Friday Feathered Feature
Showcasing a different bird species each week
Last year was the Jacobs brothers’ 50th year studying the state-threatened Red-shouldered Hawk. The two have banded over 2,000 red-shoulders! This year, Gene said that if we could locate nests he would like to band adults and young and attach a cell phone transmitter to an adult female.
Photo by Arlene Koziol
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
