ducks, orioles, or the wood warblers, they are just as fascinating. During the summers of 1979 and 1980 I studied nesting pied-billed grebes on Rush Lake, Winnebago County, under the direction of UW-Oshkosh Professor David Strohmeyer. What follows is based in great part on my Rush Lake study.

Rush Lake is a 3,070-acre prairie pothole wetland. At the time of my study, Rush Lake had excellent habitat for nesting pied-billed grebes. There were extensive beds of hardstem bulrush (Scirpus acutus); areas of cattail, particularly along the shores; plus, much open water. At that time, I estimated that there were at least 200 pairs of pied-billed grebes nesting at Rush Lake. Unfortunately, the wetland habitat at Rush Lake has deteriorated over the years, but hopefully the ongoing restoration project will soon return this lake to its historic status as prime wildlife habitat.

Winter plumage pied-billed grebe. Photo by Richard Armstrong

Although a few pied-billed grebes overwinter in Wisconsin, most return in March or early April, as soon as the ice leaves the rivers, lakes and wetlands. In Wisconsin, pied-billed grebes nest from late April until early August. Their nests consist of a floating layer of vegetation onto which a mass of partly decomposed vegetation has been added. Coming upon such a nest one might easily mistake it for the remnants of a muskrat’s lunch.

The nest is usually located in a bed of emergent vegetation. One egg is laid per day, although a day is often skipped before the final egg is laid. The total number of eggs laid varies from three to ten, but the typical clutch contains from six to eight eggs. When the adults are away from the nest, the eggs are covered with material from the nest, thus hiding the eggs, and keeping them warm and moist.  The average incubation period is twenty-two days, after which the eggs hatch over a period of several days. Within hours of hatching the young are off the nest swimming. In contrast to the rather muted plumage of the adults, the downy young have black and white stripes, a red eye ring, and a white, black and red bill. The youngsters often ride on their parent’s back, where they stay warm, dry and safe.

Pied-billed grebe nest with eggs covered. Photo by James Otto

Pied-billed grebe nest with clutch of 10 eggs uncovered. Photo by James Otto

I found and followed a total of 150 pied-billed grebe nests on Rush Lake. Of these, 115 were successful in that one or more of the eggs hatched. The two greatest causes of nest failure were foul weather (13 nests) and egg predators (13 nests).

Pied-billed grebe on nest, Goose Pond east. Photo by James Otto

Today, one of my favorite places to observe pied-billed grebes during late spring and summer is Schoeneberg Marsh Waterfowl Production Area, which is located about three miles NE of Goose Pond. While this wetland is well known to southern Wisconsin birders as the summer home of a handful of the state-endangered red-necked grebes, it is also home to dozens of pairs of pied-billed grebes. Hike out to the observation deck at the end of the trail north of the Priem Road parking lot or walk to the north end of the Harvey Road remnant that begins at the parking area for Madison Audubon’s Erstad Prairie. When you arrive, stop, watch and listen. Chances are, you will hear pied-billed grebes before you spot one. They make several different calls, but the most commonly heard are the cuckoo-like “caow, caow, caow, caow, …” and the odd laugh-like rattily call.

Interesting tidbits:

The pied-billed grebe is the only extant member of the genus Podilymbus. The flightless Atitlán grebe (Podilymbus gigas) of Lake Atitlán in Guatemala was declared extinct around 1990. 

A nesting pied-billed grebe that I banded at Rush Lake on June 6, 1980 was recovered April 1, 1981 at Seabury Creek, Alabama. The recovery site, located near Mobile Bay, is 906 miles south of Rush Lake. This bird probably spent the winter there.

Another Rush Lake pied-billed grebe, which I captured July 7, 1980 on a nest containing six eggs, was undergoing a complete wing molt. All old primaries and secondaries (i.e. the flight feathers) had been shed, and there was 10 cm of new feather growth of the outermost primary feathers. (Multi-tasking, I guess!)

 Written by James Otto, Madison Audubon Goose Pond Sanctuary volunteer

Baltimore Oriole

Orange meets orange. Photo by Phil Brown

Spellbound weaving of dried grasses, strings, wool, thistle, and thimbleweed initiates an enchanted nest, high in a cottonwood, where the Baltimore oriole raises its young during the summer months. The magic of the oriole might be best understood in its plumage. An orange, sliced in half and stuck on a feeder, soon becomes the second most vibrant object in the yard once the Baltimore oriole finds it.

The characteristic male oriole is hard to miss, but the juvenile males and females—often a lighter orange or yellow—are sometimes overlooked or misidentified. I remember a few years back I had a juvenile in the oak near my house that gave me fits identifying it.

The awkward look of the juvenile Baltimore oriole, photo by Kelly Colgan Azar

Some orioles in Canada have undergone a serious change, a sorcerous shift that had many people misidentifying the birds as tanagers. They were red orioles. Researchers soon ran experiments to determine what was happening to paint the orioles red. In birds, the carotenoid pigments are obtained externally, through diet, and produce pigments like red, orange, and yellow.

In humans, the consumption of beta-carotene (occurring in carrots, bell peppers, and squash) can cause hypercarotenaemia, where feet, hands, and even the skin overall can take on an orange appearance. Likewise, in orioles, the consumption of invasive honeysuckle berries, which are rich in rhodaxanthin, can turn the pigment of the feathers red and orange. A similar process has occurred in some cedar waxwings that have a diet relying on the honeysuckle berries.

This odd bird raises even more questions. Cedar waxwings were documented to have their pigment changed as early as the 1960’s in response to consuming honeysuckle. Why did it take orioles so long to start appearing a different color? Also, why were these birds consuming honeysuckle berries in the first place? In the heat of the summer, orioles typically consume an insect heavy diet, though fruits remain a part of their diet throughout the year. For these birds to eat enough honeysuckle berries to become red, they must have eaten a large quantity of berries. It’s possible that the invasion of honeysuckle into forested areas caused a crash in the food web, and one of the only diet staples available was the honeysuckle. It would be interesting to follow the health of these red birds, and their potential young, to see if any adverse effects emerge.

Baltimore oriole nestling and its nest, photo by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren

You can see Baltimore orioles right now at Faville Grove Sanctuary, where the birds are setting up a home territory and starting to weave those intricate nests. Scattered groups of oaks, or big trees near water are potential spots you could find a nest. If you see a red bird that you determine to be an oriole in August, perhaps it’s a sign that we need to increase our control of the invasive honeysuckle.

Written by Drew Harry, Faville Grove Sanctuary land steward

The “Not So” Reckless Wrens 2020 Birdathon and COVID-19

Baltimore orioles everywhere at Otsego Marsh! Photo by Kelly Colgan Azar

The word “reckless” is defined as thoughtless, irresponsible and uncontrolled. Not so for our stalwart group of seasoned birders who 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. We began the count at 7:30 a.m. on May 15 and ended 24 hours later. The weather was perfect and so were the birds that seemed to show up on cue to be counted.

The COVID-19 virus set the rules for the count. For the first time, we were all going to be social distancing by separating into teams of one or two individuals based on households, each responsible for canvasing a specific area within our total count range. Although this might have seemed like a disadvantage, the divide and conquer method of birding turned out to be a very successful strategy that brought a record-breaking 137 species to the Reckless Wrens bird list! 

Graham and Calla, just one household unit of the Reckless Wrens team, get their bird count started. Photo by Richard Armstrong

We knew that the 2020 bird count was going to be strong. If what we were seeing for yard birds was an indication of what birds might be seen on the count day, we would not be disappointed. Birds at the Martin's cabin feeders and around the yard were colorful and plentiful. All seven species of woodpeckers, orioles, goldfinches, house finches, rose-breasted grosbeaks, hummingbirds and indigo buntings were some species that came to mind.

The 24-hour period featured beautiful sunny skies, light winds and low humidity. Vehicle traffic was light and only a single jet plane contrail was spotted. Instead, turkey vultures drifted overhead in graceful patterns that could have been orchestrated by bored air traffic controllers. We also had bald eagles, a northern harrier, and American kestrels cruising the skies overhead.

Turkey vultures teeter and totter in the clear air. Photo by Arlene Koziol

“Safer at Home” might have better prepared us for our day with the birds by clearing our minds of the normal day-to-day distractions that can clutter our thoughts. We might have been more tuned into the songs and sights of the colorful birds that surround us that otherwise might have gone unnoticed. So too were the sounds of the wind through the trees or the liquid tinkling of water flowing in the creeks where we stood that day. 

The 2020 count was different because the rules had been changed by a virus. We know that the number of birds is declining precipitously, but on this day the birds were with us. 

Numbers and some highlights:

In the first seven years the Reckless Wrens averaged 96 species with the previous high of 121 in 2018. We have many highlights and memories from this year. This year was a record count for American white pelicans: 1 at Goose Pond, 5 at Mud Lake Wildlife Area WA, 20 at Otsego Marsh, 25 at a Waterfowl Production Area (WPA) northeast of Pardeeville, and 68 at Schoeneberg Marsh WPA/Erstad Prairie. American bitterns are a new species for our count and were found at Goose Pond and Rowan Creek Fishery Area. We were very pleased to find black terns (state-endangered), 12 at Whalen Grade, 13 at Schoeneberg Marsh WPA/Erstad Prairie, and 25 black terns at Grassy Lake WA. A highlight for the Martins was finding two active red-shouldered hawk nests (state-threatened) and two more nests that might be active. Overall, we found 12 species that are listed as State-endangered, threatened, or special concern.

Red-shouldered hawk nestlings, photo by Arlene Koziol

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Kathy and Jim Shurts wrote:

We started our Birdathon day at the Vienna Waterfowl Production Area on County V just west of DeForest.  This set the tone for the day, visiting various wetlands and flooded fields in northern Dane County and southern Columbia County. The water table was high everywhere and we were routinely slowing down or stopping to look over the flooded fields and ponds. One thing that really stood out is that there is no lack of Red-winged Blackbirds, Canada Geese, or Sandhill Cranes in this part of Wisconsin! We did bird at small woodlots as well, and these provided highlights, especially the squabbling male Baltimore Orioles. The flashes of bright orange are always a delight. We ended our day at Whalen Grade, a road that dissects Whalen Bay from the rest of Lake Wisconsin. The Black Terns and Common Terns, both state endangered species, were a treat to see. Whalen Grade is also a popular fishing spot and there were many people out on this nice day fishing from shore. We missed our fellow team members but still had a good time.

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Graham wrote:

Birding for Calla and me is a calm and leisurely activity that encourages us to explore wildlife areas, state natural areas, and parks. While the Birdathon fits that description, it has an edge of urgency that I do not find in a non-event setting. We started at 7:30 a.m. and by 5:00 p.m. there were 92 species written down for the two of us. Neither of us has ever made a checklist that large. After Calla and I discussed our options, we agreed to find 100 species within the 24-hour period. We were so close already, why not try?

After sunset we were on the search for some night birds around Governor Nelson State Park. We had given up on owls when a large bodied raptor lifted out of a tree and disappeared immediately into the darkness. Neither of us had good enough night vision to tell what it was, but the speaker is an excellent birding tool. We hopped out, played a great horned owl call, and the bird soared in as silently as it had left landing in an oak at 20 yards. It sat for a moment like a statue. We didn’t move either. Two minutes later the bird started hopping and hooting, and Calla jotted down great horned owl. We got up early the following morning, and reached our goal of 100 birds. Here are a few other events of note:

1. A red-tailed hawk nest was found at Otsego Marsh last year. Calla did an imitation of the bird with a keee-arr, to see if she could get their attention. The nest appeared inactive, but two nearby red-headed woodpeckers were startled into flight. This was a first for Calla, and she was ecstatic.

2. Blue-gray gnatcatchers are tiny ping pong ball birds with very angry eyebrows. Neither of us had seen one until one dropped in on us at Goose Pond.

3. Otsego Marsh is FULL of Baltimore orioles, especially near the parking lot. It was a treat to have a dozen males flashing orange and singing while a few females decided who to pick.

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JD Arnston wrote:

JD checking out warbler heaven! Photo by Mark Martin

I started the Birdathon a bit later in the day than most — leaving work at 5:00 p.m. to go birding at Rowan Creek Fishery Area near Poynette where I knew I could add a red-breasted nuthatch to the team's list. In addition to the nuthatch, I saw several other great species including an American bittern, barred owl, and a golden-winged warbler — a lifer for me. I continued to bird until 10:00 p.m., finding a common nighthawk at Goose Pond and a pair of eastern screech owls! My Birdathon didn't stop there, as I met up with Mark the next morning at 6:30 a.m. at Mud Lake WA to search for warblers. We made sure to bird at a safe distance (6 feet or more) and had an amazing hour, with 13 species of warblers seen. Although I had several highlights throughout these my few hours, my favorite moment was when we saw a black-throated blue warbler (another lifer for me), a prothonotary warbler, and a northern waterthrush along forested ponds where we found other warblers such as magnolia and Nashville warblers flitted overhead. This was the first Birdathon that I've helped with, and I'm already looking forward to next year's count. 

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Special thanks to the donors and others please consider giving a financial gift to the Reckless Wren Birdathon Team to support Madison Audubon and the Bird Protection Fund.

Written by Sue Foote-Martin and Mark Martin Goose Pond resident managers, Jim (team captain) and Kathy Shurts, Graham Steinhauer, Goose Pond land steward, Calla Norris, and JD Arnston.

Warblers

Nashville warbler, photo by Monica Hall

The influx of birds, specifically warblers, from neotropical regions at this point in May is one of the most spectacular natural phenomena of the upper latitudes. On a calm and decently warm day, take a walk into the woods, and even if you can’t tell a warbler from a sparrow, you will see, with increasing excitement, a great diversity of birds. The most apparent and most common will call to you initially, those cardinals and blue jays which are delightful to watch. But listen for a little whistle, a chirp, a movement in a bush, or a song from a treetop, and you might make out a small little bird. Looking closer with binoculars will reveal a bundle of color and joy bouncing among the newly emerging leaves. Yellow is a prominent hue, sometimes contrasted with bold black streaks, other times paired with a white eye ring, or a beautiful blue-gray back. You might also see oranges, reds, and blues.

From (Hurlbert and Haskell 2003)

Generally, the thinking goes that the colorful birds live in the tropics, and those exotic colors are reserved for exotic locations. Indeed, many of the birds we are seeing outside right now do live part of the year in the tropics, but they are here now, in full breeding plumage, a resplendent exclamation of life. Many of the warblers will continue to more northern latitudes, but if you go camping in northern Wisconsin, or have visit cabin, chances are you will run into many of these birds again. In terms of breeding bird diversity during the summer months, northern Wisconsin stands out for its resident bird richness among US regions.

There are days—special days, almost always in May—when the number and diversity of birds flying by is truly remarkable. Given the alterations that humans have made to the landscape, the persistence of birds is inspiring. It makes me wonder what migration would have looked like before the European invasion.  But migration today is remarkable in its own right. I remember specific days from the past couple of years that were big birding days the same way I remember that Wisconsin beat number one Ohio State on October 16, 2010. The big birding day last year was May 17, when I kayaked down the Crawfish River. Pausing along the wetland bank, I soon found warblers strung about the bottomland forest, with flocks flying through by the minute. I don’t remember how long I sat there for, but I do remember that it seemed like I could pluck birds out of the sky if I wanted to. And if I were to pluck these birds out of the sky, there would have been bay-breasted, blackburnian, prothonotary, black-throated green, magnolia, northern parulas, Cape May, golden-winged, black-and-white, and Canada warblers.

Bay-breasted (Kelly Colgan Azar)

Blackburnian (Monica Hall)

Prothonotary (Monica Hall)

Black-throated green (Monica Hall)

Magnolia (Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren)

Northern parula (Monica Hall)

Cape May (Monica Hall)

Golden-winged (Arlene Koziol)

Black-and-white (Monica Hall)

Canada (Monica Hall)

Usually at this time of the year, I like to bring my binoculars wherever I go. Yet, as I sat down to write this I left my binoculars downstairs, and now I’ve seen small birds zipping amid the oak tree near the house. Were they blue-gray gnatcatchers? Or something uncommon? I’ll never know, but I’d encourage you to get out to areas with trees, including spots at Faville Grove Sanctuary, to see the masses of avian correspondents recently arriving from places like Colombia, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Written by Drew Harry, Faville Grove Sanctuary land steward

Cover photo: black-and-white warbler, photo by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren