Our First Wisconsin CBCs After Decades in Southeast Texas

Christmas Bird Count (CBC) morning dawned at 6°F; the afternoon high was 30°F. While that sounds like a typical morning of a Wisconsin CBC, it was actually the morning of the Buffalo Bayou, Texas CBC in west Houston on December 23, 1989.

Photo by Bob Honig

White-winged Crossbill

White-winged Crossbill

Though mostly restricted to northern Wisconsin where abundant native conifer trees provide food, White-winged Crossbills will breed in conifer plantings in the southern Kettle Moraine, and other localized spots of high conifer density in southern Wisconsin.

Photo by Kurayba FCC

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Without the attractant of bird feeders in suburban areas, the Sharp-shinned Hawk might be a much rarer sight. As it stands, the bird is occasionally seen at feeders, but it’s not there for the bird feed. Instead, it’s songbirds that feed the Sharp-shinned Hawk, making up 90% of its diet.

Photo by Mick Thompson