Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from The Wisconsin Birding List > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Friday, October 10 at 04:31 PM ET The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Rufous Motmot,©Jan Wilczur

10 Oct Mockingbirds - Buena Vista ["Ty Baumann" ] 10 Oct Youth gun deer season this weekend [] 10 Oct Re: FYI - early gun deer season next weekend ["Dan Jackson" ] 10 Oct injured canada goose ["Terri Welisek" ] 10 Oct FYI - early gun deer season next weekend ["Peter A. Fissel" ] 09 Oct Speaking of just over the border... [Peter Fissel ] 9 Oct Minnesota Point Short-eared Owl! ["Erik Bruhnke" ] 9 Oct golden-crowned kinglet and brown creeper [] 09 Oct Northern Mockingbird, Portage Co. [Schaufenbuel ] 9 Oct Raptors over SE Milw Co. [] 9 Oct Banding this morning Riverside Park (Milwaukee) ["Tim Vargo" ] 9 Oct Dane County - Fox Sparrows ["Mike McDowell" ] 9 Oct Picnic Point in Madison on Thursday morning [john romano ] 9 Oct Bong Sandhills ["Wayne" ] 09 Oct Re: eBird totals - reply to Nancy ["Bettie R. Harriman" ] 9 Oct Arena area and fields west of Spring Green - Wed Oct 8 [john romano ] 9 Oct eBird totals - reply to Nancy [Andy P ] 9 Oct Wisconsin Point ["Erik Bruhnke" ] 8 Oct Concordia ["Tom Schaefer" ] 8 Oct Calumet Christmas Bird Count Dates ["Terri Welisek" ] 8 Oct Re: Christmas Bird Count Dates ["William Mueller" ] 8 Oct thus far in October eBird checklists ["Nancy Richmond" ] 8 Oct Kay kavanaugh [] 8 Oct Re: Christmas Bird Count Dates ["Seth Cutright" ] 8 Oct Re: Christmas Bird Count Dates ["Seth Cutright" ] 8 Oct Christmas Bird Count Dates ["Larry Michael" ] 8 Oct Goshawk at LaCrosse Today, Oct. 8 [fred lesher ] 8 Oct Lake Onalaska Waterfowl (La Crosse) ["Dan Jackson" ] 8 Oct Re: Hummingbird ["Ilona Loser" ] 8 Oct Re: Cormorant question ["Tom Schultz" ] 8 Oct Hummingbird ["charlotte burr" ] 8 Oct Responses to cormorant query [paul bruce ] 8 Oct lost penguins ["Sommer, Joan" ] 7 Oct bird photos from Duluth/Superior ["Erik Bruhnke" ] 7 Oct Re: Owl calls, the thot plickens! ["Paul Schwalbe" ] 7 Oct Speakers bureau updated ["Don & Christine Reel" ] 7 Oct Re: Cormorant question [Chris West ] 7 Oct Wisconsin eBird Quiz [Andy P ] 7 Oct Cormorant question [paul bruce ] 07 Oct [Fwd: [wisb] link to Canada Goose sub-species and Cackling Goose Identification] ["Peter A. Fissel" ] 07 Oct Cackling Goose additions ["M Murphy" ] 7 Oct Re: Cackling Geese? [Chris West ] 6 Oct Cackling Geese? ["JOEY REICHHOFF" ] 6 Oct birds by the percentage of their global populations that breed in Wisconsin [Paul Hunter ] 6 Oct So, how many are there, anyway? ["William Mueller" ] 6 Oct RFI [Tom Sykes ] 6 Oct a pair of bluebirds in iowa county [] 6 Oct Mequon Bald Eagle Dead [Chuck Hagner ] 06 Oct Re: Owl calls at Pardeeville [JANE A DENNIS ] 6 Oct Swallow-tailed Kite 10/4/08 Cape May, NJ ["Seth Cutright" ] 05 Oct Good Warbler Movement for early October [Schaufenbuel ] 5 Oct Rainy day migrants [Chris West ] Subject: Mockingbirds - Buena Vista From: "Ty Baumann" <TyBa AT ci.green-bay.wi.us> Date: Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:30:55 -0500 Went for a ride to see if we could find the Mockingbird sighted at Buena Vista Grasslands. Spent about an hour in the area and not only did we find the Mockingbird but we found three together in one tree, leading us to suspect that there was probably nesting and we had a family unit. One bird definitely had the juvenile streaks on the breast. They were located .5 miles south of the intersection of Mill Rd. on Townline this is 2.8 miles south of County W as there are not many road signs other than "Minimum Maintenance Road" which they are not kidding about. We saw the first bird at about 11:15 AM and the group of three at about noon. Lots of other birds in the area, Bluebirds, Meadowlarks, Phoebes, Orange-crowned, Palm and Yellow-rumped Warblers, Rusty Blackbirds, Savannah, Vesper, Clay-colored, White-throated, and Song Sparrows. Good hawk day with many Red-tails, Kestrels, Harriers, and a Peregrine Falcon. Many Sandhill Cranes but we didn't spot any Prairie Chickens. On the way back we had 2 Trumpeter Swans at Navarino Wildlife Area on McDonald Road. Lots of beautiful leaf color on the tour. Ida & Ty Baumann Green Bay, WI Brown County Subject: Youth gun deer season this weekend From: <jmotquin AT new.rr.com> Date: Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:07:40 -0500 Another heads up....this weekend is the youth gun hunt. THose 12 - 15 years old hunters will be seeking a deer. Orange should be worn by all. I stress orange as from experience as a hunter indicates it alone is the best color to stand out among all the colors. I'll be wearing mine except when waterfowling. Jon Motquin Freedom, Outagamie CO ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Re: FYI - early gun deer season next weekend From: "Dan Jackson" <DanJackson AT LBWhite.com> Date: Fri, 10 Oct 2008 10:30:54 -0500 On that same line, this weekend is the youth gun deer hunt. It is only held on Saturday and Sunday, October 11-12. This hunt is open to kids who are 12-15 years of age. To participate, they must be accompanied by an adult and they have to wear blaze orange as they would during the regular gun deer season. The youth deer hunt is held throughout the state with the exception of the State Park hunting areas. Good Birding, Dan Jackson Chaseburg, Vernon County, Wisconsin (Near LaCrosse) http://community.webshots.com/user/DanielEJackson -----Original Message----- From: Wisconsin Birding Network [mailto:wisbirdn AT mailhub.lawrence.edu] On Behalf Of Peter A. Fissel Sent: Friday, October 10, 2008 10:05 AM To: Wisconsin Birding Network Subject: [wisb] FYI - early gun deer season next weekend Jim Otto gave me a heads up that much of the state has an early gun deer season next Thursday-Sunday (10/16-19), so plan your birding accordingly (i.e., check ahead of time if you're going any distance to an area that may have gun deer hunting & wear bright colors for safety!) On an actual birding note, I had a big influx of White-throats in my yard last evening - still waiting for that Harris's Sparrow... Peter Fissel Madison, Dane Co. ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: injured canada goose From: "Terri Welisek" <terriw AT new.rr.com> Date: Fri, 10 Oct 2008 10:24:15 -0500 I have a Canada Goose in my yard that has an enormous goiter-like growth greater than a grapefruit on its neck and breast. He didn't move with the other geese last night so I suspect it is incapable of flight. Does anyone have an idea what might have occurred and is there a group that would attempt to capture and treat it? Good Birding, Terri Welisek Calumet County Subject: FYI - early gun deer season next weekend From: "Peter A. Fissel" <pfissel AT library.wisc.edu> Date: Fri, 10 Oct 2008 10:05:19 -0500 Jim Otto gave me a heads up that much of the state has an early gun deer season next Thursday-Sunday (10/16-19), so plan your birding accordingly (i.e., check ahead of time if you're going any distance to an area that may have gun deer hunting & wear bright colors for safety!) On an actual birding note, I had a big influx of White-throats in my yard last evening - still waiting for that Harris's Sparrow... Peter Fissel Madison, Dane Co. ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Speaking of just over the border... From: Peter Fissel <pfissel AT library.wisc.edu> Date: Thu, 09 Oct 2008 20:30:16 -0500 The Illinois Beach St. Park Hawkwatch (just south of the state line) had a Prairie Falcon today, according to Vic Berardi. Makes you wonder if that bird was over Wisconsin at some point, doesn't it? Peter Fissel Madison WI ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Minnesota Point Short-eared Owl! From: "Erik Bruhnke" <birdfedr AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 9 Oct 2008 19:10:05 -0400 I know it's over in Minnesota, but thought I'd post my sightings from this morning while birding at Minnesota Point. The Superior and Duluth area s are close to each other (location-wise), and wanted to pass on the sightings to both Wisconsin and Minnesota birders. By far the most exciting sighting this morning was a SHORT-EARED OWL flying over the lake. Within a minute of viewing this beautiful owl, a Ring-billed Gull flew near it, and suddenly went 'jaeger' on it. The gull was diving at it, and from what I could tell, it looked like the gull was trying to force the Owl in the water! It would dive at the owl, and pressure it downward. Pretty crazy! Other sightings throughout the length of Minnesota Point from this morning include: Horned Grebe (1) Horned Lark (flock of roughly 30 birds) Bonaparte's Gulls (about 2 dozen) Bald Eagle Sharp-shinned Hawk (2 flew over the lake, flying low) Highlights from Hawk Ridge today include a banded dark morph Rough-legged Hawk, and a high-flying partial albino Red-tailed Hawk. I'll let you know what I see tomorrow too! Good birding, Erik Bruhnke Duluth, MN birdfedr AT gmail.com www.pbase.com/birdfedr Subject: golden-crowned kinglet and brown creeper From: <msmith112 AT tds.net> Date: Thu, 9 Oct 2008 17:56:12 -0500 as i was rushing to cross a street this morning about 8:30 a.m., an elderly man was crossing in the opposite direction, calling out "i think he's ready to fly now." i couldn't imagine what he was talking about until i looked at the duffel bag the man was carrying, and perched on the top of the bag was what looked to be a golden crowned kinglet. the man said that the bird had hit the window and motioned towards the kenilworth building on n. prospect ave. i didn't have time to check the ground outside the building to see if there were other victims. later today, i saw a brown creeper outside the 5th district police station as i waited for my husband to pay a parking ticket and buy overnight parking stickers. mary smith, east side milwaukee, wisconsin ---- Schaufenbuel wrote: > At 11:00 AM the Northern Mockingbird was located in the first clump of > shrubs on the east side of Town Line Rd. just off Mill Av (four miles > west of Bancroft, Portage Co.). > > > Lake Michigan hawk watches should have been active today with the > northwest wind. In Portage Co. however, the wind was gusting to 30 MPH > and birds were hard to come by. > > > Bird bests for today: > > > Osprey 1, Lake DuBay Dam. > Northern Harrier 10, most on the Buena Vista Grasslands (BVG). > Sharp-shinned Hawk 1. > Sandhill Crane perhaps 1600 along the Highway W between I-39 and F in > the BVG. > Greater Yellowlegs 9, W Ponds (only shorebird found). > American Pipit 5, BVG. > Orange-crowned Warbler 1, Mead Park Dike. > Northern Waterthrush 1, Whiting. > Brewer's Blackbird 28, BVG. > Rusty Blackbird 1, Lake DuBay Dam. > Eastern Meadowlark 1 BVG. > Western Meadowlark 2 BVG (a total of 18 individual Meadowlarks were seen). > Clay-colored Sparrow 2, BVG. > Lapland Longspurs fairly common on BVG area croplands. > > Notes: Three duck species, in low numbers, leaves me wondering where > they all are. Only three warbler species were seen. Yesterday (10/7) I > found a Scarlet Tanager at Tomorrow River State Fisheries Area. > > Species: 57 > > Joe Schaufenbuel > Stevens Point, > Portage Co., WI > > > ############################## > This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to > the mailing list . > To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to > To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to > Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Northern Mockingbird, Portage Co. From: Schaufenbuel <schaufenbuel AT charter.net> Date: Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:09:27 -0600 At 11:00 AM the Northern Mockingbird was located in the first clump of shrubs on the east side of Town Line Rd. just off Mill Av (four miles west of Bancroft, Portage Co.). Lake Michigan hawk watches should have been active today with the northwest wind. In Portage Co. however, the wind was gusting to 30 MPH and birds were hard to come by. Bird bests for today: Osprey 1, Lake DuBay Dam. Northern Harrier 10, most on the Buena Vista Grasslands (BVG). Sharp-shinned Hawk 1. Sandhill Crane perhaps 1600 along the Highway W between I-39 and F in the BVG. Greater Yellowlegs 9, W Ponds (only shorebird found). American Pipit 5, BVG. Orange-crowned Warbler 1, Mead Park Dike. Northern Waterthrush 1, Whiting. Brewer's Blackbird 28, BVG. Rusty Blackbird 1, Lake DuBay Dam. Eastern Meadowlark 1 BVG. Western Meadowlark 2 BVG (a total of 18 individual Meadowlarks were seen). Clay-colored Sparrow 2, BVG. Lapland Longspurs fairly common on BVG area croplands. Notes: Three duck species, in low numbers, leaves me wondering where they all are. Only three warbler species were seen. Yesterday (10/7) I found a Scarlet Tanager at Tomorrow River State Fisheries Area. Species: 57 Joe Schaufenbuel Stevens Point, Portage Co., WI ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Raptors over SE Milw Co. From: Betsyacorn AT aol.com Date: Thu, 9 Oct 2008 15:22:35 EDT Just HAD to take the dawgs to Bender Park this morning, on this glorious weather day, and was gifted with some nice views of migrating raptors including a Harrier, Sharpie, a couple Red Tails and a Merlin. Had an Osprey a couple days ago following the shoreline and a single meadowlark. For anyone interested, the views to the north from the Bender meadow are pretty good, so you can really see them coming in and over nicely. Parking in the upper gravel lot and following the path across the road will bring you to the meadow and mowed paths there. Wished I had more time there as well as a scope. Bender is in Oak Creek and is the furthest east point of Ryan Road (Hwy 100) in case you have not visited. Betsy Abert, So. Milwaukee **************New MapQuest Local shows what's happening at your destination. Dining, Movies, Events, News & more. Try it out! (http://local.mapquest.com/?ncid=emlcntnew00000001) Subject: Banding this morning Riverside Park (Milwaukee) From: "Tim Vargo" <tvargo AT urbanecologycenter.org> Date: Thu, 9 Oct 2008 14:16:19 -0500 In a shortened banding period we banded 39 individuals of 9 species at Riverside Park (Milwaukee): White-throated Sparrow (25) Swamp Sparrow (4) Yellow-rumped Warbler (3) Brown Creeper (2) Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1) American Goldfinch (1) Common Yellowthroat (1) Hermit Thrush (1) Fox Sparrow (1) Timothy Vargo Manager of Research and Citizen Science Urban Ecology Center 1500 E Park Pl Milwaukee WI 53211 Phone: (414) 964-8505 x 116 Fax: (414) 964-1084 tvargo AT urbanecologycenter.org www.urbanecologycenter.org Subject: Dane County - Fox Sparrows From: "Mike McDowell" <mike AT birddigiscoping.com> Date: Thu, 9 Oct 2008 12:47:57 -0500 I found several FOX SPARROWS at Pheasant Branch this morning. Photographed a Lincoln's Sparrow, too: http://www.birddigiscoping.com/bloglinc083b.jpg Mike McDowell Middleton - Dane County www.birddigiscoping.com ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Picnic Point in Madison on Thursday morning From: john romano <cajunbirder AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 9 Oct 2008 09:56:16 -0700 (PDT) Walking past the gull island on the way to picnic point this AM, there was a single Am Pelican with the Ring-bill Gulls. Some birds on Picnic Point this AM were: Am Pelican Brown Creepers - a least 6 Golden-crown Kinglet Ruby-Crown Kinglets (lots) Hermit Thrush Gray Catbird Cedar Waxwing Yellow-rumped Warbler - lots Magnolia Warbler E Towee Chipping Sparrow White-throated Sparrow - large numbers White-crown Sparrow Had an interesting experence at standing in a spot where there were Brown Creepers, Golden-crown Kinglets, and Cedar Waxwings, and all calling at the same time. That was interesting. John Romano Madison Wi Subject: Bong Sandhills From: "Wayne" <redsun AT wi.net> Date: Thu, 9 Oct 2008 11:52:04 -0500 A brief stop at Bong in Kenosha today brought nothing unusual but the sandhills are starting to flock up. I would guess there were about 80 on the big wetland by the viewing platform. Most are feeding to the north in the fields on 7th St. That is the first road north of Hwy 142. Cheers, Earth Images by Wayne Nelson Racine Stock Photography, Workshops & Fine Art Prints Of The Natural World http://www.nelsonearthimages.com ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Re: eBird totals - reply to Nancy From: "Bettie R. Harriman" <bettie AT new.rr.com> Date: Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:25:11 -0500 My question: when did birding and listing of observations become a competition? Bettie Harriman Oshkosh At 09:03 AM 10/9/2008, Andy P wrote: >Nancy et al. > >Enter more checklists! > >In all seriousness, if you look at View and Explore Data for >Wisconsin you can see that October historically begins the slow >slide of diminishing checklists into the end of the year. Is this >because fewer people bird? Or is it because fewer people use >eBird?? I tend to think it's the former. > >I suspect that MN is in the lead due to Cornell convincing one of >the MN birders to do a bulk upload of checklists from Avisys or a >similar program. This is very easy to do now with the eBird upload >tool and is something I'd recommend for any of you Wisconsinites >wanting to get your observations into eBird! Some of our WI birders >have done this and I'm sure would say that it was easier that you think! > >Alternatively it could be based upon the recent success of the >Gopher Football team inspiring birders across that great state to >get out there and make a difference while our own Badgers have sunk >us into a funk of inactivity. > >Andy Paulios >Madison, WI > > > > > >############################## >This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to > the mailing list . >To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to >To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to >Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail >to ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Arena area and fields west of Spring Green - Wed Oct 8 From: john romano <cajunbirder AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 9 Oct 2008 09:19:16 -0700 (PDT) Arena Boat Landing Bonapartes Gull - 3 Pileated WP Red-Breasted Nuthatch Brown Creepers Swamp Sparrow Helena Rd West of Arena Cacklin Goose - 1 Snow Goose -1 (both in a flock of Canada Geese - white phase Snow Goose #3 in line - the Cacklin somewhere in the middle) Am Kestral Jones Rd at Spring Green Great Blue Herons Great Egret - 8 Bald Eagle - 2 Snow Geese - 3 Am Golden Plover - 6 Belted Kingfisher Pearl Rd west of Spring Green Am Kestral Bairds Sandpiper - 1 (WisBird requires one to go the the rare birds for this now) Water Pipit - 1 Hwy G Am Wigeon Mallard - 275 Blue Wing Teal N Shoveler N Harrier - 2 males in the general area Black-bellied Plover - 1 Other Plovers - in grass but only got a good look at the 1 Black-belly Plover Greater Yellowlegs - 2 Mercer and Peck Rd Good Habitat but no shorebirds Savana Sparrow White-crown Sparrow John Romano Madison Wis Subject: eBird totals - reply to Nancy From: Andy P <andypaulios AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 9 Oct 2008 07:03:19 -0700 (PDT) Nancy et al. Enter more checklists! In all seriousness, if you look at View and Explore Data for Wisconsin you can see that October historically begins the slow slide of diminishing checklists into the end of the year. Is this because fewer people bird? Or is it because fewer people use eBird?? I tend to think it's the former. I suspect that MN is in the lead due to Cornell convincing one of the MN birders to do a bulk upload of checklists from Avisys or a similar program. This is very easy to do now with the eBird upload tool and is something I'd recommend for any of you Wisconsinites wanting to get your observations into eBird! Some of our WI birders have done this and I'm sure would say that it was easier that you think! Alternatively it could be based upon the recent success of the Gopher Football team inspiring birders across that great state to get out there and make a difference while our own Badgers have sunk us into a funk of inactivity. Andy Paulios Madison, WI ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Wisconsin Point From: "Erik Bruhnke" <birdfedr AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 9 Oct 2008 01:12:58 -0400 I had tons of gulls this morning. Not kidding.... I had a rough estimate of at least 2,000 gulls, with about 100 Bonaparte's Gulls, all seen off of the main overlook beyond the landfill at Wisconsin Point. I wasn't able to pick out any rare ducks from this location. There was one Bonaparte's-sized gull that had a good remnant of medium-gray hood on the back of it's head. This stood out amongst the many nearby Bonaparte's Gulls' heads which had the single dark mark behind their eye. Before I went to the high overlook past the landfill, I spent my first 1 1/2 hours of this morning at the first pull-off area on Wisconsin Point. I did have one female BLACK SCOTER from this location, as well as several dozen Blue-winged Teal fly-by. In addition to the Blue-winged Teals, other noted birds from this morning include: Scaup, 2 Redheads, 1 American Golden Plover, 2 Sanderlings, and 1 Spotted Sandpiper. I'm planning on checking Minnesota Point tomorrow before work. We'll see what turns up :) Also, for anyone that's up in the Superior/Duluth area, tomorrow looks like a very promising day at Hawk Ridge for a good flight of raptors... Strong west winds with sun. Today we had just over 400 raptors. Good birding, Erik Bruhnke Duluth, MN birdfedr AT gmail.com www.pbase.com/birdfedr Subject: Concordia From: "Tom Schaefer" <schaefertrees AT nconnect.net> Date: Wed, 8 Oct 2008 20:38:15 -0500 With brisk westerly winds I figured raptors would be flying. After several dull hours things started moving. Only 63 total birds but they're all fun with the exceptional looks one has here. Interesting observations include following merlins in my scope and seeing them snatch darner sp. dragonflies out of the air and eating on the wing. Also a juvie bald eagle trying to fly off with a way too large salmon. Bird actually landed on the water for a better grasp but dropped the fish after a really labored flight. High bird for the day was the expected merlin with 28 counted. Tom Schaefer Hartford Washington County ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Calumet Christmas Bird Count Dates From: "Terri Welisek" <terriw AT new.rr.com> Date: Wed, 8 Oct 2008 19:15:08 -0500 Calumet CBC Sat Dec 14. terriw AT new.rr.com. All are welcome to join. We have a county dump and perhaps open water along Lake Winnebago that may offer gull opportunities and plenty of open fields that generally provide snow buntings. From: Wisconsin Birding Network [mailto:wisbirdn AT mailhub.lawrence.edu] On Behalf Of Larry Michael Sent: Wednesday, October 08, 2008 5:34 PM To: Wisconsin Birding Network Subject: [wisb] Christmas Bird Count Dates Except for the CBC coordinators, Christmas Bird Counts are the farthest things in our mind. But.... being a coordinator, here are the dates that have been set for our local counts. Not many CBC have all the help that they need. Those that do... are you happy? Our local counts are looking for help. Any takers? Randolph CBC Sun. Dec. 14 lamichael AT powerweb.net Horicon CBC Sat. Dec. 20 William.Volkert AT Wisconsin.gov Columbus CBC Sun. Dec. 21 lamichael AT powerweb.net Kettle Moraine CBC Sat. Dec. 27 William.Volkert AT Wisconsin.gov Oconomowoc CBC Tue. Dec. 30 lamichael AT powerweb.net Subject: Re: Christmas Bird Count Dates From: "William Mueller" <iltlawas AT earthlink.net> Date: Wed, 8 Oct 2008 18:57:26 -0500 And I echo Larry's message, also - I need a few extra hands and eyes on the Kewaunee CBC this year: Sunday December 28th. Let me know if you're interested. Bill Mueller Milwaukee ----- Original Message ----- From: Larry Michael To: Wisconsin Birding Network Sent: 10/8/2008 5:34:41 PM Subject: [wisb] Christmas Bird Count Dates Except for the CBC coordinators, Christmas Bird Counts are the farthest things in our mind. But.... being a coordinator, here are the dates that have been set for our local counts. Not many CBC have all the help that they need. Those that do... are you happy? Our local counts are looking for help. Any takers? Randolph CBC Sun. Dec. 14 lamichael AT powerweb.net Horicon CBC Sat. Dec. 20 William.Volkert AT Wisconsin.gov Columbus CBC Sun. Dec. 21 lamichael AT powerweb.net Kettle Moraine CBC Sat. Dec. 27 William.Volkert AT Wisconsin.gov Oconomowoc CBC Tue. Dec. 30 lamichael AT powerweb.net Subject: thus far in October eBird checklists From: "Nancy Richmond" <polarpastor AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 8 Oct 2008 18:56:29 -0500 I was just puttering around on eBird and I saw something that just can't be right, can it? Number of checklist submitted for October, 2008 as of Oct 8: Minnesota -- 2605 Maryland -- 1560 California -- 1260 Virginia -- 919 Texas -- 544 Wisconsin -- 495 Minnesotans put in 2600 lists in eight days?? Wisconsin is usually way ahead of MN. Any explanation? Andy? Nancy Richmond Polar - Langlade Co. ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Kay kavanaugh From: <dkkearns AT new.rr.com> Date: Wed, 8 Oct 2008 18:20:21 -0500 Kay, can you reply? My other computer is down and I don't have your address. Thanks, Kevin Kearns Neenah ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Re: Christmas Bird Count Dates From: "Seth Cutright" <ferruginous.hawk82 AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 8 Oct 2008 18:42:46 -0400 PS: I meant to say, you my email me here at ferruginous.hawk82 AT gmail.com or seth.cutright AT gmail.com if you have questions about the Rosendale CBC or if you would like to help out. Take care, here in Cape May not thinking to much about CBC at the moment. Seth Cutright Cape May, NJ On Wed, Oct 8, 2008 at 6:37 PM, Seth Cutright wrote: > Hello All, > > I run the Rosendale CBC and was thinking about the 2nd Sunday...12/21? for > that as a count date...If you would like to help out let me know....But then > again you still have a few months to go. > > Seth > > On Wed, Oct 8, 2008 at 6:34 PM, Larry Michael wrote: > >> Except for the CBC coordinators, Christmas Bird Counts are the farthest >> things in our mind. But.... >> >> being a coordinator, here are the dates that have been set for our local >> counts. >> >> Not many CBC have all the help that they need. >> >> Those that do... are you happy? >> >> Our local counts are looking for help. >> >> Any takers? >> >> Randolph CBC Sun. Dec. 14 lamichael AT powerweb.net >> Horicon CBC Sat. Dec. 20 William.Volkert AT Wisconsin.gov >> Columbus CBC Sun. Dec. 21 lamichael AT powerweb.net >> Kettle Moraine CBC Sat. Dec. 27 William.Volkert AT Wisconsin.gov >> Oconomowoc CBC Tue. Dec. 30 lamichael AT powerweb.net >> >> >> > > Subject: Re: Christmas Bird Count Dates From: "Seth Cutright" <ferruginous.hawk82 AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 8 Oct 2008 18:37:36 -0400 Hello All, I run the Rosendale CBC and was thinking about the 2nd Sunday...12/21? for that as a count date...If you would like to help out let me know....But then again you still have a few months to go. Seth On Wed, Oct 8, 2008 at 6:34 PM, Larry Michael wrote: > Except for the CBC coordinators, Christmas Bird Counts are the farthest > things in our mind. But.... > > being a coordinator, here are the dates that have been set for our local > counts. > > Not many CBC have all the help that they need. > > Those that do... are you happy? > > Our local counts are looking for help. > > Any takers? > > Randolph CBC Sun. Dec. 14 lamichael AT powerweb.net > Horicon CBC Sat. Dec. 20 William.Volkert AT Wisconsin.gov > Columbus CBC Sun. Dec. 21 lamichael AT powerweb.net > Kettle Moraine CBC Sat. Dec. 27 William.Volkert AT Wisconsin.gov > Oconomowoc CBC Tue. Dec. 30 lamichael AT powerweb.net > > > Subject: Christmas Bird Count Dates From: "Larry Michael" <lamichael AT powerweb.net> Date: Wed, 8 Oct 2008 17:34:15 -0500 Except for the CBC coordinators, Christmas Bird Counts are the farthest things in our mind. But.... being a coordinator, here are the dates that have been set for our local counts. Not many CBC have all the help that they need. Those that do... are you happy? Our local counts are looking for help. Any takers? Randolph CBC Sun. Dec. 14 lamichael AT powerweb.net Horicon CBC Sat. Dec. 20 William.Volkert AT Wisconsin.gov Columbus CBC Sun. Dec. 21 lamichael AT powerweb.net Kettle Moraine CBC Sat. Dec. 27 William.Volkert AT Wisconsin.gov Oconomowoc CBC Tue. Dec. 30 lamichael AT powerweb.net Subject: Goshawk at LaCrosse Today, Oct. 8 From: fred lesher <corax6330 AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 8 Oct 2008 14:18:32 -0700 (PDT) A lone Goshawk soared & spiraled over the LaCrosse Airport about 3:30 PM today. Fred Lesher, accomplished leaf-raker with one eye on the sky, LaCrosse, Wis. ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Lake Onalaska Waterfowl (La Crosse) From: "Dan Jackson" <DanJackson AT LBWhite.com> Date: Wed, 8 Oct 2008 15:43:15 -0500 I scoped Lake Onalaska (Mississippi River) at noon today. From the landing at the end of Spillway Street I was impressed to see a flock of about 145 Ruddy Ducks along with a dozen mallards, a couple of Ring-billed Gulls and some Pelicans. That is one of the biggest groups of Ruddy Ducks that I have seen on the Mississippi river (up to that point). I then drove up and scoped from the observation deck at Nelson Park at the north end of French Island. To say that there are a lot more birds visible from there is an understatement. Some of what I saw were: Ruddy Ducks (1500+) American Coot (5000+) Horned Grebes (18) Forster's Terns (3) Bonaparte's Gull (1) Redheads (12) Lesser Scaup (25) Double-crested Cormorant (50) American White Pelican (100) Blue-winged Teal (300) Pied-billed Grebes (25) Bald Eagles (5) There were several huge rafts of coot and a line of Ruddy Ducks that was more than 1/2 mile long. The Ruddys were in relatively loose formation with some breaks in the line. However, it was easily the biggest group that I have ever seen in one place - especially on the Mississippi. There were hundreds of ducks and coot close to a mile straight west of the deck. The ducks were being chased around by Bald Eagles and would get up and fly each time that an eagle approached. I could ID teal at that distance but had trouble seeing field marks on the larger birds. The huge flock of Pelicans that were present a week ago was significantly smaller. The Horned Grebes were almost directly north of the deck and out about 1/4 mile. There were 2 groups of 3 and a group of 12. Good Birding, Dan Jackson Chaseburg, Vernon County, Wisconsin (Near LaCrosse) http://community.webshots.com/user/DanielEJackson ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Re: Hummingbird From: "Ilona Loser" <ilona100 AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 8 Oct 2008 12:20:15 -0500 We still have one hummingbird that shows up at the feeder. I'm not positive that it is one of the juveniles that has been around here for the past month or so but it seems quite comfortable with the area. There was one hummer stopping at the feeder earlier this week that looked like one that was just passing through. What a beautiful sunny day today is -- a perfect day to go outdoors. Ilona Loser Cross Plains, Dane County On Wed, Oct 8, 2008 at 11:31 AM, charlotte burr wrote: > A juvenile hummingbird appeared this morning at one of my feeders. The last > one before today was here last Saturday, October 4. > > > > Charlotte Burr > > Town of Ripon > > Fond du Lac County ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Re: Cormorant question From: "Tom Schultz" <trschultz AT centurytel.net> Date: Wed, 8 Oct 2008 11:42:14 -0500 It's funny that Paul and Chris should mention this... On Saturday the 27th of September I was in Green Lake for their Harvest Fest activities, and at one point I happened to notice several small groups of cormorants flying overhead. The birds were well past me by the time I noticed them and were flying straight away, but in one of the groups there were two cormorants that were MUCH smaller than all the others in their wingspans (I'd estimate about 20-25%). (It was kind of like seeing a few Cackling Geese among a line of larger Canadas, but these were all cormorants.) Unfortunately, the bad angle of view I had prevented any study of relative tail lengths. Also, not being in active birding mode, I had no binoculars or camera with me, but this observation sure made me wonder. I would admit that most of us probably don't spend a lot of time examining the cormorants we see, but Neotropic Cormorant is a species that we should actively be looking for (and attempting to photo-document). (By the way, I was giving Chris a bit of good-natured teasing at Superior when I heard about their sighting later that day -- that he could have photographed Wisconsin's first Neotropic Cormorant, but had left his camera in the car -- and then a week later I had this intriguing sighting of my own... Tom Schultz Green Lake ----- Original Message ----- From: "Chris West" To: "Wisconsin Birding Network" Sent: Tuesday, October 07, 2008 6:16 PM Subject: [wisb] Re: Cormorant question > > Paul and all, > > Neotropics are noticeably smaller that DCs. They are also the next > Cormorant expected in WI. There is yet to be a single state record of > this species even though IL, IA, MN and MI all have records of NECO. > > At the WSO Superior field trip, Daryl Christiansen, Don and Christine Reel > and I saw a juvie cormorant that was about 25% smaller than the DCCO that > it was with. > Unfortunately, we were not able to get enough field marks to definitely > call it a Neo. Since it was a juvie, it was harder to pick out any really > good field marks. > > Adult Neos in breeding plumage have a white "V" at the base of their bill. > Neos also have a distinctly longer tail than DCCOs. Although, in fall the > birds may be molting their tail feathers so the difference would be not as > noticeable. The back edge of the throat pouch on a juvie Neo is much more > pointed than on a DC. This and the tail would be pretty much all one would > have to go on in the field. > > I think that the one I saw in Superior was more likely a Neo than a DC. > However, we didn't get any photos and didn't pick up on any key field > marks so there's no way to tell for certain. > > It is certainly an expected species and is one to watch out for. > Especially after a hurricane and when other states are reporting the bird. > > Tom, I won't let the next one slip through my fingers....... > > > Happy Birding! --Chris W, Richland County > http://web.mac.com/stoneageoutpost/RC_Birding/RC_Birds.html > http://swallowtailedkite.blogspot.com/ > > "The beauty and genius of a work of art may be reconceived, though its > first material expression be destroyed; a vanished harmony may yet again > inspire the composer; but when the last individual of a race of living > things breathes no more, another heaven and another earth must pass before > such a one can be again."(From William Beebe's "The Bird: Its Form and > Function," 1906) > > ________________________________ >> To: wisbirdn AT mailhub.lawrence.edu >> Date: Tue, 7 Oct 2008 12:00:53 -0700 >> From: rdjn560birdcrazy AT yahoo.com >> Subject: [wisb] Cormorant question >> >> >> Good Tuesday afternoon, folks --- >> With all these cormorants flying back and forth every day around >> here, it makes me wonder what to look for in case one of these birds may >> happen to be an oddball, >> i.e., Neotropic et al. Instead of using my field guide I thought I'd >> get other perspectives on what to keep an eye out for. First thing I >> think I know is, I believe they are a little smaller, right? Then what >> else? >> Other than that, I had my first Hermit thrush yesterday,along with >> an unusual incident late last night. While taking the mutt out for her >> last outing I startled a white-throat sparrow or 2 in my lilacs. Not >> very typical to hear that in the dark. >> This a.m.'s jaunt after dropping the kids offat school was decent, >> though nothing new....yet. Lots of PB grebes, ~20 or so, but not like >> last weeks' unimaginable 45. Plus ringneck ducks, scaup, sp., wigeon, >> BW Teal and ruddies. >> All for now, Paul Bruce, >> Oshkosh > > ############################## > This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to > the mailing list . > To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to > To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to > > Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to > > > ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Hummingbird From: "charlotte burr" <caburr AT centurytel.net> Date: Wed, 8 Oct 2008 11:31:38 -0500 A juvenile hummingbird appeared this morning at one of my feeders. The last one before today was here last Saturday, October 4. Charlotte Burr Town of Ripon Fond du Lac County Subject: Responses to cormorant query From: paul bruce <rdjn560birdcrazy AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 8 Oct 2008 07:31:11 -0700 (PDT)      Thanks to all who replied to my cormorant commentary/query.   The help is very useful, esp. for all the 'corms' we've got around the L. Winnebago and Butte des Morts chain.  I'll be looking more thoroughly and intensely while they're still around.         My rounds this a.m. yielded some interesting finds.   First off, at the north end Miller's Bay, the head count of PB grebes was 24,  groups of 12, 5, 4 & 3.  Plus a bonus fall first HORNED GREBE in winter plumage among the 1000 coots.  Then I noticed a ring-billed gull with a deformed bill, looked a bit odd, resembled a laughing gull's bill.  Next seen, at the main dock at the Miller's Bay parking lot, what looked like a tree swallow on steroids (without binocs), turned out to be a female kingfisher, as she sat on a piling on the dock.   Warblers were flitting from tree to tree along the way, just Palms and Butterbutts.      Yesterday was good, too, though this visit wasbrief.  At Riverside Cemetary, I happened upon a modest-sized flock of chipping sparrows, chickadees, juncos, RB nuthatches and my first Golden-crowned kinglets.     Again, thanks for the cormorant info.  Time to look for a NEO !!      Paul Bruce    Oshkosh Subject: lost penguins From: "Sommer, Joan" <joan.sommer AT marquette.edu> Date: Wed, 8 Oct 2008 09:13:31 -0500 Thought this might interest some of you: http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/science/10/08/rescued.penguins/index.html Joan Sommer Fredonia Subject: bird photos from Duluth/Superior From: "Erik Bruhnke" <birdfedr AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 7 Oct 2008 21:13:15 -0400 Hello everyone! This morning Karl Bardon and I birdwatched along the length of Minnesota Point. He located two White-winged Scoters and 2 Long-tailed Ducks. Other than that, we weren't able to locate anything out-of-the-ordinary. I'm hoping tomorrow might bring a Sabine's Gull or two... I saw my first one a few weeks ago, and they're definitely a favorite of mine :) I finally got my favorite pictures from this fall on my pbase website. For my current fall photos (including Hawk Ridge, MN Point, and WI Point), go to: www.pbase.com/birdfedr/fall08 For my other photos (many more to come), go to: www.pbase.com/birdfedr I'll let ya know how I do tomorrow. Oh and with the clearer skies and west winds, Hawk Ridge could likely be good tomorrow! Good birding, Erik Bruhnke Duluth, MN birdfedr AT gmail.com www.pbase.com/birdfedr Subject: Re: Owl calls, the thot plickens! From: "Paul Schwalbe" <pschwalbe AT jvlnet.com> Date: Tue, 7 Oct 2008 19:48:27 -0500 Dear Birders: First of all, we want to thank everyone out there in bird-land who responded with comments and suggestions, especially those who took the time and trouble to go to the spot and listen for the owls (more than one - the original folks who told us about the screeches said they heard calls from different directions at about the same time). Little did we imagine all the interest and discussion our note would create. Early on several of you said to make sure that we were not hearing the begging calls of fledging Great Horned Owls, which are similar to the calls of Barn Owls. We are familiar with the begging calls of the GHOW in Pennsylvania, and these calls here are not anything like those at all. However, this is not to say that such calls of Wisconsin GHOW has to be exactly like those in Pa. As you all know some birds have regional dialects in their vocalizations, could young GHOWs have regional dialects? Doesn't sound too likely does it? We have listened to all of the owl recordings that we have, and several have GHOW begging calls on them as well as BAOW calls. The BAOW calls in the Stokes Field Guide to Bird Songs, Western Region, sound more like the calls that we heard near Raymond/Cty P than any of the others, including the Stokes Eastern CD. However,the begging calls of the GHOW on this CD are also very similar. If you have this CD, check it out for yourself. To our ears they are much alike but really not identical. If we can't get a visual we will try to make a recording (tape) of the bird(s) on Raymond/Cty P, so we can compare them with the CDs. At first we thought that it might be too late in the breeding season for GHOW to still have begging young, but the Atlas of Breeding Birds of Wisconsin, 2006, Cutright, Harriman & Howe; show GHOW on the nest up to about 14 July; and in the series: The Birds of North America, No.372, 1998, Houston, Smith and Rohner; claim that fledged young may be seen begging for food into Oct. So it is not beyond a reasonable time for young GHOW to still be dependant. Of course we can't discount that several very good birders (see e-mails) heard what they feel is definitely the calls of young GHOW, and not BAOW. Now the e-mail of 10-06-08 from Bill Brooks and Jane Dennis indicates that there are two species of owls in the area! Interesting indeed. We also want to apologize to those who chased for a species that they understood was there and found that when they arrived they found something else . We know that bummed out feeling ourselves, so we apologize to them again. This has been and is continuing to be a very enjoyable learning experience. Good birding............................ Paul & Glenna Paul & Glenna Schwalbe Pardeeville, Columbia Co. ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Speakers bureau updated From: "Don & Christine Reel" <dcreel AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 7 Oct 2008 19:17:34 -0500 The Wisconsin Society for Ornithology's list of people who have offered to present bird-related programs has been updated. See the pdf file at: http://www.wsobirds.org/speakers_2008_10_07.pdf Many thanks to Lennie Lichter, WSO webmaster, for posting this file so promptly and to Bill Mueller for helping me with this update. And, of course, a big thank you to all who are on the list! Christine Reel WSO Treasurer Waukesha ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Re: Cormorant question From: Chris West <little_blue_birdie AT msn.com> Date: Tue, 7 Oct 2008 18:16:19 -0500 Paul and all, Neotropics are noticeably smaller that DCs. They are also the next Cormorant expected in WI. There is yet to be a single state record of this species even though IL, IA, MN and MI all have records of NECO. At the WSO Superior field trip, Daryl Christiansen, Don and Christine Reel and I saw a juvie cormorant that was about 25% smaller than the DCCO that it was with. Unfortunately, we were not able to get enough field marks to definitely call it a Neo. Since it was a juvie, it was harder to pick out any really good field marks. Adult Neos in breeding plumage have a white "V" at the base of their bill. Neos also have a distinctly longer tail than DCCOs. Although, in fall the birds may be molting their tail feathers so the difference would be not as noticeable. The back edge of the throat pouch on a juvie Neo is much more pointed than on a DC. This and the tail would be pretty much all one would have to go on in the field. I think that the one I saw in Superior was more likely a Neo than a DC. However, we didn't get any photos and didn't pick up on any key field marks so there's no way to tell for certain. It is certainly an expected species and is one to watch out for. Especially after a hurricane and when other states are reporting the bird. Tom, I won't let the next one slip through my fingers....... Happy Birding! --Chris W, Richland County http://web.mac.com/stoneageoutpost/RC_Birding/RC_Birds.html http://swallowtailedkite.blogspot.com/ "The beauty and genius of a work of art may be reconceived, though its first material expression be destroyed; a vanished harmony may yet again inspire the composer; but when the last individual of a race of living things breathes no more, another heaven and another earth must pass before such a one can be again."(From William Beebe's "The Bird: Its Form and Function," 1906) ________________________________ > To: wisbirdn AT mailhub.lawrence.edu > Date: Tue, 7 Oct 2008 12:00:53 -0700 > From: rdjn560birdcrazy AT yahoo.com > Subject: [wisb] Cormorant question > > > Good Tuesday afternoon, folks --- > With all these cormorants flying back and forth every day around here, it makes me wonder what to look for in case one of these birds may happen to be an oddball, > i.e., Neotropic et al. Instead of using my field guide I thought I'd get other perspectives on what to keep an eye out for. First thing I think I know is, I believe they are a little smaller, right? Then what else? > Other than that, I had my first Hermit thrush yesterday,along with an unusual incident late last night. While taking the mutt out for her last outing I startled a white-throat sparrow or 2 in my lilacs. Not very typical to hear that in the dark. > This a.m.'s jaunt after dropping the kids offat school was decent, though nothing new....yet. Lots of PB grebes, ~20 or so, but not like last weeks' unimaginable 45. Plus ringneck ducks, scaup, sp., wigeon, BW Teal and ruddies. > All for now, Paul Bruce, > Oshkosh ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Wisconsin eBird Quiz From: Andy P <andypaulios AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 7 Oct 2008 14:29:15 -0700 (PDT) Hey Folks, We've updated the fourth quiz answer on WI eBird and have a new quiz for you to tackle. www.ebird.org/WI Good Luck, Andy Paulios Madison, WI ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Cormorant question From: paul bruce <rdjn560birdcrazy AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 7 Oct 2008 12:00:53 -0700 (PDT)      Good Tuesday afternoon, folks ---       With all these cormorants flying back and forth every day around here, it makes me wonder what to look for in case one of these birds may happen to be an oddball,   i.e., Neotropic et al.  Instead of using my field guide I thought I'd get other perspectives on what to keep an eye out for.  First thing I think I know is, I believe they are a little smaller, right?  Then what else?      Other than that,  I had my first Hermit thrush yesterday,along with an unusual incident late last night.  While taking the mutt out for her last outing I startled a white-throat sparrow or 2 in my lilacs.  Not very typical to hear that in the dark.     This a.m.'s  jaunt after dropping the kids offat school was decent, though nothing new....yet.   Lots of PB grebes, ~20 or so, but not like last weeks'  unimaginable 45.  Plus ringneck ducks, scaup, sp.,  wigeon, BW Teal and ruddies.      All for now, Paul Bruce,      Oshkosh Subject: [Fwd: [wisb] link to Canada Goose sub-species and Cackling Goose Identification] From: "Peter A. Fissel" <pfissel AT library.wisc.edu> Date: Tue, 07 Oct 2008 08:27:23 -0500 I thought I had saved this message from a couple of years ago - I found this to be extremely useful. One thing to keep in mind is that bill shape is at least as important as body size in Cackling Goose ID. Peter Fissel Madison WI -------- Original Message -------- Subject: [wisb] link to Canada Goose sub-species and Cackling Goose Identification Date: Mon, 06 Nov 2006 09:31:17 -0600 From: Lester Doyle To: Wisconsin Birding Network I believe this site will help with the proper identification of what is now considered to be a Cackling Goose. I know some birders (including myself) still struggle in this area. Also, I would like to thank my good friend and one of KY’s premier birders, David Roemer, for bringing this site to my attention. http://www.idahobirds.net/identification/white-cheeked/subspecies.html#hutchinsii Lester Doyle Lodi/Harmony Grove, Columbia Co. (David, You are now famous in Wisconsin too) ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Cackling Goose additions From: "M Murphy" <memurphy AT centurytel.net> Date: Tue, 07 Oct 2008 07:34:45 -0500 I have been working in Kingston, Ontario (two hours north of Syracuse, N.Y) where we have the cackling goose near the Lake Ontario islands south of Kingston mixed in with the Canadian Goose. I wonder how correct the locator maps are since this goose has been recorded here in the past. I have not seen any cackling goose along the Mississippi River inlets as yet. Martin Murphy Mississippi River Bluffs W. Crawford County ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Re: Cackling Geese? From: Chris West <little_blue_birdie AT msn.com> Date: Tue, 7 Oct 2008 00:03:38 -0500 I believe that the Richardson's subspecies is recognized as a subspecies of CACKLING Goose and NOT Canada correct? There are currently 4 subspecies of Cackling Goose. The other 7 subspecies all belong in the Canada Goose catagory. So if Joey's Sibely is a little outdated, it would show a Richardson's CANADA Goose. Brought up to date, it would be Richardson's CACKLING Goose. Please correct me if there's any error here. This is my understanding per the Cornell "All about birds" site: http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Cackling_Goose_dtl.html Happy Birding! --Chris W, Richland County ---------------------------------------- > To: wisbirdn AT mailhub.lawrence.edu > Date: Mon, 6 Oct 2008 23:39:45 -0500 > From: jreichhoff AT gmail.com > Subject: [wisb] Cackling Geese? > > Fellow Birders- > I have been noticing quite a few posts of cackling geese being > spotted around the state. I have not been birding seriously for too > long, and therefore am not very experienced, but I am confused on > something. My Sibley guide shows that Cackling Geese are found only > on the west coast of the U.S. Could most of these "Cackling Goose" > sightings be Richardson's Canadian Geese, which are found migrating > through just to the west of our state? Both the Richardson's and > Cackling are around the same size, but the Cackling is much darker. > Please correct me if I am wrong, but how can there be so many Cackling > sightings if they live/migrate nowhere near here? (at least according > to my Sibley Guide) I did see some geese that were around half the > size of the Common Canadians the other day, but didn't notice the > complete dark body. Where they smaller commons, richardson's, or > cackling? I hope we can have a discussion on this, as it is confusing > this newer birder. > > Scratching his head in Fond du Lac, > Joey Reichhoff > > ############################## > This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to > the mailing list . > To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to > To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to > Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Cackling Geese? From: "JOEY REICHHOFF" <jreichhoff AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 6 Oct 2008 23:39:45 -0500 Fellow Birders- I have been noticing quite a few posts of cackling geese being spotted around the state. I have not been birding seriously for too long, and therefore am not very experienced, but I am confused on something. My Sibley guide shows that Cackling Geese are found only on the west coast of the U.S. Could most of these "Cackling Goose" sightings be Richardson's Canadian Geese, which are found migrating through just to the west of our state? Both the Richardson's and Cackling are around the same size, but the Cackling is much darker. Please correct me if I am wrong, but how can there be so many Cackling sightings if they live/migrate nowhere near here? (at least according to my Sibley Guide) I did see some geese that were around half the size of the Common Canadians the other day, but didn't notice the complete dark body. Where they smaller commons, richardson's, or cackling? I hope we can have a discussion on this, as it is confusing this newer birder. Scratching his head in Fond du Lac, Joey Reichhoff ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: birds by the percentage of their global populations that breed in Wisconsin From: Paul Hunter <phunter1 AT wi.rr.com> Date: Mon, 6 Oct 2008 21:59:25 -0500 Wisbirders and Lake Park Birders: I was intrigued by Bill Mueller's post on WisBirdNet today 10/6/08: "So, how many are there, anyway?" http://bluebirdslaugh.blogspot.com/2008/10/so-how-many-are-there- anyway.html So I perused the Partners in Flight landbird population database, to find out how many individuals of all species are estimated to be in Wisconsin: http://www.rmbo.org/pif_db/laped/PED3.aspx I sorted the list of Wisconsin birds by the percentage of their global populations that breed in Wisconsin and got the following 15 species on the top of the list. Realizing how important Wisconsin's natural habitats are to these species gives me a deeper understanding of my sightings of some seemingly common species (Catbirds, Pewees, Song Sparrows and Goldfinches) and especially some uncommon species (Golden-winged Warbler, Henslow's Sparrows, and Black-billed Cuckoos) Estimated % of Global Population , Species , State Population Estimate 22.4 % , Golden-winged Warbler , 47,000 10.2 % , Sedge Wren , 670,000 8.7 % , Rose-breasted Grosbeak , 400,000 6.5 % , Henslow's Sparrow , 5,000 5.8 % , Gray Catbird , 610,000 5.3 % , Black-billed Cuckoo , 61,000 5.3 % , Scarlet Tanager , 120,000 4.7 % , Bobolink , 510,000 4.6 % , Eastern Wood-Pewee , 280,000 4.6 % , Song Sparrow , 2,500,000 4.5 % , White-breasted Nuthatch , 450,000 4.5 % , Chestnut-sided Warbler , 420,000 4.4 % , Ovenbird , 1,100,000 4.4 % , Baltimore Oriole , 260,000 4.3 % , American Goldfinch , 1,000,000 --- Paul Hunter, http://home.wi.rr.com/phunter1/lakeparkbirds.html ===================================================== ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: So, how many are there, anyway? From: "William Mueller" <iltlawas AT earthlink.net> Date: Mon, 6 Oct 2008 19:41:48 -0500 http://bluebirdslaugh.blogspot.com/ William P. Mueller (414) 698-9108 E-mail: iltlawas AT earthlink.net On the web: http://home.earthlink.net/~iltlawas/ - ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: RFI From: Tom Sykes <dhandler AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Mon, 6 Oct 2008 16:29:03 -0500 If anyone has contact information for Jerry & Karen Smith, could you please send it to us? Thank-you, Carol & Tom Sykes Appleton Outagamie ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: a pair of bluebirds in iowa county From: <msmith112 AT tds.net> Date: Mon, 6 Oct 2008 14:42:58 -0500 my husband looked out the window this a.m. just in time to see a pair of bluebirds on top of our bluebird nesting box in our yard in linden, iowa county. i had not seen bluebirds since maybe mid-august when some young were about to fledge and we had to leave town and didn't get to see the actual event. after the apparent fledge, however, two white eggs showed up in the nest box. i never saw any activity near the box. today, i went to look in the box, thinking to remove those two eggs (which had clearly been abandoned) and i noticed that one of them had a hole pecked on the top of it. i decided to leave them and let the bluebirds remove the eggs if they saw fit....(unless i get good advice to do otherwise....) it was a treat to see the bluebirds if only for a few seconds. mary smith village of linden, iowa county (and east side milwaukee) ---- Schaufenbuel wrote: > Stevens Point saw a nice late number of warblers this morning on until > noon. I had seven species with most being Yellow-rumped, Tennessee > (18), C. Yellowthroat (4), Nashville (3) along with single Palm, > Blackpoll, N. Waterthrush and Pine. I birded about three hours before > the rain came and barely had covered half the areas I intended on > visiting. > > > Birding exclusively the Stevens Point City area other interesting finds > included: > > > Northern Pintail 7. > American Golden-Plover 34. > Red-headed Woodpecker 5 (4A,1I). > Winter Wren 2. > Hermit Thrush 3. > Gray Catbird 2. > Brown Thrasher 1. > Rusty Blackbird 1. > Indigo Bunting 1. > Pine Siskin 1. > Purple Finch 3. > > Notes: Hunting has pushed most duck species off local waters. I've seen > few Brown Creepers this season so far. As I was walking the dike at > Mead Park a couple ahead of me flushed a shorebird that I heard briefly. > It seemed to be a Spotted Sandpiper. On Friday (10/3) a Rose-breasted > Grosbeak was still coming to a feeder east of Stevens Point. Rainbow > Dr. sod farm was very quiet as there were no Pipits, Longspurs nor > Horned Larks to go with the Golden-Plovers. > > Total species in 3 one-half hours: 55. > > Joe Schaufenbuel > Stevens Point, > portage Co., WI > > > > ############################## > This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to > the mailing list . > To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to > To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to > Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Mequon Bald Eagle Dead From: Chuck Hagner <chagner AT kalmbach.com> Date: Mon, 6 Oct 2008 12:55:55 -0500 Hi everyone-- A colleague at work just alerted me to a Newswatch item on the Journal Sentinel website saying that one of the adult Bald Eagles that has been nesting in Mequon was found dead near its nesting tree Sunday afternoon. The bird was half of the first pair to nest in the Milwaukee area for more than a century. Bald eagle found dead near Mequon nest http://www.jsonline.com/watch/?watch=1&date=10/6/2008&id=47127 Apparently, there were no obvious signs of physical injury. According to the story, the eagle will be taken to a state wildlife lab in Madison today for a necropsy. Can anyone can shed additional light on this? Chuck Hagner Editor, Birder's World Web: http://www.birdersworld.com Blog: http://bwfov.typepad.com Subject: Re: Owl calls at Pardeeville From: JANE A DENNIS <jadennis AT facstaff.wisc.edu> Date: Mon, 06 Oct 2008 11:05:01 -0500 I believe Jesse and Tom have correctly identified the young GH Owl begging calls heard just to the west of the county park and just to the east of where he and Tom were located (near the intersection of Co. P and Raymond Rd, just north of Lake George and about 200 yards west of the county park). Jane and I were located instead at the county park, and heard at least 30-40 of these calls, emanating from probably 2 or 3 young owls just to the west of us, beginning around 7:30 or so until about 8pm, when we left. We had gotten to the park from the junction of Raymond Rd. and Tara La. just a bit earlier than Jesse and Tom had gotten to their location from that same junction. We also had concluded they were young GH Owls begging for food, and called Tom on his cell phone to corroborate that. Tom said they had just heard an adult horned owl at a more distant location (Jane and I had not heard that one), and agreed with our identification. However, just as Jane and I got to the county park earlier, I heard a different owl call, which she did not hear because she was still back getting something from the car. This call came from the southeast side of the park, opposite the direction of the youing GH Owls, and was very different from the young owls' calls. It was very long and loud. The bird seemed like it was about 100 yards away from the boat landing and very near the shore of the lake. I heard only one call (perhaps two but the second was muffled by a nearby barking dog) I have finally located a "Stokes Field Guide to Bird Songs, Eastern Region," and have been able to hear several Barn Owl calls. Of the first four calls on the CD, numbers 1,2, and 4 were identical to the call I heard at about 7:30pm last Friday. These calls are the typical hoarse, hissing screech we expect and descend right from their beginning. Call number 3 on the CD is similar but does not descend. I also listened to the GH Owl young-feeding/begging-calls to see if there was a similar call to the above. Even though there is great variety in the calls on the CD, none of them matched the volume, length, and intensity of the one I heard. I am posting this because I think there is good reason for people to check out the fact that there seem to be TWO owl species here. There is no question about the horned owl, but I am convinced there also is a Barn Owl only about 3-4 miles west of Pardeeville. Please note Brian Doverspike's recent post of 10/4/08 about a pair he and Becky saw 5 years ago in the city of Pardeeville. And many thanks to Paul Schwalbe for his post on the calling Pardeeville owls. Bill Brooks and Jane Dennis, Dane Co. ----- Original Message ----- From: Jesse Peterson Date: Friday, October 3, 2008 9:09 pm Subject: [wisb] Owl calls at Pardeeville To: Wisconsin Birding Network > All, > > Tom Prestby and I went to the Pardeeville location to listen for the > reported Barn Owl. When we arrived, Bill Brooks and Jane Dennis were > just > getting out out their car as well. At about 7:15, we heard the > scream of an > owl. After moving down the road to Hwy P to get a closer listen, we > heard a > persistently repeated series of screams. Then we also heard an adult > Great > Horned Owl. After some really good discussion about the call we were > hearing, we are convinced that we were hearing the begging call of a > juvenile Great Horned Owl. When I got home, I checked a few other > references and am further convinced that this is a your Gr Horned > Owl. > > This was a great opportunity to listen, compare notes, check out various > books and online references, etc. and draw a conclusion. Thanks to Paul > Schwalbe for reporting these sounds.we don't always get such learning > opportunities. > > By the way, we also saw a probable Flying Squirrel launch out of a > tree when > we were listening to the owl. > > Good birding, > > Jesse Peterson > Waunakee, WI (Dane Co.) > peterson.jesse AT tds.net > > ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Swallow-tailed Kite 10/4/08 Cape May, NJ From: "Seth Cutright" <ferruginous.hawk82 AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 6 Oct 2008 11:02:32 -0400 Just to let you all know what has been around and what I am seeing read the rest of this. If you don't want to know about this neat bird then stop reading...... A Swallow-tailed Kite was seen at the Hawk Watch on 10/4 Vince, the guy I talked to about this job and a few others I think were out birding at a site just to the East of the Count site. Around noon that day, he called me to tell me about the bird. So then I could call it out to everyone on the platform...So then I did that and everyone got set up watching to the East since that is were the bird would be coming from. About 5-10mins later the bird showed up and I was the first one to spot it then. So I called it out..I got one person on and about that time someone else was able to find it and started to get others on it...Then for a few mins. worked on getting other people on it and then everyone there saw it and was watching it. So at that time when all were watching it it was so quiet on the platform...It was really neat. At one point it was flying and interacting with a Peregrine so that was really fun to watch. It then went off to the North/East kind of. Then it came back about 20 mins. later and I was able to find it first again. Then others picked it up again and were able to get new people on it and so on. Then it left again after about 10mins. Late about 20mins. after that or so it was back a 3rd time. This time it seemed to go up and right over up but up high. Then most likely leave over water but up high...So we got to see it 3 different times in about an hour. But this was the first Swallow-tailed Kite for the Hawk Count ever. For about a week 2 Mississippi Kites were had been hanging around, and earlier in the day we had seen one of them, so we got/ had a two kite day...That was really great and fun. Other Bird News:....It was a really great bird flight last night here. A few of us went out to the Ocean at around 10-12:30PM/AM and could hear a ton. Most I did not know but I did start to pick up some of it. The guys I was out with really know there flight calls, so it was great. But birds were not low but not real high so it was great to be able to hear so many. Then we were even able to see some of the lower ones, like Herons and such. We could here a lot here at the house, but then went a few blocks down to the Ocean and could hear even more. Anyone into radar might want to look up what it looked like for late last night early today for Cape May, NJ...Or Cape May Point... A Lark Sparrow was also seen just East of the Hawk Count the other day too, so I was able to take a quick brake and have someone cover for me and went down a trail to go see this bird. Since Lark Sparrow is good for here...Anyways not much else going on now..... Seth Cutright Cape May, NJ Subject: Good Warbler Movement for early October From: Schaufenbuel <schaufenbuel AT charter.net> Date: Sun, 05 Oct 2008 21:13:41 -0600 Stevens Point saw a nice late number of warblers this morning on until noon. I had seven species with most being Yellow-rumped, Tennessee (18), C. Yellowthroat (4), Nashville (3) along with single Palm, Blackpoll, N. Waterthrush and Pine. I birded about three hours before the rain came and barely had covered half the areas I intended on visiting. Birding exclusively the Stevens Point City area other interesting finds included: Northern Pintail 7. American Golden-Plover 34. Red-headed Woodpecker 5 (4A,1I). Winter Wren 2. Hermit Thrush 3. Gray Catbird 2. Brown Thrasher 1. Rusty Blackbird 1. Indigo Bunting 1. Pine Siskin 1. Purple Finch 3. Notes: Hunting has pushed most duck species off local waters. I've seen few Brown Creepers this season so far. As I was walking the dike at Mead Park a couple ahead of me flushed a shorebird that I heard briefly. It seemed to be a Spotted Sandpiper. On Friday (10/3) a Rose-breasted Grosbeak was still coming to a feeder east of Stevens Point. Rainbow Dr. sod farm was very quiet as there were no Pipits, Longspurs nor Horned Larks to go with the Golden-Plovers. Total species in 3 one-half hours: 55. Joe Schaufenbuel Stevens Point, portage Co., WI ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to Subject: Rainy day migrants From: Chris West <little_blue_birdie AT msn.com> Date: Sun, 5 Oct 2008 18:52:59 -0500 Hi all, I took a quick look around between rain showers today and found a few things. Both Kinglets Yellow-rumped, Tennessee and Nashville Warblers C Yellowthroat Blue-headed Vireo White-throated, Song, Fox, Lincoln's Sparrows Red-tailed Hawk Happy Birding! --Chris W, Richland County http://web.mac.com/stoneageoutpost/RC_Birding/RC_Birds.html http://swallowtailedkite.blogspot.com/ "The beauty and genius of a work of art may be reconceived, though its first material expression be destroyed; a vanished harmony may yet again inspire the composer; but when the last individual of a race of living things breathes no more, another heaven and another earth must pass before such a one can be again." (From William Beebe's "The Bird: Its Form and Function," 1906) ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to